In 7 pictures: Lexus introduces updated IS for PH

MANILA: Lexus Philippines has officially rolled out the updated IS sedan. The aforementioned comes a year after its global debut. 

In the Philippine market, the updated luxury sedan is available as the 300h Executive and 300h Premier, which are both hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The top-of-the-line model, meanwhile, is the internal-combustion-only 350 F Sport. 

So, what is the new Lexus IS offering to prospective adopters? Let’s find out here.

Powertrain

For its engine, the new Lexus IS for the model year 2026 gets two options. For the 300h Executive and 300h Premier, the nameplate uses a 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline hybrid engine with a maximum output of 178 horsepower (hp) and 221 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Both trims also come with an electronically continuously variable transmission (E-CVT).

The Lexus IS 350 F Sport top-spec trim, on the other hand, forgoes an electrified powertrain in favor of the 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 gasoline engine, which can churn out up to 310 hp and 380 Nm of torque. The said V6 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Notably, the updated Lexus IS retains the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the outgoing model. It also kept the same front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension setup.

Other stories: Suzuki PH opens Business Operations Simulation Facility Omoda, Jaecoo to highlight 4 SHS-H with Valorant eSports collab Nissan to showcase 4 new models at 10th PIMS

 

Exterior

Appearance-wise, the updated Lexus IS received a more dynamic look courtesy of a much larger mesh-type grille. The said design element is flanked by a pair of sharp LED headlamp clusters, and a sportier lower front bumper. 

From the side, the sedan appears to have kept the same silhouette as the older version. It did, however, receive a new set of wheel designs, which are sized at 18-inch alloys for the hybrid trims and 19-inch forged alloys for the top-spec 350 F Sport. 

The rear section of the top-spec 350 F Sport was also revamped with a new trunk-mounted spoiler, though it seems to have retained the same design for its LED taillight, dual-exhaust setup, and rear diffuser. 

Here are the size figures for the refreshed Lexus IS (350 F Sport):

Length (in millimeters)	4,720
Width (in mm)	1,840
Height (in mm)	1,435
Wheelbase length (in mm)	2,800
Ground clearance	140

Some notable exterior features available for the updated Lexus IS for the Philippine market include automatic headlamp functionality, clearance and fog lamps (front/rear), power-folding and adjustable side mirrors with reverse link and heater, rain-sensing wipers, and a moon roof - among others. 

Interior

Apart from the exterior, Lexus also provided plenty of tech-oriented updates for the new IS. For starters, it has ditched its old analog set of gauge clusters in favor of a fully digital 12.3-inch multi-information display. 

Moreover, its central infotainment system has grown from a 10.3-inch unit to a 12.3-inch unit. Otherwise, the said display still comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound, meanwhile, is outputted by a 17-inch Mark Levinson speaker set. 

Exclusive to the driver of the new Lexus IS is a smart entry system, push-to-start button, drive mode selector (economy, normal, sport, sport+), a power-adjustable tilt and telescopic steering column, leather steering wheel, electronic parking brake, and an electrochromic rearview mirror - among others. 

Everyone inside the car is kept comfortable by a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear vents and leather upholstered seats. Only the front seats have power-adjustability and ventilation, while the rear seats have a 60:40 split-fold function for added cargo space. 

Safety

Safety-wise, the top-spec Lexus IS 350 F Sport gets dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and knee airbags. These go together with an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, hill-start control, traction control, ISOFIX, tire pressure monitoring, as well as a clearance and rear sonar system. 

The aforementioned are reinforced by a suite of advanced driver-assist systems, which include: 

• Pre-collision system
• Automatic high beams
• Lane trace assist
• Lane departure alert
• Dynamic radar cruise control

Price

As of its introduction, the updated Lexus IS starts at P3.128 million for the entry-level 300h Executive. The mid-spec 300h Premier, meanwhile, retails at P3.408 million, whereas the top-spec 350 F Sport is priced at 4.388 million. 

For those who want to see the updated Lexus IS in the metal, note that it is being showcased at the 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Test Drive Festival, which runs at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds until May 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Also read:

Lexus is ASEAN 2026 official mobility partner

LX700h now displayed at Lexus Manila Gallery

Lexus showcases 5 art installations at 2026 Milan Design Week

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/