Lexus pairs hybrid, BEV at summit

Lexus has brought two different kinds of electrified vehicles to the 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, with the ES 350h Luxury hybrid sedan and the fully electric RZ SUV on display at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The three-day event, which runs from 22 to 24 October, gives visitors a chance to see how Lexus approaches electrification through two different powertrain technologies.

The ES 350h Luxury uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric motor. Together, they produce 247 PS. Unlike a battery-electric vehicle, the hybrid does not require external charging.

Lexus has also revised the sedan’s platform to improve body rigidity and handling. A multi-link rear suspension helps maintain ride comfort, while changes to the hybrid power unit reduce noise inside the cabin.

The interior follows the Lexus Tazuna design concept, which places important controls within easy reach of the driver. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel provides driving information, while the central display and steering-wheel controls allow access to various vehicle functions.

Suede accents and cabin lighting are among the other features of the ES 350h Luxury.

The RZ, meanwhile, takes a different approach as it runs entirely on electricity and produces no tailpipe emissions.

Its powertrain components sit low in the chassis to lower the vehicle’s center of gravity. This arrangement helps improve stability and handling, particularly when the vehicle changes direction.

The RZ also has a lower stance and an aerodynamic body. Its front design replaces the traditional Lexus spindle grille with a sculpted surface suited to an electric vehicle.

The cabin uses a Tazuna-inspired layout, with frequently used controls placed around the steering wheel.

Lexus has been developing electrified vehicles for two decades. Its lineup now includes hybrid and battery-electric options, with the ES nameplate also available in a fully electric version in some markets.