Lexus IS sedan: Bold design for new BMW 3 Series rival

This Japanese luxury brand is looking to shake up the prestige market with a head-turning new model aimed at BMW.

2020 Lexus IS sedan.

Lexus has revealed its latest weapon to take on the BMW 3 Series.

The Japanese brand has officially unveiled a new Lexus IS sedan ahead of its arrival later this year.

A bold design gives the IS some road presence with the brand’s giant grille and slim headlights giving the sedan a sporty, muscular appeal. A single continuous rear light gives the IS a premium feel.

The car represents a redesign as opposed to an all-new model, with Lexus focusing its engineering efforts on more popular SUVs.

The new Lexus IS sedan is due in Australia later this year

Kenichi Hirai, Lexus design chief, said the aim was to create a more aggressive design.

“To achieve a high degree of design, Lexus members in product planning, production technology, engineering, and styling combined their various insights and united behind development from an early stage,” said Mr Hirai.

The IS features head-turning style.

“This enabled us to achieve the proportions of a four-door coupe that has a low centre of gravity, an explicit form, and other elements that express the worldview of the new IS.”

Lexus promises a greater driving experience with improved shocks, suspension and steering responsiveness.

A continuous rear light adds a premium feel to the IS.

Engines remain largely unchanged with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powering the IS300, a 2.5-litre petrol engine is paired with an electric motor in the IS 300h and a 3.5-litre V6 can be found in the IS350.

The cabin is plush with an array of premium material used throughout. The dash is dominated by a new 10.3-inch display which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But unlike key competitors Lexus uses a touchscreen with a touchpad control instead of the more conventional rotary style control.

The IS retains the same engine options as the current model.

Lexus is making a big safety push with a range of improved equipment over the outgoing model.

Leading the charge is a boosted lane keep assist tech with better lane recognition and steering ability, as well as an emergency stop feature if the driver does not respond to lane departure warnings.

The IS has a huge 10.3-inch display.

A new low speed acceleration control is aimed at stopping crashes by pedal mix-ups.

Lexus’ local chief Scott Thompson says customers will appreciate changes to the new IS.

Lexus has retained its touchpad controls.

“Australian customer preferences align perfectly with the focus on sharp design, dynamic performance and cutting-edge technology with the stunning new IS, making it an important addition to Lexus dealerships later this year,” said Mr Thompson.

Full local prices and specifications will be revealed closer to the car’s Australian launch.