Lexus highlights updated IS at 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Summer Test Drive Fest

MANILA: The newly launched 2026 Lexus IS luxury sedan, together with the NX, RX, and the LBX crossovers, are available for viewing and test drives at the ongoing 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Summer Test Drive Festival. 

According to Lexus Philippines, these three rides are the perfect ambassadors of what it stands for. Specifically, they showcase the Japanese luxury carmaker’s innovative electrified powertrains, the precision and quality of Takumi craftsmanship, and the sheer comfort delivered by the Japanese Omotenashi philosophy of hospitality. 

“Showcasing our electrified lineup reflects Lexus’ commitment to bringing our vehicles closer to our customers—delivering exactly what they need through a seamless blend of refined performance, elevated comfort, and amazing experiences," Lexus Philippines Assistant Vice President Tricia Hechanova said. 

As a reminder, the 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Summer Test Drive Festival is open to the public for free at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Ground until May 10, 2026. The event is available at the venue from 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

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Lexus IS

Displayed front and center at the Lexus section at the 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Summer Test Drive Festival is the 300h Premier variant of the newly updated IS. Key to this nameplate is its heavily revamped look, a redesigned cockpit with more tech features, and a new V6 powertrain for the top-spec 350 F Sport variant. 

Appearance-wise, the facelifted Lexus IS received a wider grille, which enhances its aggressive feel. This is paired with a set of new 19-inch wheels, and the familiar sleek silhouette that the third-generation (XE30) version of the IS is known for. 

Its interior, meanwhile, now boasts a fully digital gauge cluster, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display, and a 17-piece Mark Levinson Surround Sound System. 

When it comes to powertrains, the 2026 model year, Philippine-spec Lexus IS gets two options. Both the 300h Executive and 300h Premier variants use 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). 

Meanwhile, the top-spec IS 350 F Sport is propelled by a the 3.5-liter 2GR-FKS V6 gasoline engine, which can churn out up to 310 hp and 380 Nm of torque. It also uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox. 

As of this publishing, the updated Lexus IS has a price ranging from P

Lexus LBX, NX, RX

Likewise available for visitors to see at the 2026 Auto Focus Multi-Brand Summer Test Drive Festival is the Lexus LBX. One of the smaller models in Lexus Philippines' lineup is the LBX subcompact crossover, and it currently retails for P2.578 million. 

Under its hood is the 1.5-liter M15-A FXE gasoline hybrid engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) sending power to its front wheels. At maximum, it can generate up to 134 hp and 120 Nm of torque. 

Also present at the aforementioned test drive event is the NX - a luxury compact crossover with a starting price of P3.168 million. The specific variant that’s available for all to see is the NX 350h Premier, which uses a 2.5-liter hybrid engine and an electric motor that can generate a total maximum output of 236 hp and 239 Nm of torque. 

For those who are attracted to powerful crossovers, there’s the RX 500h F-Sport Performance, an all-wheel-drive model propelled by a 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid mill that can generate up to 366 hp. 

Also read:

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LX700h now displayed at Lexus Manila Gallery

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