All-new 8th-gen Lexus ES arrives in PH in HEV and BEV flavors, Php 4.108M starting price
The Lexus ES is one of the Japanese luxury automaker’s longest running nameplates with multiple generations since 1989. The latest, its eighth, was unveiled for the world at last year’s Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai/Shanghai Auto Show), and it’s now available in the Philippines.
The second of two models that were confirmed early this year by Lexus Philippines, the midsize executive sedan is now in its fourth iteration for our market, having been introduced locally in 2009 along with the entire Lexus brand.
As before, it’s available with a hybrid powertrain, known as the ES 350h, which is available in Executive and Luxury trims. For the first time ever, a battery electric (BEV) variant is now available, known as the ES 350e. Pricing is as follows:
- ES 350h Executive – Php 4,108,000
- ES 350h Luxury – Php 4,308,000
- ES 350e – Php 5,688,000
The hybrid variants continue to be powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine known as the A25A-FXS. This is paired to an electric motor and 1kWh battery, making a combined 247 horsepower that’s sent to the front wheels via an E-CVT.
Meanwhile, the ES 350e gets a single front-mounted electric motor that produces 227 horsepower and 269Nm of torque, and should be capable of driving up to 493km on a single full charge with a 74.68kWh lithium-ion battery.
Measuring 5,140mm long, 1,920mm wide, and 1,555mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,950mm, the all-new Lexus ES grows in almost all dimensions. Its design direction was rather controversial at its unveiling, wearing the Next-Generation Spindle Body design language of Lexus, much to the dismay of many enthusiasts.
The new direction gives it a more futuristic, sportier and sharper, much sleeker, and less elegant appearance compared to before, taking cues from the Lexus LF-ZC Concept. The interior also takes on a more futuristic and minimalist approach, going away from the swoopy and curvy lines of the previous generation, in favor of a more straight and horizontal line-heavy look.
A new three-spoke steering wheel comes with the L-E-X-U-S spelled out instead of the Lexus emblem, and all trims get a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system that uses the latest Arene OS. Tactile controls are still present on the center stack.
Other standard features on the ES 350h Executive are 19-inch alloy wheels with aero covers, interior mood lighting, leather upholstery, a sunroof, a tan and black interior, and 10-speaker audio system. The Luxury variant adds a heads-up display, perforated leather inserts on the seats along with heating and ventilation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system.
Going for the all-electric ES 350e gives you larger 21-inch multi-spoke two-tone wheels, an off-white interior with Bamboo layering trim, dynamic mood lighting, and rear window sunshades. It also comes with an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that adjusts the shock absorbers for better ride comfort.
Of course, all variants of the all-new Lexus ES come with Lexus Safety Sense+, the brand’s suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). The ES 350h Executive comes with a reverse camera, while the Luxury and ES 350e come with a 360-degree camera.
The all-new Lexus ES is definitely one way for Lexus Philippines to show the multi-pathway approach of its parent company, Toyota. With different powertrain options for the new generation midsize executive sedan, which one would you choose?
Photos by Sam Surla
