Lexus IS facelifted for 2017

Lexus has updated its mid-size IS sedan range to coincide with the model’s one-millionth global sale.

The 2017 IS line-up (which is now priced from $59,340 plus on-road costs -- $690 more than before) features upgrades to its styling, safety and the feel behind the wheel.

Despite slower sales than its German competitors in Australia – including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 -- Lexus says the upgrades, many of which are derived from the RC Coupe, should help level the playing field.

The three-grade IS range will again be offered with selection of bundled ‘enhancement’ packages, Lexus’ four-year warranty and roadside assistance plan.

“Every improvement on the new Lexus IS line has been made with the aim of enhancing the owner, driver and occupant experience,” said Lexus Australia chief executive, Peter McGregor.

New for 2017 are revised headlights and front air intakes, more rakish spindle grille, and bolder L-shaped LED daytime running lights. The F Sport variant adds functional brake ducts and a dark-chrome grille.

The bonnet is slightly re-profiled, so too the profile’s character line, in addition to new-look alloy wheels, triple-layer LED tail-lights and rectangular exhaust tips, plus two new paint colours.

Inside the evolutionary styling improvements continue. The size of the infotainment screen grows from 7.0 to 10.25 inches, the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) single-point controller scores and ‘Enter’ button, while the audio and HVAC control panels are redefined to better fill the space.

There are new surface finishes, sportier stitching, new cup-holders, larger RTI palm rest, and new dial faces for the speedometer, tachometer and analogue clock.

More importantly, the IS adds upgraded safety equipment with the adoption of Lexus Safety System + as standard across the range.

Read a 2016 Lexus IS review

The system combines camera and radar technologies to offer a Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system with a pedestrian-detection function, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and All-speed Adaptive Cruise Control. The Lexus IS receives a five-star ANCAP safety rating (based on 2014 testing).

“It is a typically thoughtful response to the requirement of continual improvement in everything Lexus undertakes,” added McGregor.

In spite of minor changes to the suspension, the Lexus IS remains mechanically identical to its predecessor.

Engine offerings include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol known as the IS 200t, a 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid dubbed IS 300h and a 3.5-litre petrol V6 badged as the IS 350. All three engine selections are offered in three model grades: Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury.

IS Luxury models include idle-stop, electrically-adjustable seats and steering column, 10-speaker audio, bi-LED headlights and 17-inch alloys. A sunroof is available as part of the $2500 Enhancement Pack.

F Sport variants add styling and performance upgrades – including adaptive shock absorbers, sports pedals, sports suspension, Lexus drive select, high friction brake pads, 3L LED headlights, 18-inch alloys, sports seats with memory function, keyless entry, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. The model is available with a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and sunroof for $4000 more.

Meanwhile, the grade-topping Sports Luxury (from $78,040) adds a sunroof as standard, plus 18-inch alloy wheels, woodgrain interior trim, 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, LED headlights, electric rear sunshade, keyless entry, adaptive dampers, sports suspension and driver’s seat and exterior mirror memory.

Uniquely in the IS Line, IS 350 F Sport and Sports Luxury variants have variable gear ratio steering.

All IS variants come with 10 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, heated and power-folding exterior mirrors, daytime running lamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, emergency brake lamps, hill-start assist, paddle shifters, digital radio, satellite navigation with SUNA traffic alerts, heated and ventilated front seats, voice-control and tyre-pressure monitoring.

Lexus has sold more than 40,000 examples of the IS in Australia since sales began in 1999, but the Japanese luxury sedan ranks as one of the slowest selling cars in its class.

Year-to-date, Lexus has sold just 1408 examples of the IS – less than the 2369 Audi A4, 3595 BMW 3 Series and 5486 Mercedes-Benz C-Class registrations, but more than the British-built Jaguar XE (1333).

2017 Lexus IS pricing (plus ORCs):
200t Luxury -- $59,340 (+$690 )
200t F Sport -- $67,480 (+$950)
200t Sports Luxury -- $78,040 (+$290)
300h Luxury -- $61,890 ($690)
300h F Sport -- $70,310 ($950)
300h Sports Luxury -- $81,160 ($620)
350 Luxury -- $65,390 ($690)
350 F Sport -- $73,540 ($890)
350 Sports Luxury -- $84,160 ($290)