The new Lexus IS
Many luxury sedans are tested on punishing test tracks and severe conditions. Yet few are put through purpose-built performance racetracks inspired by the world’s most challenging, the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
In creating the new Lexus IS, its engineers endeavored to create the most satisfying, high performance iteration of the sport sedan yet. To do so, the vehicle was thoroughly tested at the Shimoyama Technical Center Test Track in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture. The track was designed to simulate all the challenges of Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife closer to home. The result is a thrilling, sharper-handling, more enjoyable sport sedan.
The new Lexus IS features a low and imposing stance that’s a full 30 millimeters wider than its predecessor. The silhouette emphasizes the 'wide and low’ IS design DNA with aggressive looks to match its underlying speed, agility, and athletic performance.
It has been designed to adapt to the needs of the driver through a dual personality. It can deliver ride comfort while in city, but when the situation calls for it, it can also offer superb response and handling during sporty driving situations. This is thanks to the more rigid chassis for improved cornering, reduced body lean, and greater responsiveness was also put to the test there.
Powering the F Sport variant is a 310-hp V6 engine that delivers 380Nm. This is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission for mesmerizing power delivery. worthy Meanwhile, the IS 300h hybrid is powered by a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder hybrid power plant mated to a Lexus E-CVT intelligent transmission for optimum efficiency during every driving condition.
Despite its performance aspiration, it comes with a human-centered cabin. Details like accent stitching along the dash and larger, circular air vents are reminiscent of jet turbines and are an homage to the first-generation IS. The new touch screen infotainment system has been enlarged and moved forward for easier operability and minimize driver distraction. The interior layout enables the driver to smoothly look around and view his surroundings without any interruptions to his line of sight.
Sculpted front seats have eight-way power-adjustable positions with lumbar support, and driver and front passenger have the luxury of seat ventilation. Audiophiles will enjoy its immersive 10-speaker surround sound system.
The F Sport model comes with a 10.3-inch Electro Multi Vision touch screen. The IS 300h model comes with an eight-inch touch screen display. Both variants are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready for your personal mobile devices.
To inspire even more driving confidence, the new IS comes with LSS+2 — a suite of active safety features, such as Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Automatic High Beam. Other aids include a rearward facing camera and backing-up guide monitor adds ease of convenience. The Parking Support Brake is also especially useful when backing out from your garage or parking space. For even more peace of mind and added safety, occupants are protected by 10 airbags. A pop-up hood reduces injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision as well.
The interior of the new IS 300h Premier is available in three color schemes: Black, Dark Rose and Ochre with complementing stitch patterns and accent trims. The IS 350 F Sport has special colors, too. It can be had in F Sport White, F Sport Black, and F Sport Flare Red. On both variants the center console panel is finished in Piano Black along with touch-sensitive temperature controls that can be easily adjusted by gliding your finger over it.
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is priced at P3,808,000, while the IS 300h Premier is priced at P3,328,000.
For more information, visit lexus.com.ph or its social media pages on Facebook and Instagram through @LexusManila. You may also visit the Lexus Remote / Lexus Remote Guest Experience to know more about the other models in the Lexus line-up.