For decades, Lexus has been about quiet luxury — sedans and SUVs that ooze with refinement without screaming for attention or elevating the adrenaline of its driver.
Not anymore. Well, the refinement and impeccable craftsmanship are still there. But the company has been injecting its Lexus Driving Signature in more and more of its cars, thanks in large part to its own “Nurburgring” — a massive technical center with its own challenging test track in Shimoyama, Japan.
And now that excitement is making its way to the sheet metal as well. One glance at the all-new ES executive sedan confirms it — sleek lines, fastback roofline, sharp-looking front end, and that bold, blacked out accent trim that runs from high up the front doors down to the bottom of the rear doors, terminating just ahead of the rear wheels.
Still boasting a hybrid powertrain, this sexier ES might just be compelling enough to sway crossover buyers back into the sedan fold.
Beyond the distinctive styling, the new proportions enhance both comfort and road presence. Measuring 5,140 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,555 mm in height for the hybrid models (1,560 mm for the battery electric variant), the new ES rides on a 2,950-mm wheelbase, creating a spacious cabin while contributing to greater ride stability and comfort.
Wheel designs have also been tailored to each model. The Php 4,108,000 ES 350h Executive and Php 4,308,000 ES 350h Luxury feature newly designed 19-inch Aero alloy wheels, while the Php 5,688,000 flagship ES 350e Battery Electric Vehicle is distinguished by exclusive 21-inch Luxury alloy wheels, reinforcing its premium character.
Complementing the exterior is a sophisticated selection of paint finishes, led by Sou, a newly introduced color that debuts with the new ES. Other colors to choose from are Sonic Copper, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Chrome, Sonic Iridium, White Nova Glass Flake, and Graphite Black Glass Flake, allowing every ES to reflect its owner’s individual style.
The all-new ES represents another significant step in Lexus’ multi-pathway approach to electrification, offering customers the flexibility to choose the powertrain that best complements their lifestyle. It’s the second fully electric Lexus after the RZ.
The local lineup begins with the ES 350h Executive and ES 350h Luxury, both powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder hybrid powertrain producing 247ps. Designed to deliver smooth, responsive acceleration together with exceptional efficiency, the hybrid system preserves the quiet ride quality and seamless driving experience that have become hallmarks of the ES.
Making its Philippine debut is the ES 350e Battery Electric Vehicle, the country’s first fully electric Lexus ES. Powered by a 74.69-kWh lithium-ion battery, the ES 350e develops 224ps and offers an estimated 493 kilometers of driving range under the WLTP testing standard. The vehicle supports both Type 2 AC charging and CCS2 DC fast charging, providing greater convenience for daily commuting and longer journeys alike.
Inside, the All-New ES continues Lexus’ philosophy of Omotenashi — the Japanese principle of anticipating the needs of every guest. Every element of the cabin has been designed to create an environment that feels welcoming, intuitive, and effortlessly luxurious.
All ES variants boast a new 14-inch touchscreen that serves as the centerpiece of the cabin, providing seamless access to vehicle functions, navigation, and connectivity features. All variants also come equipped with a panoramic tilt-and-slide sunroof.
The ES 350h Executive features synthetic leather upholstery paired with a 10-speaker audio system, delivering premium comfort as standard. The ES 350h Luxury elevates the experience with perforated synthetic leather seats and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System.
The flagship ES 350e combines semi-aniline leather upholstery, the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) to create the most refined and engaging ES driving experience yet. Exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels further distinguish the BEV model while complementing its enhanced dynamic performance.
For safety, all ES variants come equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 4, the brand’s latest suite of advanced driver-assist technologies. Parking and low-speed maneuvering are equally enhanced. The ES 350h Executive is equipped with a Back Guide Monitor, while the ES 350h Luxury and ES 350e feature a Panoramic View Monitor.
Starting out as an understated and almost unassuming executive sedan way back in 1989, the Lexus ES has evolved over eight generations into a bold, assertive, dynamic and technologically leading performance luxury sedan. That it always possesses the efficiency of a hybrid and the legendary reliability of the Toyota and Lexus brands are just the cherry and syrup on top.
