Lexus IS Debuts in Beijing

2017 Lexus IS Front View Lexus has made a great furor at the Beijing Motor Show with the introduction of the newest variant of the emblematic Lexus IS model. With fresh looks and number of important changes, the car is ready to tackle any untamed spirit. For the first time, the IS model was introduced back in 2013, displaying new direction of company's design strategy and also offering more than enough performance.

Minimal Exterior Changes

And due to the many likes that the exterior design has gathered, Lexus has decided to keep its essence intact and its spirit alive. Well, there are some important changes like the new front fascia, which now includes new design of the headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and an evolution of Lexus' spindle grille.

The IS keeps its sleek profile defined by standard 10-spoke 17-inch wheels with new design, while the rear features more pronounced "L"-shaped LED light guide and rectangular chrome exhaust tips. Lexus is also offering two new paint schemes: Deep Blue Mica and Graphite Black Glass Flake.

More Refined Interior

2017 Lexus IS Interior

Inside, changes include multimedia display screen which is now 10.3 inches big; "Enter" buttons added to the sides of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console; refined audio and ventilation-control panel with hairline-finish surface; new stitching on top of the meter hood; refined speedometer and tachometer.

Just like the additional exterior paint scheme, Lexus is offering new colors for the interior. Precisely, the Moonstone and Ivory have been replaced by Chateau. Other changes, which are absolutely new to the IS include the cup holders, a new larger leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching and redesigned in-dash analogue clock.

Power & Safety

Just like three years ago, the IS will be offered with three engine offerings. The rear-wheel-drive IS 200t will be driven by the 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 with intercooler mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Fitted with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent Wide (VVT-iW), this unit's power is rated at 245 hp (180kW) at 5,800rpm or torque 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque at 1,650 to 4,400rpm.

In terms of safety, the new IS has been upgraded with the Lexus Safety System +, which combines Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise Control.

There are no particular details when this vehicle is coming to dealerships, but we hope it is as soon as possible. Stay tuned.

Lexus IS (2017)