Lexus Unveils the All-New IS, Setting a New Benchmark in Performance and Design
Lexus officially premiered the all-new IS marking a significant milestone for the brand’s compact sports sedan lineup. The latest model is slated to go on sale in select markets starting in early 2026, continuing the IS legacy that has spanned over a quarter-century.
Since its debut in 1999, the first-generation Lexus IS has embodied the brand’s commitment to driving enjoyment, establishing itself as a benchmark among compact front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports sedans. Over the past 25 years, the IS has become synonymous with the Lexus driving experience, admired for its dynamic performance, precise handling, and bold, sporty styling. To date, the model has achieved cumulative global sales of approximately 1.3 million units across 40 countries and regions, earning the loyalty of drivers worldwide. The development of the new IS involved extensive testing at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama in Japan, as well as at other key locations globally, to refine the unique performance character known as the “Lexus Driving Signature.”
The all-new IS introduces two powertrain variants: the IS 300h and IS 350. Under the guiding theme of “Refinement in Performance and Design,” Lexus has elevated the qualities that have long defined the IS: an engaging driving experience that fosters an intuitive connection between driver and car, and a bold, sporty design that commands attention on the road.
Enhanced Driving Performance
Lexus engineers focused on refining steering response and vehicle stability to enhance driver engagement. The all-new IS is equipped with an advanced electric power steering (EPS) system featuring a variable gear ratio. This innovation reduces steering angle at intersections and through consecutive corners, resulting in smoother, more responsive handling. Additionally, a linear-solenoid type Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) has been implemented to optimize the balance between vehicle stability and road-surface comfort, delivering a driving experience that is both dynamic and comfortable.
Striking Exterior Design
The exterior of the new IS has been redesigned to emphasize its low center of gravity and wide stance, reinforcing the vehicle’s aggressive, commanding presence. The F SPORT variant further amplifies this sporty appeal, featuring a newly designed rear spoiler that improves aerodynamics and 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels that underscore its responsive driving character.
The exterior color palette has been expanded to eight options, including the all-new Neutrino Gray. This sophisticated hue, with its hard-toned light gray base and metallic highlights, conveys a dynamic sense of motion and complements the car’s athletic character. The diverse color offerings allow customers to select a finish that aligns with their personal style and lifestyle preferences.
Driver-Focused Interior
Inside the cabin, the IS offers a thoughtfully designed environment that keeps the driver fully connected to the road. The centerpiece is a 12.3-inch touchscreen display that ensures intuitive operation and clear visibility from the driver’s natural line of sight. The digital instrument cluster has also been upgraded to a 12.3-inch TFT LCD screen, delivering information in a clear, easy-to-read format.
The interior features a new “Forged Bamboo” trim for the upper console and start switch bezel, created from natural bamboo fibers to produce an elegant “In-ei” shading effect. This design accentuates the IS’s dynamic energy and sporty ambiance. Complementing this, a new interior color named “Prominence,” inspired by the vivid glow of solar flares, enhances the aggressive, performance-oriented atmosphere of the cabin.
Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance
The new IS is equipped with expanded features of the Lexus Safety System +, providing advanced preventive safety measures. Additionally, Lexus introduces Advanced Drive [Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive], an advanced driver assistance system that supports highway driving and reduces fatigue during long journeys, allowing drivers to enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable experience behind the wheel.
Key Features of the All-New IS
- Refined Performance: Rack-parallel EPS system with variable gear ratio for precise, linear steering feel; linear solenoid-type AVS for improved stability and ride comfort.
- Aggressive Exterior Design: Redesigned front fascia highlighting low center of gravity and wide stance; 19-inch lightweight aluminum wheels; aerodynamic rear spoiler; eight body color options including Neutrino Gray.
- Driver-Centric Interior: 12.3-inch touchscreen center display; 12.3-inch full LCD digital instrument cluster; “Forged Bamboo” trim; new Prominence interior color.
- Advanced Safety Systems: Expanded Lexus Safety System +; Advanced Drive [Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive] with hands-off function for highway traffic.
Lexus International Chief Engineer Yasushi Muto emphasized the development philosophy behind the new IS: “Our focus was on achieving true dialogue between car and driver, where the vehicle faithfully responds to the driver’s intentions and communicates its reactions clearly. The all-new IS represents the next level of driving engagement, combining the distinctive ride comfort and precise control that the IS is known for with refined interior design, cutting-edge safety technologies, and advanced multimedia integration. We invite drivers to experience the pure joy of driving in the newly reimagined IS.”
With its comprehensive upgrades in performance, design, and technology, the new Lexus IS continues to set the standard for compact sports sedans, offering a thrilling, driver-focused experience that resonates with enthusiasts around the world.
