Introduced in 2013, the Lexus IS midsize luxury sedan has received its first makeover
Unveiled at the Auto China 2016 show in Beijing, the 2017 Lexus IS does not bring significant changes, though – at least not from a design point of view. The most notable update concerns the front end, which has received new headlights, larger air intakes in the front bumper, and an evolution of Lexus' spindle grille.
You may not notice it, but Lexus says the engine hood has been reshaped as well. The side view looks the same as before while the rear end gets a more pronounced, triple-layered L-shaped LED light signature, as well as new rectangular chrome exhaust tips.
Other exterior changes include new standard 10-spoke 17-inch wheels with bright machine finishes and two new paint schemes – Deep Blue Mica and Graphite Black Glass Flake. F Sport models get an exclusive 3D F-mesh pattern grille with a jet-black metallic coating that incorporates functional brake ducts.
Inside, Lexus has added a new multimedia display that has grown from 7 inches to 10.3 inches and is said to offer a clearer image. "Enter" buttons have been added to the sides of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console. Other changes include a slightly revised lower center console that fits within the knee bolsters, new colors for some markets, new cup holders, a refined speedometer and tachometer, and new stitching on top of the meter hood.
Safety equipment has been upgraded with the Lexus Safety System + package, which combines Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB), and Radar Cruise Control.
No changes have been made under the hood, with the refreshed IS featuring the same three engines as before in North America: a 241 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit in the IS 200t, a 3.5-liter V6 with 255 hp in the IS 300, and a 306 hp 3.5-liter V6 in the IS 350. The engine lineup remains unchanged in Europe as well, where there are two choices: the IS 200t and the IS 300h hybrid.