Concept model
The LF-CC concept unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and later Auto Shanghai 2013 is a rear-wheel drive coupé incorporating designs from LF-LC concept and Lexus LFA. Main features include a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with D-4S direct injection technology, water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor, 3 LED-projector headlamp design, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) integrated into the upper bumper surface, rear spoiler integrated within the boot lid, L-shaped combination lamps with three-dimensional design, Fluid Titanium body colour, 2-zone dashboard, seats, door panels and instrument binnacle bonnet upholstered in amber leather.[65][66][67][68]
2013–2016
The production version of the IS was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in January 2013, followed by the 2013 Auto Shanghai. Exterior design work was done by Masanari Sakae[69] during 2010–2011 and the F Sport models were styled by Yuki Isogai in 2011.[70][71] For the car's third generation, Lexus also hinted at a revival for the IS SportCross station wagon, but that didn't end up happening.[72]
The IS F Sport models include enhanced handling and performance, Adaptive Variable Suspension and Variable Gear Ratio Steering (IS 350). Not only do the F Sport models handle differently, but they are more aggressively styled to set them apart from the base production models. F-Sport styling includes an edition specific F-Sport pattern front grille, F-Sport logo badges, and five spoke split graphite wheels; the cabin includes carbon fibre-like trim, extra bolstered performance seats, an all-black headliner, and a moving vessel gauge cluster (inspired by the Lexus LFA) that displays navigation and audio information. The F-Sport models have an edition specific Ultra White exterior and Rioja Red interior. The 2014 model year also served as the first year to offer all-wheel drive in the IS F Sport line up.[73][74][75][76]
International models went on sale in mid-2013. Early models included the IS 250 RWD, IS 250 AWD, IS 300h and IS 350 RWD. The hybrid IS 300h model is sold in Europe, Japan, and select international markets.[77][78][79]
US models went on sale as 2014 model year vehicles on 28 June 2013.[80] Early models include IS 250 RWD, IS 250 AWD, IS 350 RWD, IS 350 AWD.[81][82][83] In 2015, for the 2016 model year, the IS 250 was discontinued and replaced by the rear wheel drive only IS 200t. The IS 300 is only offered with all-wheel drive, while the top-of-the-line IS 350 can be ordered with either drivetrain. The IS AWD versions use a full-time all-wheel drive system that utilizes a planetary gearset center differential coupled with a multi-disc clutch to act as the slip limiting device. The planetary gearset provides a 30:70 front-to-rear torque split under normal conditions for handling agility, however the system can allow for a torque split of up to 50:50 to control wheel slip. In August 2017, for the 2018 model year, the IS 300 RWD changed to using the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the previous IS 200t while the IS 300 AWD retained the same 3.5-litre V6 engine.
Chinese models went on sale in 2013. Early models include the IS 250 and the IS 250 F Sport.[75][84]
Japanese models went on sale on 16 May 2013. Early models include the IS 250, IS 250 AWD, IS 350 and the IS 300h.[85][86][87]
European models arrived at dealerships in 2013 June/July. Early models include the IS 250 and the IS 300h.[88] For the UK market, the IS 200t was offered in SE, Sport, F Sport and Premier model grades. The IS 300h was also available in those grades plus additional Executive, Luxury, and Advance grades. The base model SE came with 16-inch alloys wheels, the Executive, Luxury and Advance wear 17-inch, and the Sport and Premier are equipped with 5-spoke 18-inch. The 10-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels were exclusively for the F Sport which also features sport suspension with lateral damping system, an F Sport mesh grille, instrument meters inspired by the Lexus LFA, aluminium sports pedals and leather trim on the steering wheel and gear lever.[89]
South Korean models went on sale on 27 June 2013. Early models include the IS 250 Supreme and the IS 250 Executive.[90]
Australian models went on sale in July 2013. Only rear-wheel-drive versions were on offer, the models included the IS 250, IS 300h and the IS 350. The IS 250 was dropped from the line-up in September 2015 and was replaced with the IS 200t.[91]
2017 facelift
The revamped third generation model includes updated headlamps, taillamps, front fascia and bonnet. It debuted at the April 2016 Beijing Auto Show with interior technology improvements including 10.3 inch infotainment screen, updated steering wheel, and contrast stitching along the dash.[92]
The Lexus IS receives subtle updates in 2017, for the 2018 model year. Most notably, its V-6 engines get a 5-hp power increase, and the rear-drive, inline-four-powered IS200t is now called the IS300. Joining the options list is adaptive front lighting, which turns the headlights with the steering wheel to improve visibility. The F Sport performance trim now includes a standard limited-slip rear differential, but only in the top-tier rear-drive IS350.[93]
2020 facelift
The IS received a major facelift in 2020 for the 2021 model year.[94]
The updated styling includes a larger bodywork, restyled headlamps and full-width taillamps, slightly updated dashboard, the center console/cupholders and trackpad and armrest from the Lexus RC and a larger spindle grille design. The parking brake pedal was replaced with an auto electric parking brake, and a new switch to control it. The black headliner in the F-Sport models has been changed to a sportier fabric (changed from the soft black headliner of older models). Brake hold feature has been added. An Active Sound Control has been added, which generates sound from behind the instrument panel (the F-Sport models still have the electronically controlled intake valve which can open up to let more real engine sound into the cabin just like the 2014 - 2020 models). The rear boot water channels have plastic guards to divert leaves and twigs away from the taillight panels. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities were made available, as well as upgraded driver-assistance systems (auto headlights have been upgraded to be simpler to activate and to ignore false positives) and standard blind-spot monitoring with a new adjustable distance function and 3 levels of brightness. The suspension has also been revised with a more rigid body, more rigid C pillars, extra welding on the radiator mount points and front side members, new swing-valve shock absorbers equipped with ultra low-velocity valves, aluminium wishbone front suspension. The transmission tune was also slightly updated, the IS350 (AWD tested, RWD not yet tested) will downshift to 2nd gear up to 90 kmh / 56 mph (up from 84 kmh / 52 mph from the previous 2014 - 2020 models). In the United States, the F Sport trim is only available on the top IS350 model with its 311 hp 3.5-litre V-6.[95]
In February 2021, for the 2022 model year, the first V8-powered model since the IS F, called the IS 500 F Sport Performance, was unveiled and went on sale exclusively in North America in the third quarter of 2021.[102] The IS 500 F Sport Performance is offered rear-wheel drive only and features the same 5.0 L (4,969 cc) 2UR-GSE engine offered in the IS F, RC F, GS F, and LC 500, rated at 472 horsepower and 395 lb⋅ft of torque in this version. This is the first Lexus model classified as "F Sport Performance", signifying a new class of model that offers the power output and engine of higher "F" marque models, but without the wider body, interior appointments such as sport bucket seats, nor extensively upgraded and tuned brakes, suspension, and chassis.[103]
Distinguishing it from other IS F Sport models, the IS 500 F Sport Performance includes a raised bonnet bulge for the larger V8 engine, stacked quad exhaust tips, Yamaha
2025 facelift
The third-generation IS received its third facelift on 9 September 2025.[108] Changes include a redesigned front fascia, new rear spoiler, a redesigned interior, 12.3-inch central display, digital instrument cluster, and modernised driver-assist technologies, while the CD player, track pad, and analogue clock have been removed. Mechanically, the electric power steering now features a variable gear ratio to reduce steering angle at intersections and through corners.[109]
For the US market, the IS range has been trimmed down to the 350 model, and will only be available in F Sport and F Sport Design trims.[110]
Equipment
Toyota Racing Development (TRD) F Sport parts for the Japanese IS sedan include a front spoiler, side skirts, rear spoiler, sport muffler and rear diffuser, diamond-like carbon fibre shock absorbers, 19-inch aluminium wheels (measuring 19x8.5J front and 19x9J rear, 45 mm front and 50 mm rear insets, 245/35ZR19 front and 265/30ZR19 rear tyres), member brace and performance dampers.[111][112]
Production
Production at the Tahara plant in Japan began on 25 April 2013.[113]
As of June 2013, sales of the Lexus IS had reached 1,919 units.[114]
Between 16 May 2013 and 16 June 2013, the order of IS sedans reached approximately 7,600 units, including 2,100 IS 250 and IS 350, 5,500 IS 300h models.[115]
