If you were looking at a Lexus ES, you might know that the model comes in two variants locally—the hybrid ES300h Executive and the V6-equipped ES350 Premier. You couldn’t get an electrified variant with all the bells and the whistles.

Until now, that is, with the introduction of the ES300h Luxury trim. It has similar features as the top-of-the-line Premier with an updated front grille and headlamps. There are 18-inch wheels, smooth leather seats with 10-way power-adjustable seats with memory function (eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat), a kick sensor for the automatic trunk, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. It also receives the Lexus Safety Sense suite of driver aids.

Instead of a 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FKS) engine, it’s equipped with the hybrid 2.5-liter in-line-four drivetrain (A25A-FKS). It has 218hp and 221Nm, and features a new electronically controlled brake system that optimizes the feeling of the hydraulic brakes and regenerative braking.

It may be a comfortable executive sedan, but it was designed with the Lexus Driving Signature philosophy in mind. With the fourth-generation hybrid battery also mounted beneath the rear seats, the ES hybrid has an ideal weight balance and a lower center of gravity for better handling. It also has more rear cargo space, unlike other hybrid vehicles.

The price for all of this frugal luxury? P4.218 million, which slots this car in the middle of the lineup. The ES300h Executive costs P3.838 million, while the top-dog Premier is priced at P4.828 million. You’ll be backed up by a standard warranty of three years/100,000km (whichever comes first), and the hybrid variants come with an eight-year warranty for the battery.