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Studies of the Lexus IS sports activities sedan’s demise have proved untimely.
Whereas the V8-powered IS500 was despatched off with Climax and Final editions, the four-cylinder IS300h hybrid and V6-powered IS350 have been handled to a facelift for 2026.
It marks the third facelift for the third-generation IS, which entered manufacturing in 2013.
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The up to date IS is due in markets like Japan and the US in early 2026. Nevertheless, it’s not anticipated to come back to Australia, the place it was discontinued shortly after its final facelift in 2021 because it wasn’t compliant with a brand new Australian Design Rule surrounding side-impact security.
Externally, the refreshed IS is distinguished by revised front-end styling that brings it in step with newer Lexus fashions just like the LBX.
The grille not seems as tall, giving the IS a wider look, and the Lexus badge now sits above it. The IS is 10mm longer than earlier than, however is in any other case unchanged dimensionally.
There’s a brand new exterior color, Neutrino Gray (known as Wind within the US market), in addition to a brand new 19-inch alloy wheel design and a brand new rear spoiler. The Lexus brand on the rear has additionally been swapped out for lettering.
Inside, the touchscreen has grown from 10.3 to 12.3 inches, and is joined by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The spherical air vents at both finish of the sprint are gone, and so is Lexus’ signature analogue clock. The door panels have additionally been revised.
New Cast Bamboo trim could be discovered on the centre console and begin button, and there’s a brand new Radiant Purple inside colourway.
Whereas the IS had obtained an exterior reskin for 2021, the updates made to the inside have been way more minor from a design standpoint. That meant the IS inside was essentially greater than a decade previous earlier than this 2026 facelift.
Lexus says it has retuned the electrical energy steering for a extra linear really feel, whereas the revised adaptive suspension guarantees larger stability and low-impact harshness.
The IS’ suite of energetic security and driver help tech – branded Lexus Security System+ 3.0 – has additionally been bolstered with a brand new hands-off operate for freeway driving.
Lexus hasn’t specified any modifications to the IS’ powertrains.
The IS300h incorporates a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, rear-wheel drive and a constantly variable transmission (CVT), whereas the IS350 – the one variant supplied within the US – comes with a 3.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6 with both an eight-speed computerized and rear-wheel drive or a six-speed computerized and all-wheel drive.
It’s unclear when a new-generation IS will launch.
The posh model revealed the Electrified Sedan Idea in 2021, previewing an electrical IS successor. A manufacturing model has by no means eventuated, although a brand new technology of the bigger, front-wheel drive ES sedan was revealed with each hybrid and electrical energy.
Information of the IS’ newest refresh follows studies the rival Infiniti Q50, which exited manufacturing final yr, is being revived for 2027 as an much more enthusiast-focused sports activities sedan with twin-turbo V6 energy and an accessible guide transmission.
Nevertheless, the opposite Japanese sports activities sedan on this section – the Acura TLX – was axed this yr and no alternative is deliberate. The TLX was by no means offered in Australia, although the IS and Q50 have been beforehand supplied on our market.
Lexus has offered roughly 1.3 million IS fashions globally since its debut in 1999. At all times supplied as a sedan, the IS additionally supplied a wagon (although not in Australia) in its first technology, with a convertible supplied throughout its second technology.
MORE: Discover the Lexus IS showroom
