The new Lexus IS showcases an all-new interior and exterior that combines all the refinement and quality expected of any Lexus, with a more sporting, focused driver’s environment, a significant improvement in rear seat space for best-in-class roominess, and a larger, more convenient luggage compartment.
At 4,665 mm overall, the new Lexus IS is 80 mm longer and 10 mm wider than before. The front overhang has increased by just 10 mm, and the wheelbase has been extended by 70 mm to 2,800 mm.
INTERIOR DESIGN
The newly designed, quilted driver’s seat offers greater comfort and better lateral support. The seat hip point has been lowered by 20 mm. The new, LFA-inspired, 3-spoke, 370 mm diameter steering wheel features a new paddle shift switch shape for easier, more accurate operation, and improved ergonomics to the wheel-mounted switchgear.
The angle of the wheel has been lowered 3 degrees, and steering reach adjustment has been increased by 23 mm, creating a more sporting driving position.
With 50 mm of its 70 mm longer wheelbase dedicated to increased rear seat space and 20 mm dedicated to increased luggage capacity, the new, 10 mm wider IS offers rear seat occupants significantly increased levels of comfort. The combination of extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates an 85 mm increase in knee room for the new, 60:40 split/folding seats. And a 20 mm increase in the gap between the B pillar and the front corner of the seat improves accessibility.
Throughout the interior, high quality materials and finishes convey contemporary, premium look and feel, with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Lexus is globally renowned. Soft touch finishes abound, including knee pads either side of the centre console for increased driver and front passenger comfort.
Dual-zone Air Conditioning with Electrostatic Switches
The new IS features a dual-zone air conditioning system with touch-sensitive, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature. Sliding a finger up or down the bar shaped switch allows for temperature adjustment in 0.5 degree increments. Temperature can also be adjusted by simply pressing the top or bottom half of the switch or the arrow markings.
Advanced Multimedia Systems
Multimedia system are available for use in conjunction with the high-resolution 7″ full colour display. iPod functionality and interface quality has been enhanced; via USB port connectivity, the iPod menu can now be driven from the vehicle’s steering wheel control switches, and album cover art displayed on the 7″ multimedia screen.
Premium Sound System
The new Lexus IS is fitted with a sound system representing the next generation of realism and clarity in Lexus sound. It features a fully digital, Class-D, 6 or 8 channel amplifier capable of creating virtually distortion-free sound with minimal voltage losses. The natural sound dynamics and rich harmonies generated by the high definition amplification are faithfully reproduced by an enhanced, 6 or 8-speaker layout which features a new, 55 mm wide-range tweeter.
Mark Levinson® Premium Surround System
Available with the new IS’s EMVN system, the Mark Levinson® Premium Surround System creates sound based on the concepts of Effortless Dynamics and Effortless Transient Response, which combine natural dynamics with high response and tracking performance to offer sound quality equivalent to that of a live, concert hall performance.
Using the same technologies as those found in top-end home audio systems, it features a 12 channel fully digital Class-D amplifier generating a total output of 835 Watts through 15 GreenEdgeTM high-efficiency loudspeakers. A new Auto Volume system automatically adjusts system volume for each song being played to ensure consistent volume levels and full audibility for even the quietest passages of music.
Developing twice the volume for the same power consumption, GreenEdgeTM power-saving technology has been incorporated into each of the 15 speakers. GreenEdgeTM technology covers a wider frequency band than conventional systems, giving an enhanced dynamic range.
POWERTRAINS
The new IS will be available in two versions – the 2.5 litre V6 petrol engined IS 250 and the IS 300h: the first IS model to feature Lexus Hybrid Drive.
IS 300h
The full hybrid drive system combines a powerful 143hp electric motor with a newly developed, 2.5 litre, 181hp, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine featuring a next generation D-4S fuel injection system, Dual VVT-i and a high-efficiency Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system.
With the rear wheels driven through the hybrid system’s Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (E-CVT), total system power is 223hp. The new IS 300h combines a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 8.3 seconds and a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
Conversely, the new Lexus full hybrid returns an average fuel consumption of 4.3 l/100 km, and class-leading CO2 emissions from 99 g/km.
Sequential Shiftmatic
The IS 300h’s transmission can also act as a sequential shiftmatic system operated via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The system has been tuned to more closely match engine speed increases in line with vehicle acceleration. Under deceleration, engine braking force is delivered in six steps, with a shift feel similar to that of a manual transmission. In combination, these E-CVT enhancements offer drivers a more engaging driving experience.
IS 250
The new IS 250 will be available with the rear-wheel drive version of the 2.5 litre V6 petrol engine. It develops 207hp at 6,400 rpm and 250Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, accelerating the IS 250 from 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and giving a maximum speed of 225 km/h.
Carried over from the current IS 250, the chain-driven double overhead camshaft, 24 valve, 2,499 cc V6 petrol engine is of a particularly compact and lightweight design. Weight reduction measures include the use of an aluminium die-cast cylinder block and intake manifold, and a resin-made intake chamber. The overall engine assembly is made even lighter and more compact through the installation of the water and oil pumps within the chain cover.
The V6 features D-4 direct injection and Dual VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent) to both intake and exhaust camshafts, enhancing engine performance.
6-Speed Super Electronically Controlled Transmission (ECT)
The IS 250’s ‘6 Super ECT’ close-ratio 6-speed automatic transmission features a sequential manual shifting mode. It incorporates numerous technologies including faster shift speeds, earlier torque converter lock-up and downshift throttle blips to support the range of driving modes available through the Drive Mode Select system.
DRIVING DYNAMICS
The target of segment-leading driving enjoyment has been at the heart of the new IS development programme, and -sacrificing none of the quietness and comfort inherent in any Lexus- every aspect of the new compact sedan’s driving dynamics has been painstakingly engineered to that end.
The new bodyshell is lighter, yet more rigid than its predecessor. The front suspension system has been revised, and an all new rear suspension system adopted, combining outstanding grip performance with excellent response to steering inputs.
A new steering system offers a lighter, smoother, more accurate steering feel with enhanced response to inputs and greater feedback to the driver.
A new Drive Mode Select system features up to five switchable driving modes- EV (IS 300h only), ECO, NORMAL, SPORT/SPORT S and SPORT S+, to optimise the driver’s preferred combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics.
Pricing starts at RM269,000 till RM333,000 for the IS250 and the IS 300h sells for RM383,000.
