The controversial facelifted Lexus IS arrives in PH with hybrid and V6 options
The current generation Lexus IS has been on sale for more than a decade now, being in production since 2013 and with multiple facelifts throughout the years. Its fourth facelift was revealed in September last year, showing that there is still a lot of life left in the model.
Already confirmed to arrive in our market earlier this year, the refreshed Lexus IS has officially been launched today with three variants, as before. These are the electrified IS 300h Executive and IS 300h Premier variants, and for the enthusiast, the IS 350 F Sport.
Pricing for the lineup is now as follows:
- IS 300h Executive – Php 3,128,000 (+Php 250,000)
- IS 300h Premier – Php 3,408,000 (+Php 200,000)
- IS 350 F Sport – Php 4,388,000 (+Php 150,000)
As mentioned in the title of this article, the new Lexus IS’s design updates lean on the controversial side. In front is a wider iteration of the company’s signature spindle grille, matched with redesigned bumpers, along with L-E-X-U-S spelled out on the trunk lid.
Inside, it gets a major revamp with a modernized and more upright dashboard design. In fact, it was used as a base for the new GR GT sports car’s design. Purists will mourn the loss of the classic analog clock in the center stack and Lexus LFA-inspired instrument cluster in favor of a fully digital display. Also worth noting in the redesigned interior is its new Forged Bamboo trim.
The Executive variant gets an all-black color scheme, while the Premier gets a two-tone tan and black color scheme. The IS 350 F Sport then gets options of a sporty two-tone black and red scheme or all-black.
As for features, standard on the IS 300h Executive are full LED exterior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels with a gunmetal gray finish, an all-black interior, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The IS 300h Premier adds 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels, a power sunroof, a tan and black interior, a Mark Levinson premium audio system, ventilated front seats, and a rear sunshade. The IS 350 F Sport gets F Sport 19-inch wheels, F Sport body kit, a rear spoiler, and options of an all-black interior or two-tone black and red interior.
Under the hood, the 2026 Lexus IS remains mechanically the same. The IS 300h Executive and Premier variants are still powered by a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine (2AR-FSE) that produces 181 horsepower and 221Nm of torque. This is paired to an electric motor and battery, and has a combined output of 223 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels via a CVT.
Meanwhile, the IS 350 F Sport soldiers on with a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 engine (2GR-FKS). Output figures also remain the same at 315 horsepower and 380Nm of torque, sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Selectable drive modes are available: Eco, Normal, and Sport. The IS 350 F Sport also adds a Sport S+ mode and piped-in exhaust sounds, along with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). All variants also get the Lexus Safety System.
This segment is further shrinking and becoming more niche, but it’s still nice to see Lexus Philippines keep it alive, especially with the enthusiast-focused, V6-powered, IS 350 F Sport. You can see the new Lexus IS at the Lexus Manila Gallery starting today.
Photos by Sam Surla
