All-new Lexus ES launching soon in PH as EV only?

DOE updates list of recognized EVs in PH, includes Lexus ES 350e

Lexus Philippines announced earlier this year they would be launching not one, but two models. These are the refreshed IS sports sedan and the next-generation ES midsize luxury four-door.

In fact, the Department of Energy (DOE) recently updated its list of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and has officially recognized the hybrid variants of the updated IS for the Philippine market. Hopefully, the automaker also launches the 3.5L V6 version to appease customers who still prefer internal combustion.

So what can we expect from the all-new Lexus ES? Well, according to the DOE, the eighth-generation ES will be available as an EV. Based on the agency's updated list of recognized electric vehicles, the Lexus ES will be available as the ES 350e.

The EV has been listed as a 2026 model year vehicle and has exterior dimensions that measure 5145mm long, 1920mm wide, and 1560mm tall. It also has a maximum electric power of 167 kW or 227 PS, and is powered by a 74.68 kWh battery pack. These initial specifications match the figures of the ES 350e in other markets. This also means the PH-spec electric ES may only be offered in just one variant.

Aside from the electric ES 350e, could we also expect a hybrid electric version of the all-new ES? For now, Lexus PH has yet to officially announce if there will also be an HEV variant. However, we won't be surprised if the automaker does offer both the HEV and EV models.

Outside the Philippines, the all-new Lexus ES is also available as the ES 300h and the ES 350h. The former has an electrified 2.0L four-cylinder engine while the latter gets an electrified 2.5L inline-four. Both hybrid sedans come with an e-CVT that drives the front wheels.

With the upcoming Lexus ES 350e already listed by the DOE, perhaps we can expect its official launch to happen in Q2 2026.