The first official pictures of the all-new Lexus IS have been released. The images precede the new model’s world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on January 15th. Lexus South Africa says the car’s local introduction will follow later this year.
The first images of the new BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class fighter, reveal powerful and elegantly crafted styling and a cabin that is more spacious and driver-focused than before. At a glance, it is clear Lexus have remained faithful to the cues we saw in the acclaimed LF-CC concept car at the Paris Motor Show last year.
The new IS displays its own, sportier, interpretation of the spindle front grille arrangement, which has become a hallmark of the new wave of Lexus models. There are new headlamps with Lexus’ signature L-shaped daytime running lights. In profile, the new IS shows the mass of the cabin has been concentrated further towards the rear for a bolder stance.
The new IS is wider and has a longer wheelbase than before. This allows for significantly more comfort for rear seat passengers and greater luggage space. The newly designed driver’s seat is apparently inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar and has a lower seat hip point, while the steering wheel has been given a flatter bottom and more adjustability.
The cabin materials, trim and finishing touches speak to the advances in technology and the controls on the centre console feature a Lexus first: electrostatic switches that need just a finger touch to be operated. In another direct reference to the LFA supercar, the IS in F Sport guise (pictured here) also features a driver’s metre with a moving centre ring on the instruments, depending on what mode you’re in, and which we quite like the look of.
There aren’t any confirmed details about the engine lineup as yet, but the same old offerings are expected: a 2.5-litre V6 with 149 kW and a 3.5-litre V6 with a meaty 224 kW. A hybrid version of the IS is also a potential possibility.
