Lexus IS gets aggressive mid-cycle refresh
Lexus has given the IS an aggressive mid-cycle refresh while ensuring while ensuring it "has kept the essence of car's exterior appearance intact."
The car's first design overhaul since the third-generation IS was introduced in 2013, the new look includes a completely reworked front fascia with larger air intakes accenting Lexus' signature spindle grille, new headlights and taillights, a reshaped hood, and a bolder character line that runs down the side of the car.
Inside, the IS gets a 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing a seven-inch version on the outgoing version, while the centre stack gets new audio and ventilation controls.
Under the hood lies the choice of three engines—a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder and two versions of Toyota's 3.5-litre V6.
The four-cylinder makes 241 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. torque, while the 3.5-litre makes 255 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque or 306 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque depending on the model.
The IS' new look falls in line with much of the rest of the Lexus lineup, with the RX and NX crossovers redesigned recently, and the GS sedan and LX sport utility getting similar mid-cycle refreshes.