Lexus IS

Upon entering the Lexus IS, you are greeted by a minimalist, high-tech (Tazuna concept) cabin, which comes with an abundance of soft-touch materials. The 350 F Sport’s interior features red accents for a sportier, more high-performance feel. The driver gets a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument panel, a leather-wrapped, multi-control steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a conventional gear lever. Placed in the middle of the driver and the co-pilot is Lexus’ newly-developed forged bamboo center console. 

Meanwhile, all passengers can enjoy another 12.3-inch touchscreen center display that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The higher trims feature a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system for a more immersive experience, while the base 300h Executive gets the standard 10-speaker version. 

In terms of comfort and practicality, its synthetic leather seats are plush and very ergonomic, even on long drives. The higher trims also get a ventilation system for their seats for elevated comfort. Its cabin has more than enough room for four passengers. However, inserting a third adult passenger in the second row might be a bit of a struggle due to limited legroom and headroom. The middle seat at the rear is better suited for children. Additionally, this sedan offers decent cargo space at the back.

The third-generation Lexus IS now looks sportier and more modern than ever before. Its newly refined fascia is highlighted by a low-set spindle grille with integrated brake ducts, giving it an aggressive stance on the road. It emits a confident glare through its angular LED headlights with Lexus’ signature “L-Finesse” LED DRLs.

Meanwhile, its side profile is defined by a combination of blacked-out features and sleek curves. This luxury sedan comes with retractable door mirrors. The higher trims also get an electrochromic memory function for their mirrors. The hybrid trims run on coated aluminum wheels (Executive: 18-inch, Premier: 19-inch), while the 350 F Sport trim flaunts forged, slim-spoked 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels finished in gloss black metallic for a more premium sporty touch.

Its modern, sporty styling extends to the rear, highlighted by its combination lamp that forms a sharp L-shaped design at each end. Its combination lamps consist of LED stop and tail lights, as well as bulb-type turn signals. The 350 F Sport trim also features a newly designed rear spoiler for better stability and enhanced overall aerodynamics.

In terms of dimensions, the Lexus IS model line measures 4,720 mm in length, 1,840 mm in width, and 1,435 mm in height. This luxury sedan also comes with a 2,800-mm wheelbase and a 140-mm minimum ground clearance.

The IS model line features Lexus’ Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system. This advanced setup contributes to this luxury sedan’s outstanding driver engagement. It confidently handles sharp turns and corners even at high speeds, especially the 350 F Sport with its exclusive tuning. In the city, it effectively absorbs small humps and minor road imperfections. However, it would not be advisable to use this on very unpleasant road conditions with deep potholes and larger bumps, considering its ground clearance.

The Lexus IS model line offers two powertrain options. First, the 300h Executive and the 300h Premier is powered by Lexus’ hybrid technology that combines a 2.5L direct injection engine with a self-charging electric motor, delivering 220 hp of maximum power and 221 Nm of maximum torque. Meanwhile, the 350 F Sport trim is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that produces 312 hp of maximum power and 380 Nm of maximum torque.

The hybrid trims come mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) system, while the 350 F Sport trim runs on 8-speed automatic transmission. All trims are equipped with Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, while the higher trims also get a Sport+ mode. Additionally, all trims utilize a rear-wheel drivetrain.

That said, all trims are impressively quick and smooth off the line, easily overtaking slower vehicles on free-flowing highways. If you are looking for a more exhilarating experience, the 350 F Sport is the right one for you. This trim can go from 0-100 kmph in six seconds. However, if efficiency is your priority, then the hybrid trims definitely have the upper hand, offering a 5.2L/100km consumption.

In terms of safety, the IS model line comes with Lexus Safety Sense, which includes dynamic radar cruise control, pre-collision system, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert, and automatic high beam. It is also equipped with five SRS airbags, a panoramic view monitor, as well as clearance and back sonars.

Aside from that, this luxury sedan comes with front and rear disc brakes. Its braking setup is supported by an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist control, and traction control system.

The Lexus IS is a very versatile luxury sedan that offers outstanding enjoyment while effectively catering to modern driving needs. Its hybrid trims, in particular, are strong options for discerning buyers looking for a luxury sedan that is cost-effective to run on a daily basis. Meanwhile, its 350 F Sport trim would make a great weekend ride for performance-oriented drivers.