Lexus Philippines has introduced the eighth-generation ES with two hybrid variants and the nameplate’s first battery-electric model. Prices start at P4.108 million, with vehicle releases set to begin later in August.

The ES 350h Executive opens the range, followed by the ES 350h Luxury at P4.308 million. The fully electric ES 350e sits at the top at P5.688 million.

The theme of Thursday night’s unveiling was “Statement Made.” Lexus used the phrase to describe a car that presents luxury as something owners experience rather than merely see.

The new ES looks more imposing than its predecessor, while its longer wheelbase gives passengers more room. In an executive sedan, that extra space is more useful than added decoration.

The ES now measures 5,140 millimeters long and 1,920 mm wide. Its 2,950-mm wheelbase is 80 mm longer than that of the previous model. Height stands at 1,555 mm for the hybrids and 1,560 mm for the electric version.

Lexus calls the design theme “Clean Tech x Elegance.” The familiar spindle grille has evolved into a more closed front treatment. Twin L-shaped lights define the face, and a slim light bar with an illuminated Lexus name spans the rear.

The sloping roof keeps the longer body from appearing bulky. The ES 350h variants use 19-inch Aero alloy wheels, while the ES 350e gets 21-inch Luxury wheels.

Both ES 350h variants pair a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with a hybrid system. Combined output is 247 PS, and power goes to the front wheels.

The ES 350e also uses front-wheel drive. Its electric motor produces 224 PS. Lexus Philippines lists a 74.69-kWh lithium-ion battery and a driving range of up to 493 kilometers under the WLTP cycle. It supports Type 2 AC and CCS2 DC charging.

The cabin follows Lexus’ Tazuna layout, which keeps the displays and major controls near the driver’s normal line of sight. A 14-inch touchscreen and panoramic sunroof are standard across the three variants.

Hidden Tech switches on the dashboard remain dark when not in use. They light up after the car is turned on, which helps reduce the number of visible controls without removing their functions.

The ES 350h Executive has synthetic leather upholstery and a 10-speaker audio system. The Luxury version gets perforated synthetic leather and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The ES 350e receives semi-aniline leather, illuminated bamboo-style door panels and the same Mark Levinson audio package. It is also the only Philippine variant equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension.

The Executive has a Back Guide Monitor, while the ES 350h Luxury and ES 350e use a Panoramic View Monitor. The driver-assistance package also watches lane position, following distance and surrounding traffic.

The Philippine unveiling took place on the same day Toyota resumed production at its Miyata plant in Japan.

Operations had been suspended after the 28 July earthquake in Kumamoto affected roads and supply lines in the region. Miyata produces the ES and several other Lexus models.

Lexus Philippines president Masando Hashimoto thanked Filipinos for their support and prayers for those affected by the earthquake in Japan, and his message gave the celebration deeper meaning.

The ES has been with Lexus since the brand debuted in 1989. This generation makes its own statement by asking executive-sedan buyers to choose how they want to experience it, either with a gasoline-electric system or a charging cable.