Pros

  • Excellent fit and finish
  • Ride quality and dynamic ability
  • Retaining value on the used market
  • V6 powertrain is superb

Cons

  • The range and optional packs can be confusing
  • Rear seat leg room is tighter than some of the competition
  • Does Lexus still lack the image of its European rivals?

Verdict

If you’re in the market for a sedan wearing a premium badge, we understand the attraction to the European contenders over the Lexus IS.

The likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes come with brand identities that have taken many decades and billions of dollars worth of marketing to build, however,...

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Publish: February 25, 2022

In November 2021, Lexus Australia stopped sale of its third-generation IS sedan, thanks to a change in toughened Australian Design Rules side impact requirements. And thus ends the eight year presence of the ‘XE30’ model line-up that arrived in mid-2013, as well as the IS nameplate presence locally since the first XE10 generation lobbed back in 1999.

The gen-three drew polarising response for its styling. By its local launch, in July 2013, Lexus was deep into ‘Predator face’ spindle design language and XE30 copped flak for having curves and edges in all the wrong places. Eye. Beholder. To each their own, right?

This new IS was – and in some markets still is – built off a new longer and wider platform, if maintaining the classic rear-driven appeal of generation prior and offering what was a well-minted model range packed with a familiar array of powertrain and variant choices, plus a brand-spanking petrol-electric hybrid alternative.

Staple was the choice of lower-grade IS250, powered by a 2.5-litre petrol (4GR-FSE) six outputting 153kW and 252Nm, or the high-spec IS350 that brought – you guessed it – 3.5 litres of naturally aspirated (2GR-FSE) quad-cam V6 energy sprouting 233kW and 378Nm. The former, a six-speed automatic, runs 0-100km/h in around eight seconds. Meanwhile, the larger engines brought sub-six-second performance while fitting eight-speed automatics.

New to breed was the 300h, which offered petrol-electric hybrid power with a total system output of 164kW, packs a 133kW/221Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a CVT transmission. Its advertised fuel consumption

In November 2021, Lexus Australia stopped sale of its third-generation IS sedan, thanks to a change in toughened Australian Design Rules side impact requirements. And thus ends the eight year presence of the ‘XE30’ model line-up that arrived in mid-2013, as well as the IS nameplate presence locally since the first XE10 generation lobbed back in 1999.

The gen-three drew polarising response for its styling. By its local launch, in July 2013, Lexus was deep into ‘Predator face’ spindle design language and XE30 copped flak for having curves and edges in all the wrong places. Eye. Beholder. To each their own, right?

This new IS was – and in some markets still is – built off a new longer and wider platform, if maintaining the classic rear-driven appeal of generation prior and offering what was a well-minted model range packed with a familiar array of powertrain and variant choices, plus a brand-spanking petrol-electric hybrid alternative.

Staple was the choice of lower-grade IS250, powered by a 2.5-litre petrol (4GR-FSE) six outputting 153kW and 252Nm, or the high-spec IS350 that brought – you guessed it – 3.5 litres of naturally aspirated (2GR-FSE) quad-cam V6 energy sprouting 233kW and 378Nm. The former, a six-speed automatic, runs 0-100km/h in around eight seconds. Meanwhile, the larger engines brought sub-six-second performance while fitting eight-speed automatics.

New to breed was the 300h, which offered petrol-electric hybrid power with a total system output of 164kW, packs a 133kW/221Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a CVT transmission. Its advertised fuel consumption is just 4.9 litres though, at 8.5sec 0-100km, the hybrid is the slowest in the stable, if not by much.

The petrol six versions settled into a familiar three-tier variant hierarchy of base Luxury, middling F Sport and all-you-can-eat Sport Luxury, a naming convention that’s a little confusing to the uninitiated. In IS250 guise, pricing ranged between $56k and $78k, while stumping for the larger engine commanded a premium of between $6k and $9k. At just under $59k, the IS300h Luxury essentially asked an extra three grand for its hybridisation.

The interior design would gain reputation as more pleasing than its exterior styling, with typically lush Lexus build and material choice and the marque’s infamously crook approach to utterly clumsy infotainment and user interface. Gen three IS marked Lexus’s local debut of its Enform telematics ecosystem, back during luxury cardom’s big push for such systems, which offered owners certain connected services (business search, weather updates, concierge services) most generally now use on the their smartphones.

The Japanese maker – with its spirit in the US market – continued it penchant for high levels of standard equipment and a solid value-for-money pitch compared with premium European alternatives. Drive mode select, a reversing camera, sat-nav and heated/cooled seating was offered right from Luxury up to the full-loaded Sport Luxury, while the middling F Sport got its own unique styling tweaks inside and out, its own steering and chassis tuning and some detailed specification variation.

The IS saw a very minor range fettle in October 2014 – new colours, upgraded safety – but the first key update for gen three was the arrival of the turbocharged IS200t in September 2015. Featuring VVT-iW valve tech, the forced four brought 180kW and 350Nm, switches between Otto and Atkinson cycle operation and is backed by an eight-speed auto, putting the IS250 model and its N/A 2.5L V6 to pasture.
The IS debuted a major facelift in 2016 that went on sale locally in 2017, remodelling its polarizing bonce and bringing design changes outside (eight) and inside (15 by its maker reckoning), with stylisms robbed from its then-fresh RC sports coupe. Infotainment also grew from a seven to a larger 10.3-inch display screen. A more wide-ranging Lexus Safety System+ suite was also implemented at this facelift stage. The update IS ranged in pricing from just under $60k to around $85k.

Not much happened in IS land for a while, bar some Black Line appearance pack specials mid-2020, but in October that year Lexus lobbed a “reimagined” IS, essential shaking up the line-up to consolidate down to two versions – Luxury and F Sport – whilst omitting the old flagship Sport Luxury and reconfiguring the remaining versions’ features and specifications lists with an ever-expanding array of cost-optional enhancement packs to essentially form a 12-version line-up.

The revised MY21 F Sport, now on 19s with part-leather trim, adaptive suspension and 8.0-inch TFT driver’s display styled after the famed LFA supercar’s instrumentation, is perhaps the pick of its generation. And a fitting swan song for a range and nameplate that would feel the axe (locally) just 12 months later.

In November 2021, Lexus Australia stopped sale of its third-generation IS sedan, thanks to a change in toughened Australian Design Rules side impact requirements. And thus ends the eight year presence of the ‘XE30’ model line-up that arrived in mid-2013, as well as the IS nameplate presence locally since the first XE10 generation lobbed back in 1999.

The gen-three drew polarising response for its styling. By its local launch, in July 2013, Lexus was deep into ‘Predator face’ spindle design language and XE30 copped flak for having curves and edges in all the wrong places. Eye. Beholder. To each their own, right?

This new IS was – and in some markets still is – built off a new longer and wider platform, if maintaining the classic rear-driven appeal of generation prior and offering what was a well-minted model range packed with a familiar array of powertrain and variant choices, plus a brand-spanking petrol-electric hybrid alternative.

Staple was the choice of lower-grade IS250, powered by a 2.5-litre petrol (4GR-FSE) six outputting 153kW and 252Nm, or the high-spec IS350 that brought – you guessed it – 3.5 litres of naturally aspirated (2GR-FSE) quad-cam V6 energy sprouting 233kW and 378Nm. The former, a six-speed automatic, runs 0-100km/h in around eight seconds. Meanwhile, the larger engines brought sub-six-second performance while fitting eight-speed automatics.

New to breed was the 300h, which offered petrol-electric hybrid power with a total system output of 164kW, packs a 133kW/221Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a CVT transmission. Its advertised fuel consumption is just 4.9 litres though, at 8.5sec 0-100km, the hybrid is the slowest in the stable, if not by much.

The petrol six versions settled into a familiar three-tier variant hierarchy of base Luxury, middling F Sport and all-you-can-eat Sport Luxury, a naming convention that’s a little confusing to the uninitiated. In IS250 guise, pricing ranged between $56k and $78k, while stumping for the larger engine commanded a premium of between $6k and $9k. At just under $59k, the IS300h Luxury essentially asked an extra three grand for its hybridisation.

The interior design would gain reputation as more pleasing than its exterior styling, with typically lush Lexus build and material choice and the marque’s infamously crook approach to utterly clumsy infotainment and user interface. Gen three IS marked Lexus’s local debut of its Enform telematics ecosystem, back during luxury cardom’s big push for such systems, which offered owners certain connected services (business search, weather updates, concierge services) most generally now use on the their smartphones.

The Japanese maker – with its spirit in the US market – continued it penchant for high levels of standard equipment and a solid value-for-money pitch compared with premium European alternatives. Drive mode select, a reversing camera, sat-nav and heated/cooled seating was offered right from Luxury up to the full-loaded Sport Luxury, while the middling F Sport got its own unique styling tweaks inside and out, its own steering and chassis tuning and some detailed specification variation.

The IS saw a very minor range fettle in October 2014 – new colours, upgraded safety – but the first key update for gen three was the arrival of the turbocharged IS200t in September 2015. Featuring VVT-iW valve tech, the forced four brought 180kW and 350Nm, switches between Otto and Atkinson cycle operation and is backed by an eight-speed auto, putting the IS250 model and its N/A 2.5L V6 to pasture.
The IS debuted a major facelift in 2016 that went on sale locally in 2017, remodelling its polarizing bonce and bringing design changes outside (eight) and inside (15 by its maker reckoning), with stylisms robbed from its then-fresh RC sports coupe. Infotainment also grew from a seven to a larger 10.3-inch display screen. A more wide-ranging Lexus Safety System+ suite was also implemented at this facelift stage. The update IS ranged in pricing from just under $60k to around $85k.

Not much happened in IS land for a while, bar some Black Line appearance pack specials mid-2020, but in October that year Lexus lobbed a “reimagined” IS, essential shaking up the line-up to consolidate down to two versions – Luxury and F Sport – whilst omitting the old flagship Sport Luxury and reconfiguring the remaining versions’ features and specifications lists with an ever-expanding array of cost-optional enhancement packs to essentially form a 12-version line-up.

The revised MY21 F Sport, now on 19s with part-leather trim, adaptive suspension and 8.0-inch TFT driver’s display styled after the famed LFA supercar’s instrumentation, is perhaps the pick of its generation. And a fitting swan song for a range and nameplate that would feel the axe (locally) just 12 months later.

Lexus IS300-1 Lexus IS300-2 Lexus IS300-3 Lexus IS300-4 Lexus IS300-5 Lexus IS300-6 Lexus IS300-7 Lexus IS300-8 Lexus IS300-11 Lexus IS300-12 Lexus IS300-13 Lexus IS300-14 Lexus IS300-15 Lexus IS300-16 Lexus IS300-17 Lexus IS300-18 Lexus IS300-19 Lexus IS300-20 Lexus IS300-21 Lexus IS300-22 Lexus IS300-23

  • There are sporadic reports that the door lock actuators are beginning to fail but realistically, we’re talking a small handful of reports, not a common fault as such.
  • There are a few complaints that the brakes can produce an annoying amount of brake dust, especially on F Sport variants, not really really a common problem, more of a first world complaint.
  • Inside there are a few reports that IS’s interior can develop a few creaks and rattles, especially on examples that spend a lot of their lives on rough roads.
  • There are rare reports that the air conditioning can slowly just stop cooling. This can be anything from just low refrigerant levels in the air con system through to a dirty cabin air filter and in the worst case a Compressor failure so if you’re in the market, make sure you check that the air conditioning works and it works for an extended period of time.
  • Mechanically, not much commonly goes wrong.
  • The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is quite complex but it’s reliability threshold (even when missing a service or two) is quite high.
  • The 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine has been in existence in one way or another for many years and is showing superb longevity.
  • The Hybrid models are also showing typical Toyota longevity and reliability with very few issues being reported.
  • Overall, mechanically, if servicing and maintenance are kept up, these power plants should last an incredibly long time.
  • There are sporadic reports that the door lock actuators are beginning to fail but realistically, we’re talking a small handful of reports, not a common fault as such.
  • There are a few complaints that the brakes can produce an annoying amount of brake dust, especially on F Sport variants, not really really a common problem, more of a first world complaint.
  • Inside there are a few reports that IS’s interior can develop a few creaks and rattles, especially on examples that spend a lot of their lives on rough roads.
  • There are rare reports that the air conditioning can slowly just stop cooling. This can be anything from just low refrigerant levels in the air con system through to a dirty cabin air filter and in the worst case a Compressor failure so if you’re in the market, make sure you check that the air conditioning works and it works for an extended period of time.
  • Mechanically, not much commonly goes wrong.
  • The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is quite complex but it’s reliability threshold (even when missing a service or two) is quite high.
  • The 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine has been in existence in one way or another for many years and is showing superb longevity.
  • The Hybrid models are also showing typical Toyota longevity and reliability with very few issues being reported.
  • Overall, mechanically, if servicing and maintenance are kept up, these power plants should last an incredibly long time.
  • There are sporadic reports that the door lock actuators are beginning to fail but realistically, we’re talking a small handful of reports, not a common fault as such.
  • There are a few complaints that the brakes can produce an annoying amount of brake dust, especially on F Sport variants, not really really a common problem, more of a first world complaint.
  • Inside there are a few reports that IS’s interior can develop a few creaks and rattles, especially on examples that spend a lot of their lives on rough roads.
  • There are rare reports that the air conditioning can slowly just stop cooling. This can be anything from just low refrigerant levels in the air con system through to a dirty cabin air filter and in the worst case a Compressor failure so if you’re in the market, make sure you check that the air conditioning works and it works for an extended period of time.
  • Mechanically, not much commonly goes wrong.
  • The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is quite complex but it’s reliability threshold (even when missing a service or two) is quite high.
  • The 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine has been in existence in one way or another for many years and is showing superb longevity.
  • The Hybrid models are also showing typical Toyota longevity and reliability with very few issues being reported.
  • Overall, mechanically, if servicing and maintenance are kept up, these power plants should last an incredibly long time.

Body Style:

  • 4-door sedan

Engines:

  • 2.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 250)
  • 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (IS 200t, IS 300)
  • 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid (IS 300h)
  • 3.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 350)

Power:

  • 153kW – 2.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 250)
  • 180kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (IS 200t, IS 300)
  • 133kW (petrol engine) / (164kW) combined – 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid (IS 300h)
  • 233kW – 3.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 350)

Torque:

  • 252Nm – 2.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 250)
  • 350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (IS 200t, IS 300)
  • 221Nm (petrol engine) – 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid (IS 300h)
  • 378Nm – 3.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 350)

Transmission & drivetrains:

  • 6-speed automatic (IS 250)
  • 8-speed automatic (IS 200t, IS 300, IS 350)
  • 6-speed CVT (IS 300h)

Fuel Consumption:

  • 4.9 – 9.7L/100km (depending on engine and variant)

Length:

  • 4665mm

Width:

  • 1810mm

Height:

  • 1430mm

Kerb Weight:

  • 1645 – 1720kg (depending on engine and variant)

Body Style:

  • 4-door sedan

Engines:

  • 2.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 250)
  • 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (IS 200t, IS 300)
  • 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid (IS 300h)
  • 3.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 350)

Power:

  • 153kW – 2.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 250)
  • 180kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (IS 200t, IS 300)
  • 133kW (petrol engine) / (164kW) combined – 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid (IS 300h)
  • 233kW – 3.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 350)

Torque:

  • 252Nm – 2.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 250)
  • 350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (IS 200t, IS 300)
  • 221Nm (petrol engine) – 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid (IS 300h)
  • 378Nm – 3.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 350)

Transmission & drivetrains:

  • 6-speed automatic (IS 250)
  • 8-speed automatic (IS 200t, IS 300, IS 350)
  • 6-speed CVT (IS 300h)

Fuel Consumption:

  • 4.9 – 9.7L/100km (depending on engine and variant)

Length:

  • 4665mm

Width:

  • 1810mm

Height:

  • 1430mm

Kerb Weight:

  • 1645 – 1720kg (depending on engine and variant)

Body Style:

  • 4-door sedan

Engines:

  • 2.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 250)
  • 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (IS 200t, IS 300)
  • 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid (IS 300h)
  • 3.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 350)

Power:

  • 153kW – 2.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 250)
  • 180kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (IS 200t, IS 300)
  • 133kW (petrol engine) / (164kW) combined – 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid (IS 300h)
  • 233kW – 3.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 350)

Torque:

  • 252Nm – 2.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 250)
  • 350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (IS 200t, IS 300)
  • 221Nm (petrol engine) – 2.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol hybrid (IS 300h)
  • 378Nm – 3.5 litre V6 petrol (IS 350)

Transmission & drivetrains:

  • 6-speed automatic (IS 250)
  • 8-speed automatic (IS 200t, IS 300, IS 350)
  • 6-speed CVT (IS 300h)

Fuel Consumption:

  • 4.9 – 9.7L/100km (depending on engine and variant)

Length:

  • 4665mm

Width:

  • 1810mm

Height:

  • 1430mm

Kerb Weight:

  • 1645 – 1720kg (depending on engine and variant)

Warranty:

4 year/100,000km
5 year/unlimited kilometres

Servicing:

12 months or 15,000km

Model range, pricing & features

Lexus IS300-1

IS 250 Luxury

Price when new: $54,000 - $56,500

Price used: $23,000 - $38,000

The IS 250 Luxury is the base model of the IS range when launched in 2014, and was available with a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The model was replaced in September 2015, with the introduction of the IS 200t, featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

Features:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual chrome exhaust with diffuser
  • 5-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2015)
  • 8 airbags: driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger knee, front side and full-length curtain airbags
  • Front seat pre-tensioners with load limiters
  • Front and rear seatbelt reminders
  • Reversing camera
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Brake assist (BA)
  • Traction control
  • Vehicle/Electronic stability control (ESC)
  • Hill start assist control
  • Tyre pressure sensor
  • Bi-xenon (HID) headlights
  • Daytime running headlight (DRLs)
  • Front fog lamps
  • Headlight washers
  • Pedestrian sensing safety bonnet
  • Cruise control
  • Central locking with remote boot release
  • Drive mode select
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Electric mirrors – heated and electrically folding
  • Power windows – auto up/down for all windows
  • Dual zone climate control
  • Leather accented seats
  • Electric seats – driver and front passenger
  • Front driver and passenger ventilated seats
  • Front driver and passenger heated seats
  • Lexus Remote Touch Controller
  • 4.2-inch driver information display
  • 8-speaker stereo system
  • 7-inch infotainment system
  • DAB digital radio
  • CD player
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Satellite navigation with live traffic alerts
  • Voice recognition
  • Cup holders – front and rear
  • Footwell lamps
  • 60/40 split fold rear seats

IS 250 F Sport

Price when new: $61,973 - $65,500

Price used: $27,000 - $39,000

The IS 250 F Sport builds on the base IS 250 Luxury by way of larger alloy wheels, F Sport exterior and interior features, sports suspension, keyless entry and push button start.

In October 2014, an update to the packaging was released, adding rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring.

In addition to IS 250 Luxury:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • F Sport exterior design: unique front bumper, grille, metallic scuff plates and badging.
  • Sports suspension
  • Adaptable variable suspension
  • Blind sport monitor
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Sports S+ Drive Mode
  • Keyless entry
  • Push button start
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Electric mirrors – auto folding and linked to seat memory
  • Aluminium interior trim
  • F Sport pedals
  • F Sport steering wheel
  • F Sports bucket seats

October 2014 update:

  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Blind spot monitoring

IS 250 Sports Luxury

Price when new: $73,610 - $78,800

Price used: $27,000 - $41,000

The IS 250 Sports Luxury added more luxury and comfort orientated features, and rear traffic alert as well as blind spot monitoring in October 2014.

In addition to the IS 250 F Sport:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • 10 airbags: addition of rear side airbags
  • Radar guided cruise control
  • Lane departure warning
  • Pre-collision safety system
  • Automatic high beam
  • Tilt and slide electric glass sunroof with shade
  • Wood grain interior trim
  • 15-speaker 835W Mark Levinson sound system

October 2014 update:

  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Blind spot monitoring

IS 200t Luxury

Price when new: $57,500 - $59,340

Price used: $28,000 - $42,000

From September 2015, the IS 200t Luxury was introduced to replace the IS 250, introducing a new 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

A November 2016 saw additional safety equipment including autonomous emergency braking fitted standard in addition to a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system and a 10.3 inch infotainment system.

Features:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual chrome exhaust with diffuser
  • 5-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2015)
  • 10 airbags: addition of rear side airbags
  • Front seat pre-tensioners with load limiters
  • Front and rear seatbelt reminders
  • Pre-collision safety system
  • Reversing camera
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Brake assist (BA)
  • Traction control
  • Vehicle/Electronic stability control (ESC)
  • Hill start assist control
  • Tyre pressure sensor
  • Bi-xenon (HID) headlights
  • Daytime running headlight (DRLs)
  • Front fog lamps
  • Headlight washers
  • Pedestrian sensing safety bonnet
  • Cruise control
  • Central locking with remote boot release
  • Drive mode select
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Electric mirrors – heated and electrically folding
  • Power windows – auto up/down for all windows
  • Dual zone climate control
  • Leather accented seats
  • Electric seats – driver and front passenger
  • Front driver and passenger ventilated seats
  • Front driver and passenger heated seats
  • Lexus Remote Touch Controller
  • 4.2-inch driver information display
  • 8-speaker stereo system
  • 7-inch infotainment system
  • DAB digital radio
  • CD player
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Satellite navigation with live traffic alerts
  • Voice recognition
  • Cup holders – front and rear
  • Footwell lamps
  • 60/40 split fold rear seats

November 2016 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Lane departure warning
  • Radar guided cruise control
  • Automatic high beam
  • LED headlamps and turn signals
  • 10-speaker Pioneer sound system
  • 10.3-inch infotainment system

IS 200t F Sport

Price when new: $65,500 - $67,480

Price used: $35,000 - $52,000

The IS 200t F Sport was introduced as a replacement for the IS 250 F Sport, and carries over all the features from the IS 250 F Sport.

In addition to the IS 200t Luxury:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • F Sport exterior design: unique front bumper, grille, metallic scuff plates and badging.
  • Sports suspension
  • Adaptable variable suspension
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Blind sport monitor
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Sports S+ Drive Mode
  • Keyless entry
  • Push button start
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Electric mirrors – auto folding and linked to seat memory
  • Aluminium interior trim
  • F Sport pedals
  • F Sport steering wheel
  • F Sports bucket seats

November 2016 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Lane departure warning
  • Radar guided cruise control
  • Automatic high beam
  • LED headlamps and turn signals
  • 10-speaker Pioneer sound system
  • 10.3-inch infotainment system

IS 200t Sports Luxury

Price when new: $76,500 - $78,040

Price used: $38,000 - $52,000

In addition to the IS 200t F Sport:

  • Radar guided cruise control
  • Lane departure warning
  • Automatic high beam
  • Tilt and slide electric glass sunroof with shade
  • Wood grain interior trim
  • 15-speaker 835W Mark Levinson sound system

November 2016 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • LED headlamps and turn signals
  • 10.3-inch infotainment system

IS 300 Luxury

Price when new: $59,340 - $61,500

Price used: $42,000 - $70,000

Released in October 2017, the IS 300 Luxury replaced the IS 200t as a facelifted model, and carried over the features standard in the IS 200t Luxury.

Features:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual chrome exhaust with diffuser
  • 5-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2015)
  • 10 airbags: addition of rear side airbags
  • Front seat pre-tensioners with load limiters
  • Front and rear seatbelt reminders
  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Lane departure warning
  • Radar guided cruise control
  • Reversing camera
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Brake assist (BA)
  • Traction control
  • Vehicle/Electronic stability control (ESC)
  • Hill start assist control
  • Tyre pressure sensor
  • LED headlamps and turn signals
  • Daytime running headlight (DRLs)
  • Front fog lamps
  • Headlight washers
  • Automatic high beam
  • Pedestrian sensing safety bonnet
  • Cruise control
  • Central locking with remote boot release
  • Drive mode select
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Electric mirrors – heated and electrically folding
  • Power windows – auto up/down for all windows
  • Dual zone climate control
  • Leather accented seats
  • Electric seats – driver and front passenger
  • Front driver and passenger ventilated seats
  • Front driver and passenger heated seats
  • Lexus Remote Touch Controller
  • 4.2-inch driver information display
  • 10-speaker Pioneer sound system
  • 10.3-inch infotainment system
  • DAB digital radio
  • CD player
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Satellite navigation with live traffic alerts
  • Voice recognition
  • Cup holders – front and rear
  • Footwell lamps
  • 60/40 split fold rear seats

IS 300 F Sport

Price when new: $66,707 - $70,000

Price used: $43,000 - $80,000

The IS 300 F Sport is the replaced the IS 200t in October 2017, and carries over the same features as the IS 200t model.

In addition to the IS 300 Luxury:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • F Sport exterior design: unique front bumper, grille, metallic scuff plates and badging.
  • Sports suspension
  • Adaptable variable suspension
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Blind sport monitor
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Sports S+ Drive Mode
  • Keyless entry
  • Push button start
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Electric mirrors – auto folding and linked to seat memory
  • Aluminium interior trim
  • F Sport pedals
  • F Sport steering wheel
  • F Sports bucket seats

IS 300 Black Line Special Edition

Price when new: $69,775

Price used: $61,000 - $71,000

The IS 300 Black Line Special Edition was a limited edition model that comprised of a black pack added to the IS 300 F Sport that it was based on.

In addition to the IS 300 F Sport:

  • 18-inch blacked out wheels
  • Black mirror covers
  • Black and grey interior trim
  • Projector lamps – fitted to the front door
  • Blue interior accents

IS 300 Sports Luxury

Price when new: $77,022 - $77,751

Price used: $59,000 - $81,000

The IS 300 Sport Luxury is the replaced the IS 200t in October 2017, and carries over the same features as the IS 200t model.

In addition to the IS 300 F Sport:

  • Tilt and slide electric glass sunroof with shade
  • Wood grain interior trim
  • 15-speaker 835W Mark Levinson sound system

IS 300h Luxury

Price when new: $57,000 - $64,500

Price used: $25,000 - $70,000

The IS 300h Luxury featured the hybrid powertrain of a 2.5 litre 4-cylinder hybrid engine mated to a CVT transmission.

In addition to the IS 250/200t/300 Luxury models, the 300h model featured a switchable tacho/hybrid drive indicator and energy saving air conditioning system.

In addition to the IS 250/200t/300:

  • Switchable tacho/hybrid drive indicator
  • Energy saving air conditioning system

September 2015 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system
  • 10 airbags: addition of rear side airbags
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel

November 2016 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Lane departure warning
  • Radar guided cruise control
  • Automatic high beam
  • LED headlamps and turn signals
  • 10-speaker Pioneer sound system
  • 10.3-inch infotainment system

IS 300h F Sport

Price when new: $65,000 - $73,000

Price used: $28,000 - $77,000

The IS 300h F Sport is the F Sport package of the IS 300h hybrid model.

In addition to the IS 300h Luxury:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • F Sport exterior design: unique front bumper, grille, metallic scuff plates and badging.
  • Sports suspension
  • Adaptable variable suspension
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Blind sport monitor
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Sports S+ Drive Mode
  • Keyless entry
  • Push button start
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Electric mirrors – auto folding and linked to seat memory
  • Aluminium interior trim
  • F Sport pedals
  • F Sport steering wheel
  • F Sports bucket seats

October 2014 update:

  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Blind spot monitoring

September 2015 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system
  • 10 airbags: addition of rear side airbags
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel

November 2016 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Lane departure warning
  • Radar guided cruise control
  • Automatic high beam
  • LED headlamps and turn signals
  • 10-speaker Pioneer sound system
  • 10.3-inch infotainment system

IS 300h Sports Luxury

Price when new: $79,000 - $82,388

Price used: $32,000 - $79,000

Prior to November 2016, the IS 300h was not available in a Sports Luxury trim.

In addition to the IS 300h F Sport:

  • Tilt and slide electric glass sunroof with shade
  • Wood grain interior trim
  • 15-speaker 835W Mark Levinson sound system

November 2016 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

IS 350 Luxury

Price when new: $61,973 - $66,500

Price used: $26,000 - $43,000

The IS 350 Luxury model features the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Features:

  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • Dual chrome exhaust with diffuser
  • 5-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2015)
  • 8 airbags: driver and front passenger, driver and front passenger knee, front side and full-length curtain airbags
  • Front seat pre-tensioners with load limiters
  • Front and rear seatbelt reminders
  • Reversing camera
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Brake assist (BA)
  • Traction control
  • Vehicle/Electronic stability control (ESC)
  • Hill start assist control
  • Tyre pressure sensor
  • Bi-xenon (HID) headlights
  • Daytime running headlight (DRLs)
  • Front fog lamps
  • Headlight washers
  • Pedestrian sensing safety bonnet
  • Cruise control
  • Central locking with remote boot release
  • Drive mode select
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Electric mirrors – heated and electrically folding
  • Power windows – auto up/down for all windows
  • Dual zone climate control
  • Leather accented seats
  • Electric seats – driver and front passenger
  • Front driver and passenger ventilated seats
  • Front driver and passenger heated seats
  • Lexus Remote Touch Controller
  • 4.2-inch driver information display
  • 8-speaker stereo system
  • 7-inch infotainment system
  • DAB digital radio
  • CD player
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Satellite navigation with live traffic alerts
  • Voice recognition
  • Cup holders – front and rear
  • Footwell lamps
  • 60/40 split fold rear seats

September 2015 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system
  • 10 airbags: addition of rear side airbags
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel

November 2016 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Lane departure warning
  • Radar guided cruise control
  • Automatic high beam
  • LED headlamps and turn signals
  • 10-speaker Pioneer sound system
  • 10.3-inch infotainment system

IS 350 F Sport

Price when new: $69,610 - $75,000

Price used: $28,000 - $87,000

The IS 350 F Sport model is largely the same as the other respective F Sport models in the IS range, with the exception of the 3.5-litre V6 engine as well as variable gear ratio steering fitted to the IS 350 F Sport.

In addition to the IS 350 Luxury:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels
  • F Sport exterior design: unique front bumper, grille, metallic scuff plates and badging.
  • Sports suspension
  • Adaptable variable suspension
  • Variable gear ratio steering
  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Blind sport monitor
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Sports S+ Drive Mode
  • Keyless entry
  • Push button start
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Electric mirrors – auto folding and linked to seat memory
  • 15-speaker 835W Mark Levinson sound system
  • Aluminium interior trim
  • F Sport pedals
  • F Sport steering wheel
  • F Sports bucket seats

October 2014 update:

  • Rear cross traffic alert
  • Blind spot monitoring

September 2015 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system
  • 10 airbags: addition of rear side airbags
  • Electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel

November 2016 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Lane departure warning
  • Radar guided cruise control
  • Automatic high beam
  • LED headlamps and turn signals
  • 10-speaker Pioneer sound system
  • 10.3-inch infotainment system

IS 350 Black Line Special Edition

Price when new: $75,136

Price used: $68,000 - $76,000

The IS 350 Black Line Special Edition was a limited edition model that comprised of a black pack added to the IS 350 F Sport that it was based on.

In addition to the IS 350 F Sport

  • 18-inch blacked out wheels
  • Black mirror covers
  • Black and grey interior trim
  • Projector lamps – fitted to the front door
  • Blue interior accents

IS 350 Sports Luxury

Price when new: $81,610 - $84,800

Price used: $39,000 - $86,000

The IS 350 Sports Luxury is the top of the range from a package and engine point of view combining the highest trim with the flagship 3.5-litre V6 engine.

In addition to the IS 350 F Sport:

  • Tilt and slide electric glass sunroof with shade
  • Wood grain interior trim

November 2016 update:

  • Pre-collision safety system+
  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

If you’re in the market for a sedan wearing a premium badge, we understand the attraction to the European contenders over the Lexus IS.

The likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes come with brand identities that have taken many decades and billions of dollars worth of marketing to build, however, while much of the Euro competition (when brand new and covered under full factory warranty) are generally truly wonderful, quite a few of them when used and out of warranty, commonly don’t live up to the hype and reputation their marketing departments have worked so hard to build.

Funnily enough, this is where Lexus have failed, yet have also won.

Lexus have dropped the ball when it comes to marketing and selling their cars as a cool option.

Apologies to our more mature readers but the fact the average age of a Lexus buyer is over 55 shows the brand isn’t exactly resonating with a younger audience.

But as we’re seeing with the IS, this Lexus, in terms of purely fit, finish and quality, more than matches the Audi S5, BMW M3 and dare we say it, even the Mercedes Benz S Class that we have reviewed.

Add to that the fact the IS is showing superb reliability and longevity and Lexus as a brand tends to retain value when on the used market plus, especially in IS350 F Sport trim, it is a genuinely enjoyable vehicle to drive, the IS is the intelligent used car choice in this category.

If you’re in the market for a sedan wearing a premium badge, we understand the attraction to the European contenders over the Lexus IS.

The likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes come with brand identities that have taken many decades and billions of dollars worth of marketing to build, however, while much of the Euro competition (when brand new and covered under full factory warranty) are generally truly wonderful, quite a few of them when used and out of warranty, commonly don’t live up to the hype and reputation their marketing departments have worked so hard to build.

Funnily enough, this is where Lexus have failed, yet have also won.

Lexus have dropped the ball when it comes to marketing and selling their cars as a cool option.

Apologies to our more mature readers but the fact the average age of a Lexus buyer is over 55 shows the brand isn’t exactly resonating with a younger audience.

But as we’re seeing with the IS, this Lexus, in terms of purely fit, finish and quality, more than matches the Audi S5, BMW M3 and dare we say it, even the Mercedes Benz S Class that we have reviewed.

Add to that the fact the IS is showing superb reliability and longevity and Lexus as a brand tends to retain value when on the used market plus, especially in IS350 F Sport trim, it is a genuinely enjoyable vehicle to drive, the IS is the intelligent used car choice in this category.

Although, buying a car isn’t always about intelligent choices. Heart and emotion guide the attraction as equally to the mind and for many, a Lexus will always just be a fancy Toyota, even though it’s so much more than that.

In summary, yes you should buy one.

If you’re in the market for a sedan wearing a premium badge, we understand the attraction to the European contenders over the Lexus IS.

The likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes come with brand identities that have taken many decades and billions of dollars worth of marketing to build, however, while much of the Euro competition (when brand new and covered under full factory warranty) are generally truly wonderful, quite a few of them when used and out of warranty, commonly don’t live up to the hype and reputation their marketing departments have worked so hard to build.

Funnily enough, this is where Lexus have failed, yet have also won.

Lexus have dropped the ball when it comes to marketing and selling their cars as a cool option.

Apologies to our more mature readers but the fact the average age of a Lexus buyer is over 55 shows the brand isn’t exactly resonating with a younger audience.

But as we’re seeing with the IS, this Lexus, in terms of purely fit, finish and quality, more than matches the Audi S5, BMW M3 and dare we say it, even the Mercedes Benz S Class that we have reviewed.

Add to that the fact the IS is showing superb reliability and longevity and Lexus as a brand tends to retain value when on the used market plus, especially in IS350 F Sport trim, it is a genuinely enjoyable vehicle to drive, the IS is the intelligent used car choice in this category.

Although, buying a car isn’t always about intelligent choices. Heart and emotion guide the attraction as equally to the mind and for many, a Lexus will always just be a fancy Toyota, even though it’s so much more than that.

In summary, yes you should buy one.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of February 25, 2022.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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