Verdict
The Lexus IS XE30 Facelift is the materially stronger new-car choice: its 2.0-litre turbo makes 241 hp and 350 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds while using a rated 7.0 L/100 km. Against that, the Lexus IS XE30’s 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine produces 205 hp and 252 Nm, takes 8.1 seconds and is rated at 8.6 L/100 km. The facelift costs RM409,000 against RM270,200, however, so the RM138,800 gap is hard to ignore when both retain the same 4,665 mm body, 480-litre boot and 66-litre tank.
Pick the Lexus IS XE30 if RM138,800 saved matters more than the facelift’s 36 hp, 98 Nm and faster eight-speed drivetrain.
Pick the Lexus IS XE30 Facelift if you want 241 hp, 350 Nm, a 7.0-second 0-100 km/h time and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus IS XE30 RM270,200; Lexus IS XE30 Facelift RM409,000.
- Engine output: Lexus IS XE30 205 hp and 252 Nm; Lexus IS XE30 Facelift 241 hp and 350 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus IS XE30 8.1 seconds; Lexus IS XE30 Facelift 7.0 seconds.
- Rated fuel economy: Lexus IS XE30 8.6 L/100 km; Lexus IS XE30 Facelift 7.0 L/100 km.
- Transmission: Lexus IS XE30 six-speed Super ECT; Lexus IS XE30 Facelift eight-speed Sports Direct Shift.
- Warranty: Lexus IS XE30 three years/100,000 km; Lexus IS XE30 Facelift five years/unlimited mileage.
XE30
- RM138,800 cheaper to buy.
- 65 kg lighter at 1,555 kg.
- 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
- 205 hp and 252 Nm trail the facelift’s 241 hp and 350 Nm.
- 8.1-second 0-100 km/h time versus 7.0 seconds.
- RM879 annual road tax versus RM379.
XE30 Facelift
- 241 hp and 350 Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo engine.
- Rated at 7.0 L/100 km and RM379 annual road tax.
- Adds a front knee airbag, all-seat seatbelt reminder and electronic parking brake.
- RM138,800 more expensive to buy.
- 65 kg heavier at 1,620 kg.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM270,200✓ | RM409,000 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM879 | RM379✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 24-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 2,499 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 205 hp | 241 hp✓ |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12 | 10 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6 Speed Super ECT with A.I. Shift | 8-speed Sports Direct Shift |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.1 seconds | 7 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 8.6 L/100 km | 7 L/100 km✓ |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h | 230 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 199 g/km | —✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,665 mm | 4,665 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,810 mm |
| Height | 1,430 mm | 1,430 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm | 2,800 mm |
| Weight | 1,555 kg | 1,620 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 66 litres | 66 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 480 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R17 | 225/45R17 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Bi-Xenon Projector | Bi-Xenon Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 10-way Power Adjustable Seats, Heated and Ventilated | 10-way Power Adjustable Seats, Heated and Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 7" Lexus Premium Audio with DVD/MP3 Player and 8 Speakers | 7" Lexus Premium Audio with DVD/MP3 Player and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 3 years | 5 years✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
XE30 vs XE30 Facelift FAQ
Is the Lexus IS XE30 or Lexus IS XE30 Facelift better?
The Lexus IS XE30 Facelift is better on performance, rated fuel economy, road tax and warranty. The Lexus IS XE30 is the rational choice only if its much lower purchase price outweighs the facelift’s 36 hp, 98 Nm and extra equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus IS XE30 Facelift costs RM138,800 more than the Lexus IS XE30.
Which Lexus IS costs less to fuel and tax?
The Lexus IS XE30 Facelift has the lower stated fuel consumption at 7.0 L/100 km versus 8.6 L/100 km, and its annual road tax is RM379 rather than RM879.