LEXUS IS
Best-selling FR sedan gets a new design
The Lexus IS has undergone its first major facelift since 2020. It now features Lexus’ latest design language, which was introduced with the ES.
Since its first debut in 1999, the Lexus IS has pursued the “fun of driving” as a compact FR sports sedan. This is the third facelift for the third generation, which debuted in 2013, following those in 2017 and 2020.
The IS has continued to evolve to become the cornerstone of Lexus driving experience, and has been well received for its high driving performance and its sporty design that hints at it, achieving cumulative sales of approximately 1.3 million units in approximately 40 countries and regions around the world over more than a quarter of a century.
The new front face further emphasizes the low center of gravity and wide stance. The interior has been updated with a 12.3-inch full LCD meter, and all vehicles now have a 12.3-inch touch panel center display.
The new IS lineup consists of two models: the IS300h and the IS350. With “maturity” as the keyword for development, the new model further refines the “comfortable driving experience that allows the driver to interact with the car” and “aggressive, sporty design” that the IS has pursued up until now. Yasushi Muto, Chief Engineer at Lexus International, gave the following explanation about the new IS:
“In developing the IS, we have always kept in mind the ‘dialogue’ in which the driver’s intentions are accurately communicated to the car, and the car’s behavior is accurately communicated to the driver, and have continued development without compromise, aiming for ever greater heights.”
“Not only have we further enhanced the IS’s signature high-quality ride comfort and excellent vehicle control, but we’ve also revamped the interior design with attention to detail, improved the active safety technologies of the Lexus Safety System +, and added the latest multimedia system. We’ve evolved into a model that’s fun to drive, and we hope you’ll experience the joy of driving in the newly reborn IS.”
New rear spoiler for “F SPORT”
The sports grade “F SPORT” introduces a new rear spoiler with a new shape that enhances aerodynamic performance.
The exterior introduces a front face that emphasizes a low center of gravity and a wide stance. The design has evolved to further accentuate the powerful and masculine styling. The sports grade “F SPORT” also features a new rear spoiler with enhanced aerodynamic performance.
The suspension is fitted with newly designed 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels that suggest a light and nimble ride. Red brake calipers with the “LEXUS” logo are also available as a manufacturer option.
The body color is available in a total of eight colors, including “Neutrino Gray,” which expresses the world of driving by adding metallic to a hard light gray. With a color lineup that creates a sporty world view, we propose a choice that meets the needs of customers.
In terms of driving, the car was developed with the aim of providing a comfortable steering feel and further enhancing vehicle stability. The electric power steering (EPS) employs a variable gear to reduce the steering angle at intersections and successive corners, resulting in a more comfortable steering feel. In addition, the introduction of a linear solenoid-type AVS achieves both stable vehicle behavior and reduced shock from the road surface at a high level. This makes driving more comfortable than ever before.
Updated meters and displays
The interior of the “PROMINENCE” model. This time, the LCD meter has been changed to a 12.3-inch full LCD meter, and the center display has been unified into a 12.3-inch touch panel display for all vehicles.
The interior has been updated with a design that takes functionality into consideration and allows the driver to concentrate on driving. The center display has been enlarged to 12.3 inches, ensuring high visibility and operability with consideration for the driver’s field of vision. At the same time, the TFT LCD meter located in front of the driver has also been enlarged to 12.3 inches. With simple and easy-to-understand graphics, the driver can receive visual information directly.
The interior design features a newly developed ornament panel called “Forged bamboo” on the top of the console and the start switch bezel. The distinctive shadows of the bamboo fiber create a powerful, dynamic and sporty interior for the IS. The interior color is also available in the newly developed “PROMINENCE” color, which is inspired by the red flames covering the sun, creating an aggressive and sporty interior space.
The preventive safety technology “Lexus Safety System +” has been enhanced with new features. The advanced driving assistance technology “Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive” is now installed, providing support for long-distance driving and making travel time with passengers even more comfortable.
