Lexus has revised the mid-range IS sedan. The front in particular has been trimmed for more sportiness. The drive of the at least 36.800 euros premium model remained unchanged. The planned 300 units a year in Germany should not cause Audi, BMW and Mercedes a headache.
"We asked customers from Europe which changes we should make and what we should not change under any circumstances," explains chief engineer Naoki Kobayashi. IS fans from Russia, England, but also Italy and Spain were interviewed. However, none from Germany. The selection of interviewees was purely coincidental. Perhaps, however, the questioners would have found out the reason why the IS, of which at least over one million copies were sold, just found in Germany so far only a few friends. A fact that probably will not change with the new edition.
It is all about the "face", whose "diabolo" grill is now even grimmer. The "devilish" face, the hallmark of all Lexus models, is now framed by two significantly enlarged air inlets. At the grill, the waist slipped further up, so that the now deeper base looks even more martial. Since the IS is now shining into the world with LED technology, the headlights have become narrower and complement the overall impression with a shot of insidiousness.
A clear contrast to the Germanic top dogs, who, for their conservative clientele, rely on solidity despite all modernity. The Lexus wants to polarize, appeal to solvent people who simply don't want to be part of the mainstream. The face lift is also the most striking feature of the new. Outwardly invisible remain the changes under the familiar at least the fans sheet metal dress. Precision work on both axles, shock absorbers and other components improves the stiffness of the IS by a good 50 percent. Tests were carried out on Japanese racetracks, including the Suzuka Formula 1 circuit, which is actually assigned to Honda. "The result is greater stability even in particularly sporty driving style," says Naoki Kobayashi.
The work of the technicians and test drivers in everyday life was confirmed on a curve chase over smaller country roads near Rome. Hardly any lateral inclination thanks to sporty firmness without loss of comfort, direct steering, convincing brakes. And now there are more electronic helpers on board. An emergency braking function that not only detects massive obstacles, but also has pedestrians in view. The lane departure warning system automatically steers back into the correct track when a road marking is reached, if the driver does not. Blind spot detectors, distance radar or cameras that sound the alarm behind the car when maneuvering in cross traffic can also be ordered. The wide monitor for navigation and entertainment has been significantly enlarged. However, the Japanese are reluctant to "network" with the environment.
Speaking of the interior: Here Lexus shows why the young brand is rightly considered a premium. The Japanese call Takumi their very special kind of careful craftsmanship. "There is a lot of Takumi in the IS," reports Kobayashi, referring to special wood applications, fine stitching on leather seats and panels, or almost artfully arranged aluminum trim pieces. Feel-good climate, wherever you look.
But not new in the engine compartment: There are two versions to choose from, the two-liter turbo with 180 kW / 245 PS and 8 automatic gearbox or the hybrid model that combines a combination of a 2,5-liter petrol engine and an electric motor System performance comes from 164 kW / 223 PS. A good two-thirds of the previous IS buyers have opted for the so sparing double heart (4,3 liter / 100 km). A diesel model is not planned. (Peter Maahn / SP-X)