Beijing 2016: Lexus IS facelift unveiled, cabin updated

2016.04.11

As promised, Lexus has brought the IS facelift to the 2016 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. It’s a traditional facelift ritual for the third-generation premium compact exec, with most work going to the front end and minor enhancements made to the cabin.

As speculated, the IS, which already has a bolder mug than most, gets a more aggressive face thanks to large air intakes on the new front bumper. There’s also an evolution of the Lexus spindle grille and new headlamps. The latter are more pronounced than before and extend inward, resulting in a shape that accentuates the distinctive ‘tick’ DRLs.

The new grille folds back at a higher point, changing its top and bottom proportions. The engine hood has been reshaped to match. The F Sport grille gets a unique ‘3D’ F-mesh pattern, with black metallic coating that incorporates functional brake ducts. These brake ducts provide a sense of continuity with the side garnishes that enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamics.

At the back, there are more pronounced L-shaped LED lights that are now triple layered (previously double), and new rectangular chrome exhaust tips (was round). Ten-spoke 17-inch wheels with new designs and bright machine finishes are standard, while two new colours – Deep Blue Mica and Graphite Black Glass Flake – have been added to the catalogue.

A range of cabin improvements can be found. The multimedia display screen has grown from seven inches to 10.3 inches, and an ‘Enter’ button has been added to the side of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the centre console, making the system easier to use. The audio and AC-control panel has been refined to fit within the knee bolsters (old ‘winged’ design susceptible to poor fit), with a new hairline-finish surface to boot.

Other changes are stitching on the meter binnacle, revised dials, new cupholders, a new and larger leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching for the RTI and new markings for the dash analogue clock. There are also additions and changes to the interior colour options.

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The new IS’s safety equipment has been upgraded with the Lexus Safety System +. It combines Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise Control.

No change under the hood. The rear-wheel drive IS will continue to be available as an IS 200t, IS 350 and IS 300h. The IS 200t is the most recent addition to the range, powered by the brand’s 8AR-FTS 2.0 litre turbocharged engine that made its debut in the NX SUV. The 241 hp/350 Nm motor is paired to an eight-speed torque converter automatic. Read our review of the IS 200t.



GALLERY: Lexus IS 200t F Sport

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • seancorr (Member) on Apr 25, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    It just got a whole lot uglier

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 25
    • AutoFrenz (the original) on Apr 25, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      But still better looking than both C n 3 combined…even more sporty

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 3
    • Same L00 on Apr 25, 2016 at 3:04 pm

      Ugly or not, it subject to personal preference. But getting a Lexus, you are assured with
      1. Reliability
      2. Fuel Saving
      3. Comfort
      4. Cheap Maintenance
      5. Status
      6. Good RV

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
    • Sexus on Apr 25, 2016 at 3:56 pm

      Not as ugly as you

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
    • DPCraft on Apr 26, 2016 at 2:25 pm

      Yup, ES still best looking Lexus.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nabill (Member) on Apr 25, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    This car needs a revamp… The smallest interior in its class… That center console is way too big for that car size

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 6
    • Nenek Kau on Apr 25, 2016 at 1:18 pm

      yup…the rear seat feel cramp even with 2 adults only.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 6
      • nabill (Member) on Apr 25, 2016 at 3:13 pm

        i sit in the passenger seat n knees hitting the dash,and the center console is squeezing leg room…really not good design at all…yes it look nice,bt its just tight everywhere unless u r a smurf..!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • AutoFrenz (the original) on Apr 25, 2016 at 1:59 pm

      If u want bigger space than buy ES…similar price range with IS…IS is meant to be driven like a true sports car…who cares abt d rrear…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
      • stasta on Apr 26, 2016 at 9:52 am

        u know u have a space problem when even front passenger are hitting their knees on the glovebox and center console.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Lexis on Apr 25, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    It look uglier than ever. No wonder no sensible Malaysian buys any.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 5
  • Tom Lim on Apr 25, 2016 at 3:33 pm

    The interior look old school

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Sexus on Apr 25, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    Beautiful

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Apr 25, 2016 at 7:39 pm

    I didn’t think lexus can outdo themselves in making the IS uglier , somehow they did it…. amazing…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • DPCraft on Apr 25, 2016 at 7:56 pm

    IS is ugly, ES looks way better interior & Exterior.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Jobless on Apr 25, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    Way overpriced in Malaysia…like the Peegot 308 at Rm132K….wat were they thinking??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • alex259 on Apr 27, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    Another UGLY creation, like chinese phrase say”no ugliest, only become more uglier”

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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