Facelift, more models and price cut for IS

Lexus is gunning for BMW, Audi and Mercedes with its revamped, revitalised and repriced IS range. Now boasting 10 variants, including two all-new F Sport models, the face-lifted IS range now includes beefed-up '350' family members.

Powered by a direct-injected 3.5-litre V6, the new IS350 range is aimed at the likes of BMW's 335i and V6 equivalents from Audi and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus is claiming class-leading performance with a 0-100km/h time of 5.6sec, in part thanks to the new powerplant's segment-busting 233kW output.

Though equipped to higher levels than equivalent IS250 models, the IS350 range echoes its less powerful sibling by offering entry-level Prestige and top of the range Sports Luxury variants as well as the new, focused F Sport versions.

Include in the new IS lineup are three variants of the IS250C coupe cabriolet and the V8-engined IS F super sedan.

The new IS350 Prestige is priced from $64,800, a premium of $9000 over the equivalent IS250 variant. The F Sport kicks off at $71,800 with the Sports Luxury topping out the four-door IS line-up at $81,300.

All IS250 models have had their pricetags trimmed with the 350's arrival. At $55,800 the Prestige has dropped $100, while the $76,300 Sports Luxury is $1000 cheaper than the model it replaces. The new F Sport 250 is $66,800 -- $1500 less than initially announced.

The price changes and the new IS350's arrival correspond with a midlife freshening for the IS lineup. Key differences include an interior tidy up as well as detailed changes across the car.

Most obvious though are the new upper and lower front grilles and bumper, and the arrival of daylight running lamps (DRL) on all 350s (as well as selected 250 models). New alloy wheels that step up an inch in diameter help deliver a more purposeful stance to the midsize exec.

Include in the revamped IS range's standard equipment list are items that Lexus claims European equivalents still charge extra for. Indeed, Lexus states that depending on the model, the IS enjoys a $30,000-plus advantage over equivalent Euros. By way of comparison, metallic paint, high-spec audio, heated front seats, full leather, eight airbags and reversing cameras are all standard on all updated IS models.

The 350 variants add a DVD-based satnav and HID headlamps with daylight running lamps at both Prestige and F Sport grades. The Sports Luxury 350 adds sunroof, adaptive cruise control, seat cooling, Lexus advanced pre-collision system with auto brake and more.

Selected facelift updates also make their way onto the IS250C and the IS F performance flagship. In the case of the M3-baiting IS F, Lexus has tweaked the rear suspension settings as well as incorporating a new face, DRLs et al. The updated mechanical limited slip differential that was added as a running change in 2009 is retained in the latest IS F.

It's the IS350 F Sport that will get the lion's share of attention at launch, however. A calling card for Lexus' new sports sub-brand, the auto-only sports sedan gets bespoke, lower (10mm) sports suspension with stiffer springs and uprated dampers, upgraded brakes with four-piston monobloc front calipers and reprogrammed electric power steering.

The F Sport 'signature' look includes more aggressive front bodywork and unique upper and low grilles and a rear boot lid spoiler borrowed from the IS F parts bin.

The F's influence continues inside the cabin in the shape of a smaller diameter steering wheel, alloy pedals and leather shifter. Tweaked IS F front sport seats are used, though the F Sport retains a three-place rear bench in lieu of the IS F's buckets.

For the record the IS F program has also donated suspension components to the F Sport, including rear suspension bushes.

While the standard IS350 also gets an upgraded brake package, only the F Sport models (250 and 350) sport wider rear wheels and rubber. All 18s, the rears are 0.5-inches wider at 8.5-inch. Tyres are 225/40 at the pointy end, and at rear -- 255/40s. Bridgestone ER33 Turanzas are standard.

Lexus Australia execs say the arrival of the 350 and the F Sport brand are key to the brand's growth in both the short and medium term.

IS currently accounts for around 40 per cent of Lexus' local volume. Via the facelift, F Sport variants and the arrival of the 350, local boss Tony Cramb is looking to boost overall IS sales. Though he expects some substitution between 250 and 350, incremental volume should increase around 25 per cent, he says.

"IS350 pricing is critical for Lexus -- it has to be realistic. It has to achieve a position of leadership and it has to bring new competition to the luxury sedan segment... Just because you can charge a premium for luxury vehicles doesn't mean you have to," Cramb told the Carsales Network.

"We're really throwing down a challenge to our competitors [with the 350 range]... We identified a massive opportunity in the $65-80K [price range] and we believe we have set a new benchmark for value in the segment.

"The [new] car is well specified and great value. We believe the market will reward us," Cramb stated.

Look out for our launch review of the new IS350 F Sport soon.

Key to pics: XZD 734 IS 350 F Sport, XZD 732 IS 350 Prestige, XZD 740 IS 350 Sports Luxury

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