Lexus announced on November 5 that sales of the minorly updated compact FR sports sedan "IS" would begin that same day.
Text by HARA Akira
Vehicle Performance Refined at Newly Established Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama
Since the debut of its first model in 1999, the Lexus IS has been a compact FR sports sedan pursuing the "joy of driving." It has been well-received for its high driving performance and sporty design that hints at its capabilities, selling a cumulative total of approximately 1.1 million units globally over more than 20 years.
The body size of the newly announced IS is 4,710mm in length, 1,840mm in width, and 1,435mm in height, making it 30mm longer, 30mm wider, and 5mm taller than the previous generation.
As these dimensions suggest, the exterior design emphasizes a wide and low proportion, while achieving sharp contours through high-precision pressing technology, resulting in an aggressive aesthetic.
The spindle grille, a key identity feature, has its edges emphasized by a three-dimensional polyhedral structure, enhancing its imposing presence. The combination of block shapes and mesh patterns, inspired by the spindle motif, creates a sportier impression.
Two new exterior colors have been added: Sonic Iridium, which accentuates the sculpted form with strong shadows, and Sonic Chrome, which achieves a metallic texture and high gloss.
Inside, the multimedia system now features a touch display and supports SmartDeviceLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. By connecting an iPhone or Android smartphone to the 10.3-inch wide touch display, users can operate functions via touch or voice, significantly enhancing convenience.
Furthermore, the upper part of the instrument panel and door panels feature two-tone color schemes with vibrant accents, emphasizing horizontal width. The color coordination creates an uplifting atmosphere upon entry through the contrast of the two-tone design.
The powertrain options include three types: the IS300 with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo, the IS300h with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder hybrid system, and the IS350 with a 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Regarding driving dynamics, the vehicle's performance has been refined to a high level through continuous, repeated test drives by both cars and engineers in challenging environments, including at the newly established Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama in the Shimoyama area of Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, since 2019.
In terms of safety, the evolved "Lexus Safety System +" has been adopted, maintaining the "monocular camera + millimeter-wave radar" configuration. This aims for further reductions in traffic accidents and casualties, as well as alleviating driver burden.
Naoki Kobayashi, Chief Engineer for Lexus, stated, "When developing the new IS, our primary focus was on cherishing the dialogue between the driver's intentions and the car, and the car's behavior and the driver. To achieve this, we leveraged its well-received compact body, and the entire team worked together at the new test course to refine the vehicle. We aimed to create a car that, as Lexus's compact FR sports sedan, offers a refined ride while maintaining high vehicle controllability, allowing drivers to discover new joys of driving and feel the passion of its creators the longer they own it."
Lexus IS350 F SPORT Model Black
Prices range from 4.8 million to 5.55 million yen for the IS300, 5.26 million to 6.42 million yen for the IS300h, and 6.5 million yen for the IS350. Additionally, the special edition IS300 F SPORT Model Black, featuring exclusive aluminum wheels and a black-themed color coordination, is priced at 5.85 million yen, while the IS350 F SPORT Model Black is 7 million yen.
Contact
Lexus Information Desk Tel. 0800-500-5577 (9:00-18:00, open 365 days a year) https://lexus.jp/
