Lexus announced that it will be updating its IS lineup for 2023. The compact executive car from Toyota’s luxury division will be offered in four powertrain options depending on the grade and can be optioned with various appearance packages.
“For more than 20 years, the IS has provided a dynamic bond between driver and machine for guests across the world. With the launch of the all-new IS in 2021, Lexus expanded on that legacy by sharpening the driving performance fundamentals through the introduction of Lexus Driving Signature, a key pillar for the Lexus brand. Then, in 2022, the all-new IS 500 F Sport Performance brought an undeniable presence to the lineup with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 generating 472 horsepower (hp) and 395 lb.-ft. (535Nm) of torque. The 2023 IS will build on that success by offering new standard features and additional luxury options,” Lexus said in a press release.
Available on the RWD Lexus IS 300 is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, intercooled inline four-cylinder engine. The powerplant boasts features like adaptive transmission control and a sophisticated Variable Valve Timing-intelligent – Wide (VVTi-W) system. It is mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission and makes 241 horses with almost 350Nm of instantaneous torque. This setup integrates an advanced G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system that monitors multiple performance parameters to determine the optimum gear selection.
The Lexus IS 300 AWD, on the other hand, is fitted with a stout 3.5-liter mill. The V6 engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers 260hp and 350Nm of pulling power. Its electronically controlled all-wheel drive system is designed to help enhance traction and grip by automatically varying front-to-rear torque distribution.
For buyers who crave additional power, there’s the IS 350 in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 horses and 380Nm of peak torque. The Lexus IS 350 RWD model uses the same eight-speed SPDS automatic transmission found in the Lexus IS 300 RWD, while the AWD version sends power through a six-speed automatic.
Passionate customers who want to push the envelope on driving performance and exhilaration can get the 5.0-liter V8-equipped IS 500 F Sport Performance. This beefy engine makes a whopping 472hp with around 535Nm of torque. An eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission channels that power to the rear wheels of this performance sedan and a throaty quad exhaust system with dual-stacked tailpipes amplify the sound of this high-output engine.
The Lexus IS 350 and Lexus IS 500 will also be available with various appearance packages.
Per Lexus, the IS 350 will be offered in a new F Sport Design grade for 2023 with both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. The new Lexus IS 350 F Sport Design trim will come with variant-specific exterior appointments such as bumpers, grille, rear lip spoiler, badging, and 19-inch F Sport alloy wheels.
In addition, the Lexus IS 350 Sport will come with a Handling Package for 2023. The supplementary feature offers Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), Torsen Limited-Slip Rear Differential on RWD models, Drive Mode Select with Sport S/S+, and Custom Modes. A 19-inch Matte Black BBS forged alloy wheels can also be added to this package.
Furthermore, the Lexus IS 350 Sport variant can be optioned with an exclusive Special Appearance Package, which includes a unique exterior combination featuring Incognito paint accented by an Obsidian black hood and roof, complemented by black NuLuxe interior. To complete this distinctive look, the package also offers 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels with a dark finish.
Likewise, the Lexus IS 500 can be had with the abovementioned 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels (with a dark finish). Additionally, the aforementioned exclusive 19-inch Matte Black BBS forged alloy wheels can be equipped with the Lexus IS 500 Sport Performance variant.
For those who want to take their Lexus IS 500 to the next level, an all-new 2023 Special Appearance Package will be offered on the IS 500 F Sport Premium grade. This exclusive packaging includes head-turning Molten Pearl exterior paint (a first for the IS series) with Black NuLuxe interior and is complemented by the distinct 19-inch Matte Black BBS forged alloy wheels. The 2023 Special Appearance Package also includes unique color-matched floor-trimmed mats and matching key gloves.
According to Lexus, only 480 units of the IS 350 F Sport with the exclusive Special Appearance Package will be produced. Similarly, the Special Appearance Package-equipped IS 500 F Sport model will only have 150 samples. Both will go on sale later in the year.
Safety-wise, Lexus’ 2023 IS range will come standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5. The automotive safety suite offers features like Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection, Bicyclist Detection, and Emergency Steering Assist (ESA).
Other safety features include All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Intelligent High Beams, and Road Sign Assist (RSA).
Upon launch, the 2023 Lexus IS will be offered in eight variants and will be priced from US$40,585 to US$62,770 (from P2.328 million to P3.601 million).
Photos from Lexus
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Here’s how Lexus Driving Signature can make safer, more exciting cars for the future
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