New for 2015

The Lexus IS sedan was completely redesigned for the 2014 model year, so changes for 2015 are relatively minor. They include standard LED fog lamps, new trim options, grid lines for the backup camera, and other small updates.

This IS the One

The entry-level luxury sedan crowd is a competitive one, with many fine choice available. With the 2015 IS, Lexus encourages buyers to look beyond the obvious with extroverted styling, a modern interior, and a different take on performance. The 2015 Lexus IS is a car for people who want to stand out from the crowd.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2015 Lexus IS comes in two flavors, depending on your preferred blend of performance, efficiency, and smoothness.

The IS 250 is powered by a 2.5-liter V6 engine that produces 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and is available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

While most rivals are moving to small turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the six-cylinder, naturally-aspirated IS 250 provides smoother power delivery. It can also get up and go, hitting 60 mph from a standstill in 7.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 140 mph with rear-wheel drive or 8.3 seconds  and 131 mph with all-wheel drive.

Yet it’s also quite efficient, achieving 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive,* and 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.*

For a bit more power, Lexus also offers the IS 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive models get an eight-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive models get a six-speed auto.

That extra power pushes the IS 350 from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 143 mph with rear-wheel drive and 5.7 seconds and 131 mph with all-wheel drive.

EPA fuel-economy ratings of 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) for rear-wheel drive,* and 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive* mean that performance won’t have too much of an impact on your wallet.

Features and Trims

No matter which engine is under the hood, the 2015 Lexus IS will cosset its occupants with an array of features worthy of the italicized “L” Lexus badge. The IS is available solely in four-door, five-seat sedan form, and starts at $36,550.**

Standard features include a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, seven-inch display screen, audio system equipped for HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition (including Siri Eyes Free for compatible Apple devices), and a heated steering wheel and front seats for all-wheel drive models.

Each IS model can also be specified with an F Sport performance package, which adds unique wheels and tires, sportier chassis settings, and a TFT binnacle adapted from the Lexus LFA supercar.

For those that that value tech over lateral g-forces, the optional navigation system adds a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, the Lexus Enform App Suite with Bing, Yelp, iHeartRadio, and Pandora, among others, and the Lexus Enform Remote app (for iOS and Android), which allows owners to remotely lock and unlock the car, pre-set the climate control, and monitor different vehicle parameters.

There’s also a Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound system with 15 speakers, 835 watts, and Clari-Fi technology. Other notable factory options include twin-projector LED headlights, variable gear ratio steering, and rain-sensing wipers.

Exterior/Interior

While most luxury sedans have staid and restrained styling, the 2015 Lexus IS bucks that trend. Rather than simply build a four-door box, Lexus designed a dramatic sculpture decorated with LED slashes, organic curves, and the brand’s signature “spindle” grille, which gives the IS an aggressive presence on the road.

Sitting on 17-inch (or optional 18-inch) alloy wheels, the IS has an athletic stance, with a stretched wheelbase created by a sharp curve that extends from the rear door to the taillight. Polished exhaust outlets poke out of the back, while a shark-fin antenna literally tops it all off.

The interior features an equally modern design theme, with a stepped center console that makes the many buttons and touch points easier to reach. However, the clock is analog.

The upgraded infotainment systems also feature Lexus’ Remote Touch controller, a mouse-like device for scrolling and clicking, while the Mark Levinson® audio system has lovely metal knobs that add a quality touch.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Lexus IS includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control systems, driver and passenger front, knee, and aide airbags, as well as front and rear side-curtain airbags.

In addition, the IS is available with blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and radar-guided adaptive cruise control with pre-collision system.

Bottom Line

The 2015 Lexus IS is an atypical entry in a very well-defined segment. You may think you know what a luxury sports sedan should be, until you lay eyes on this Lexus’ strikingly-folded sheet metal.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, be sure to contact us at 3Birds Template.

 *2015 EPA-estimated ratings. Actual mileage will vary.

**MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $925. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary. Does not include accessory

Image: Lexus (Vehicle shown with optional equipment)