Lexus IS300h, presentation and test drive in Segovia

The Lexus range is becoming ever more hybrid and, at the same time, sportier, and it is that being eco-friendly or seeking low consumption is not incompatible with sportiness or a sophisticated, and above all very eye-catching, exterior design.

The new member of the Japanese family is the Lexus IS, which says goodbye to diesel for good and arrives in our country with just two engines: the IS300h hybrid (223 CV) and the IS250 petrol (208 CV). We were able to test the new IS300h with 223 CV in a privileged setting: an airfield.

The new Lexus IS: more character, more sportiness, more technology and greener

When the Lexus GS was launched, the design of this large saloon left no one indifferent, the old generation, with less distinctive lines, was left behind, and the new one oozed its own personality and sportiness. It is a real success to renew the range based on the master lines of the GS, and as proof there is the new generation of the Lexus LS or this new IS.

The newcomer grows in length, debuts a sporty design called L-Finesse, which marks the front with a trapezoidal grille -the brand’s new signature feature- and gives the IS an aggressive, sporty look. The headlights stand out, with traditional lighting functions on one side and, on the lower part, LED daytime running lights; depending on the version, the lighting can be fully LED, and xenon comes as standard.

We were surprised by the large air intake beside the front fog lights, which looks more like a bumper of an F-Sport than of the standard model. Anyone looking for a car with a sporty image will not be disappointed by the IS.

In the side profile there is a crease rising to the height of the rear doors, outlining a side that is simple yet dynamic. Above all, the wheelbase has increased, something noticeable in the rear seat space. Finally, at the rear, the slanted headlights that extend to the sides blend dynamism and sportiness in equal measure (LED lights).

Inside, the general design lines resemble the GS interior, though with some differences. Perceived quality has been improved, especially on the dashboard, which is now almost entirely covered in soft, pleasant-to-the-touch materials. That said, some hard plastics remain on the centre console, which clash somewhat with an otherwise very good finish and with what other German saloons offer.

The driving position is very ergonomic: once seated, everything is within reach and the driving posture is comfortable (there is a greater sense of space than in the previous generation, where the centre console and dashboard enveloped the driver more).

There is more than enough space in the rear seats and the boot does not suffer despite being a hybrid, as it offers 450 litres of capacity, in line with the segment norm. This is thanks to the battery being installed beneath the boot floor, affecting luggage space as little as possible.

Behind the wheel of the Lexus IS300h: good response, consumption on par with a diesel and 223 CV

The new IS300h has a powertrain consisting of a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 180 CV, together with an electric motor (143 CV). Both motors deliver a combined output of 223 CV to the rear axle. It is a completely new engine with more than enough power to propel the IS, while the gearbox remains a CVT.

When we took the wheel, the starting point was Madrid and the finish line Segovia, but not just anywhere in the Castilian city: an airfield (Marugán Airfield). En route we were able to test the car on road and motorway, and on arrival we had two tests lined up to try the most dynamic side of the IS.

On the stretch of road and motorway we enjoyed the comfort offered by the new IS, with comfort-oriented suspension and generally well insulated cabin. Despite the car’s external sportiness, the standard suspension favours interior comfort, though it holds its line very well, as we confirmed on the test track at the airfield. That said, with the F-Sport trim and adjustable air suspension, maximum sportiness and an effective suspension response are assured.

When we pressed the accelerator, the car’s response was adequate, although it does not feel like it has over 200 CV, but rather an engine closer to 200 CV. Still, we must not forget that the car’s weight, with its batteries, is high at 1,735 kg.

That said, the response is more than sufficient in every case, whether cruising on the motorway, on country roads or overtaking, and even climbing a mountain pass with total ease and a decisive response.

All versions feature a control that configures different steering and throttle behaviours: ECO, Normal and Sport modes (on the F-Sport, Sport+ is available). Selecting Sport mode makes the steering firmer and the throttle response quicker and more decisive.

The average consumption with relaxed driving on country roads and motorways hovered around 5.9 litres per 100 km, a figure more than respectable considering we were driving a car with over 200 CV and a petrol and an electric motor. On flat roads, judging by the initial drive, it is easy to reach 5–5.5 litres if we are careful. In sporty driving, the average was around 7.5 litres per 100 km, even climbing a mountain pass without worrying about consumption.

A curious detail is the Active Sound Control, a feature available on some versions that complements the engine sound with artificial noise piped into the cabin. It is a curiosity, but personally I prefer hearing the engine’s own sound, and I was surprised that it can be heard inside rather than outside.

That said, after a day behind the wheel of the new Lexus IS300h, it is clear that the saloon has enough arguments to carve out a place in the market, for buyers who want something different, sporty and at the same time do not give up interior comfort or a hybrid engine.

Price and equipment of the Lexus IS300h

It is available from €35,900 with standard equipment that includes 16-inch alloy wheels, 8 airbags (including a knee airbag), xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, alarm, a 4.2-inch colour information display, a 7-inch multimedia screen, a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth and USB/AUX connectivity, leather steering wheel and gear lever, digital climate control, among other features.

In other words, the price may seem high, but when we configure rival premium saloons such as a Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series, for equal equipment the Lexus is cheaper and also offers a hybrid system with 223 CV.

We are eagerly waiting to test the new IS in one of our road tests, because what we have seen so far is promising. In the meantime, here is the photo gallery featuring our own shots and those from the brand.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira / Lexus Spain