Lexus Debuts New Infotainment System on 2026 ES Sedan

The new 2026 Lexus ES marks a flashy departure over the previous generation model from an exterior styling perspective, and the midsize luxury sedan now comes as a standard hybrid or an all-electric car. So, it seems like a fitting tableau for Lexus to introduce its latest infotainment system.

Called the Enhanced Lexus Interface Multimedia Experience—a real mouthful—Lexus is billing its new setup as being more responsive and interactive than before, with additional personalization options.

The system’s newly updated software is accessed through a 14.0-inch central screen with a user interface that Lexus says features crisper graphics and more intuitive, easily configurable icons. You can move the widgets around, while a Quick Control Menu remains fixed and accessible in the upper right section of the screen for the features that get used the most, like connecting to Bluetooth, for example.

Uttering a “Hey, hi, or OK Lexus’” command wakes up the voice assistant (you can choose a male or female voice) that you can ask to perform functions like changing the radio station or cranking up the volume. You can also ask it for a range estimate, or find something in the menu to avoid scrolling yourself.

AT&T 5G connectivity has been rolled into the system to allow for faster speeds. It’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Sirius XM with 360L provides ad-free music channels with a subscription.

Maps appear on driver screen on 2026 Lexus ES.

Other enhancements include the ability to see maps and turn-by-turn directions in the driver display, the ability to bathe the cabin in a choice of 64 ambient light colors to set the mood, and you can download the Lexus app to set up your phone as a digital key and to perform remote functions.

Another new standard Lexus feature that’s debuting in the ES is called Drive Recorder, which essentially acts as a dashcam. It can automatically save up to 90 one-minute clips, or you can manually record your own segments.

Drive Connect: Subscription Needed

In case that wasn’t enough, subscribing to Drive Connect for a fee further enhances the overall experience through the ability to access other useful options such as real-time traffic and live agents for assistance.

Drive Connect also features a charge management system (also available in the Lexus app) for functions such as setting a charging schedule and limits, while EV Routing helps with route planning to find the best available stations.

Add the Lexus app for remote controls.

The 2026 Lexus ES is rolling out to dealers now, starting with the electric models, with the hybrids to follow this summer. After its debut in the ES, the next-gen Lexus tech will eventually roll out to the automaker’s coming new and newly updated future models.