Lexus gives the IS sedan a new exterior
Lexus has given its compact sedan a large makeover. While it looks like a completely new generation, it is actually just a facelift. In fact the interior remains the same and it is still built on the same platform.
This update puts the IS in line with the rest of the Lexus lineup in terms of design and features.
Not much is different underneath the updated IS as it is still built on the same platform. Outside, specifically in front, it still gets the Lexus signature spindle grille but with a more three-dimensional look. The LED headlights are also now one-piece, ditching the pre-facelift model’s split design. The F-Sport version gets black accents and a unique pattern on the grille. Triple-beam LED headlights are also available as an option.
On the side, it gets new 18-inch wheels as standard. The F-Sport version gets 19-inch BBS wheels. The back meanwhile is also completely redesigned with a new full-length LED lightbar. This was the part of the car teased when its online launch was announced.
Moving inside, not much is changed as well. The dashboard remains essentially the same save for an 8-inch touchscreen display that is positioned 3 inches closer to the driver and a new larger 10.3-inch infotainment display is also available as an option.
Many will be surprised to know that there are also no changes under the hood. The base IS300 with rear-wheel drive still uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 241 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The all-wheel drive version still uses the larger 3.5 V6 gasoline engine that produces 260 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The top-spec IS350 also gets a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 hp and 380 Nm of torque.
The new IS won’t be behind in terms of safety as it gets Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 which gets automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and pre-collision warning. Adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go function, road-sign assist, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist are available but for an extra cost.
