Next-Generation Lexus ES, Facelifted IS Arriving In The Philippines This Year

Toyota Motor Philippines had an amazing 2025, but also worth celebrating is its luxury brand, Lexus. With 1,852 units sold last year, Lexus Philippines held a commanding 52 percent of the luxury car market. Amazingly, 91 percent of those vehicles sold were electrified as well. To sustain that momentum, Lexus has confirmed the arrival of two important new models this year: the next-generation Lexus ES and the facelifted Lexus IS.

1. Lexus ES

The 2026 Lexus ES, which is an all-new vehicle for this generation, made its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai 2025, which we personally witnessed. The new Lexus ES is going to be offered for the first time in pure electric form. Called the ES 350e and ES 500e (as shown), the former uses a single motor front-wheel drive (FWD) layout that produces 224 horsepower. On the other hand, the more powerful ES 500e gets a powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) layout that produces 343 horsepower.

Range figures for the ES 350e and ES 500e have not yet been finalized, but Lexus promises that the more efficient ES 350e will have a WLTP range of 530 kilometers. The ES 350e also has the larger battery packs of the two at 77 kWh, while the more powerful ES 500e has a smaller 75 kWh unit.

If you’re not yet ready for the pure electric era, the new generation Lexus ES still accommodates hybrid drivetrains. The ES 300h comes in two versions globally—a 2.0-liter version with 197 horsepower, while the 2.5-liter version produces 201 horsepower. ES 300h is only available in FWD, while the more powerful ES 350h, whose 2.5-liter gas engine delivers a 247-horsepower system output, is available with AWD.

Design-wise, the next-generation Lexus ES debuts the Japanese luxury automaker’s Clean Tech x Elegance design language, which is characterized by sharp lines and bold creases. The front end features the Spindle Body, which is an evolution of the brand’s signature Spindle Grille design. Sharp LED headlights, along with a black trim piece that highlights its creases, emphasize the striking design motif of the new ES. Full-width LED taillights are also the order of the day, with the “LEXUS” script also illuminated for added visual flair.

Like the exterior, the interior of the 2026 Lexus ES has received a complete makeover. For this new generation model, a simpler horizontal dash comes standard with two screens. There’s a digital driver’s display, along with a 12.3-inch main infotainment display. In China, an optional 12.3-inch display is available for the front passenger.

Lexus also pays a lot of attention to the car’s build quality. The ES has always been known for exceptional luxury and craftsmanship, and with this new generation model, they are introducing two material choices. Bamboo Layering introduces a homey finish to the interior, while the Synthetic Leather Embossing adds visual interest through patterned soft surfaces. Lastly, as an ES, interior space also plays a key role in enhancing the luxury experience. This is complemented by what Lexus calls their Responsive Hidden Switches, which, though physical controls have been greatly reduced, those that remain are kept visually hidden from the interior design for a seamless look.

2. Lexus IS

The Lexus IS receives a third comprehensive facelift as a way to extend the shelf life of the current generation model. 2013 is when the current generation IS came out, which means that this is now a 13-year-old sports sedan.

Nevertheless, here we are with the 2026 Lexus IS, wherein its biggest visual change is what immediately greets you. The Spindle Grille has been reshaped and is now visually connected to the LED headlights. Even that has been reshaped, together with a restyled front bumper and the Lexus badge being repositioned on top of the grille. New five-twin-spoke alloy 19-inch wheels are fitted into this F Sport model we’re seeing here, but we still have no clue yet on whether a non-F Sport model will even be sold.

Everything else in the IS remains largely unchanged, except for the “Lexus” lettering on the trunk lid replacing the signature L logo. There’s also a new color option called Neutrino Gray, which is the paint that you see in these photos.

More comprehensive changes take place inside the new IS, wherein it’s been given a completely new dash design. The overall structure remains similar, but you now get a more straightforward look with more sculpted air vents and a larger expanse of leather panelling. Lexus has also joined the ambient LED crowd by giving the IS’s interior a more comprehensive set of LED strips.

As expected, the 2026 Lexus IS doesn’t get any new powertrain options. The IS 300h continues to feature a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid system with a 217-horsepower system output, while the IS 350 continues to feature the venerable 3.5-liter V6 that produces 314 horsepower. Both models are rear-wheel drive (RWD), with the former using an e-CVT and the latter using an eight-speed automatic.

Lexus Philippines has not yet given a timetable for when these two new models are expected to launch. Nevertheless, if you’re in the market for a luxury sedan this year, you may want to wait for these two new Lexus models to arrive first.