2026 Lexus ES First Drive + The Truth on Vehicle Kill Switches

The Drive with Lauren Fix & Karl Brauer | Episode 36

This week on The Drive, Lauren Fix and Karl Brauer get exclusive early access to the all-new 2026 Lexus ES, including a first look at the complete lineup featuring three hybrid models and two fully electric variants. We sit down with Lexus executives and engineers to learn how the next-generation ES is evolving and what it means for luxury car buyers.

We also get a sneak peek at the upcoming 2027 Lexus TZ, Lexus' new all-electric luxury SUV. What does Lexus see coming in the future of luxury transportation, and how are consumer preferences shaping the next generation of vehicles?

Joining the show is veteran automotive journalist Mark Vaughn from Autoweek. Based in Los Angeles, Mark shares his impressions of the new Lexus models, discusses the current state of the automotive industry, and offers his perspective on where the market is headed.

Then, in our final segment, we tackle one of the most controversial technologies coming to future vehicles: government-mandated vehicle kill switch technology. Is your next car being designed to monitor your behavior? What exactly does the infrastructure bill require? Can your vehicle be disabled remotely? We separate fact from fiction, examine the technology already being installed in modern vehicles, and discuss how advanced driver monitoring, connected car systems, and government mandates could fundamentally change the relationship between drivers and their vehicles. This is a conversation every car owner needs to hear.

In This Episode:

✅ Exclusive first drive and interviews on the 2026 Lexus ES

✅ Sneak peek at the upcoming 2027 Lexus TZ electric SUV

✅ Automotive journalist Mark Vaughn joins the show

✅ The future of luxury hybrids and EVs

✅ Government-mandated vehicle monitoring technology

✅ The truth about vehicle kill switches

✅ Consumer privacy, ownership, and connected cars

✅ Automotive news, analysis, and consumer insights

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