When the sales of a particular model seems to be diminishing, it is time to give it a refresh. For car manufacturers, the cost of re-tooling a part like the bumper or headlights can be very expensive and risky if the design works in reverse. The addition of a bodykit seems like the easiest facelift option as it sometimes enhances the look of the vehicle and also it is an easy add-on that can be then sold to existing customers to allow them to ‘upgrade’ their vehicle to the latest version.
However, when the facelift is just the smart use of paint, alloy wheels with interior stitch and material colour, then it is a half hearted attempt to convince new buyers into the showroom. This is why this Lexus IS facelift is not impressing us.
PRESS RELEASE: Lexus introduces the IS Black Line Special Edition with an increase in bespoke appointments, available for a limited time.
Offered with Lexus IS 300 and Lexus IS 350 variants, the Black Line Special Edition combines the muscular rear-wheel drive proportions of the IS with trademark Lexus craftsmanship, while raising moody sophistication and delivering new cabin tactility.
The exterior of the IS Black Line Special Edition exclusively features a distinctive black Lexus ‘spindle’ grille, black mirror caps and black 18-inch alloy wheels.
The tempting allure of these styling enhancements can be matched with four exterior colours – White Nova, Liquid Metal, Graphite Black and Cobalt Mica.
Inside, a special Exclusive Black/Grey seat trim colour combines black broader trim surfacing with light-grey accents and blue-grey stitching.
Indigo Wood trim ornamentation has been employed across the top of the F Sport perforated leather steering wheel, matching the blue texture used on the power window switch surrounds, and passenger-side dashboard ornamentation.
The addition of front-door-mounted projector lamps, which illuminate the Lexus logo onto the ground on entry to the vehicle, adds a further welcoming touch for IS Black Line Special Edition customers.
Every variant of Lexus IS includes clearance and rear parking sonars, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, power-adjustable steering column, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, 10.3-inch widescreen display, 10-speaker audio, satellite navigation, digital radio3 and voice control.
Lexus Safety System+ further includes as standard bi-LED headlamps with automatic high-beam, lane departure warning+ with sway warning system, active cruise control and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.
The Black Line Special Edition shares adaptive variable suspension, high-friction front brake pads, sports seats with driver memory settings, smart key card, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert with F Sport variants.
The IS 300 Black Line Special Edition is available with an Enhancement Pack including 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio and moonroof. The IS 350 Black Line Special Edition includes the premium audio system as standard, with a moonroof optional.
The Lexus IS 300 is powered by a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with stop-start technology and 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds.
The Lexus IS 350 is powered by a 380Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine with 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
It feature an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddleshifters as standard.
