New for 2017
For 2017, the IS gets updated interior and exterior styling, with the exterior now bearing a closer resemblance to the larger GS sedan.
Lexus’ Style Manifesto
Lexus has built some exotic-looking concept cars and the LFA supercar, but until the current-generation IS sedan launched in 2013, none of that standout styling translated to the Toyota luxury brand’s mainstream production models. The IS became a styling statement for Lexus, introducing design features that would find their way onto most of the automaker’s other models. For 2017, the IS gets a major facelift to keep its styling fresh.
Performance
With the IS, Lexus sought to create a genuine sports sedan that could go head to head with segment leaders like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4. The IS manages to be suitably sporty, but with the level of refinement returning customers expect from Lexus.
For 2017, buyers can choose from three powertrain options. The IS 200t model uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The engine produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, getting the IS 200t from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 143 mph. This model also gets an EPA-rated 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway).*
The middle model in the IS lineup is the IS 300 AWD. It has a 3.5-liter V6, six-speed automatic, and all-wheel drive. The V6 is rated at 255 hp and 236 lb-ft, and with it the IS 300 can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 6.1 seconds and top out at 131 mph. EPA-rated fuel economy for the IS 300 is 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).*
Finally, the IS 350 packs a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 with 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. In addition to being the most powerful IS variant, the IS 350 is the only one available with a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Rear-wheel drive models use an eight-speed automatic, while all-wheel drive versions get a six-speed. The IS 350 will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds (5.7 with AWD), and reach a top speed of 143 mph (131 mph wth AWD). It gets 22 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway) in rear-wheel drive guise, or 21 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.
Features
The 2017 Lexus IS is a four-door, five-seat luxury sports sedan. Pricing starts at $37,825.**
Befitting a luxury car, the IS comes with a generous array of standard equipment. Some of the highlights include 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, moon roof, LED headlights, heated exterior mirrors, 60/40 split-fold rear seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, Bluetooth®, electrochromic rearview mirror with compass, Siri® Eyes Free voice control for iPhone users, and a 10-speaker audio system with 7.0-inch display screen.
Optional features include a heated steering wheel, 10.3-inch display screen, navigation, Mark Levinson® 15-speaker surround sound system, heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a memory system for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and steering column.
Like most Lexus models, the IS is also available with an F Sport package, which gives the car a more aggressive look and adds some genuine performance hardware. The IS F Sport package includes Adaptive Variable Suspension with Sport+ mode (IS 350 only), heated sport seats with contrast stitching, perforated leather steering wheel and shifter, model-specific front fascia, rear bumper, and 18-inch alloy wheels, high-friction brake pads, and a TFT instrument cluster inspired by the one in the Lexus LFA supercar.
Design
When it was introduced in 2013, the current-generation IS marked a radical departure for Lexus. Whereas previous Lexus models were somewhat conservatively styled, the IS introduced a more dramatic design language, including the “spindle” grille and slash-like LED daytime running lights that have since transitioned to most other Lexus models.
For 2017, the IS gets a major styling update that builds on that foundation. The entire front fascia was changed, incorporating new headlights, larger air intakes in the front bumper, and a new version of the spindle grille that’s even more stylized than before. The grille folds back at a higher point, giving the IS a sleeker appearance. At the back, the taillights were tweaked to highlight the existing “L”-shaped lighting elements, and rectangular chrome exhaust tips were swapped in.
The interior gets a few updates for the new model year as well. A newly available 10.3-inch central display screen supplements the standard 7.0-inch unit. Lexus kept its Remote Touch Interface infotainment controller, but added “Enter” buttons to make it easier to use. The audio and ventilation control panel was also modified to fit within a smaller space, and Lexus changed the speedometer and tachometer designs.
These changes were made on top of what was already one of the most modern-looking interiors in the segment. Where other automakers emphasize soft curves and cover nearly every conceivable surface with wood, Lexus kept the wood trim to a tasteful minimum, and emphasized horizontal lines in a way that gives the IS cabin a distinctive look.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Lexus IS includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, many airbags, and the Lexus Safety System+, which includes a pre-collision system, lane departure warning with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and high beam assist. Optional features include a rearview camera, park assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
Verdict
The 2017 Lexus IS combines the best of old Lexus with a new focus on sporty driving and extroverted styling.
For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Lexus IS, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
*Preliminary mileage estimates determined by Lexus. EPA mileage estimates not available at time of posting. Actual mileage will vary.
**MSRP does not include delivery, processing and handling fee of $975. Excludes taxes, title, license and optional equipment. Dealer price will vary. Does not include accessory options installed by dealer.
Image: Lexus
