- Lexus Connected Services will debut in mid-2026 with the eighth-generation ES sedan.
- Safety features include SOS emergency call, collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking.
- Remote app functions allow vehicle start, climate control and live vehicle data access.
Lexus will introduce its first fully connected vehicle offering with the arrival of the all-new eighth-generation ES sedan in mid-2026, aiming to transform how owners interact with the brand.
The new Lexus Connected Services suite launches alongside the ES and is designed to extend the ownership experience beyond the driver’s seat. According to the Lexus, the system will include SOS emergency call, automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking.
Safety first, always on
Automatic collision notification uses built-in sensors to alert a Lexus emergency call centre if a serious impact is detected, even if the driver cannot make a call. Assistance can also be requested manually via an SOS button.
If a vehicle is reported stolen, tracking support can be initiated once a police report has been lodged. Location information, where available, is provided directly to police to assist recovery efforts.
Core safety services such as SOS and automatic collision notification are expected to remain complimentary, while other connected features will transition from trial periods to subscription bundles.
Remote access and real-time insight
Beyond safety, Lexus Connected Services adds convenience through a mobile app interface. Owners will be able to remotely start the vehicle, lock or unlock doors, and manage climate control settings. The app also provides vehicle data such as odometer readings, distance-to-empty, location tracking and alerts for unlocked doors or open windows.
Navigation functions expand to cloud-based maps and weather updates, with the ability to send a planned route from a smartphone directly to the vehicle.
Lexus New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis says: “The new ES brings together calm, refined driving with technology that genuinely supports the ownership experience. Connected Services make it easier for customers to stay informed, stay connected and feel supported whether they’re behind the wheel or away from the vehicle.”
New generation, new direction
The eighth-generation ES will debut with a new spindle body design and updated sculpted styling, offered in both hybrid and full-electric powertrains.
The connected system operates via the vehicle’s inbuilt Data Communication Module rather than drawing on the owner’s mobile data plan, although app use on a smartphone will consume mobile data.
For Lexus, the ES is not just a new model launch. It’s the start of a more digitally integrated ownership journey.