2016 LEXUS IS 300h eCVT (223 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The third generation of the Lexus IS was introduced in 2013, and the Japanese carmaker refreshed it in 2016.

Lexus introduced the IS range in 1998 as a sport compact car aimed at the German BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. While in the beginning, it wasn’t a true match for them. Later on, it started to increase its image and performance. By the third generation’s facelift, another two important competitors were added to the list: Audi and Jaguar.

The designers worked a little at the grille at the front and changed the horizontal slats from the non-facelifted version to a mesh-grille. Its lower part of the bumper was reshaped and featured side-pods to cool the front brakes. But that’s where they stopped with the exterior changes.

Inside, there were more differences, especially in the instrument cluster. Starting with 2016, the IS featured a more advanced display, with a center rev-counter and additional gauges placed next to it. The onboard computer information was shown inside the tachometer’s dial. Another improvement was for the infotainment system, where Lexus installed a high-resolution display fitted as standard. A navigation system and a 15-speakers Mark&Levinson Premium sound system was on the options list. It was Apple CarPlay compatible.

Under the hood, Lexus introduced new technologies, new engines, and more performance. Like its non-facelifted version, it didn’t feature any diesel unit. Its base model was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot available with rear or all-wheel-drive. The carmaker axed the 2.5-liter V6, and the only six-cylinder version was the 3.5-liter unit, which kept the same output.