Lexus IS300h, test drive (Exterior design, interior and finishes)

We continue to get to know our protagonist in the testing section, at least for these days. It is the Lexus IS 300h, that is, the Japanese premium saloon available with a 223 CV hybrid engine. How does it behave? Are 223 CV enough? Is it sporty? These are some of the questions we answered in the first part of the test, analysing the engine, performance, handling and consumption.

Now, in the second part, we turn to the styling, the exterior, the interior and the boot or storage spaces this saloon has. There is no doubt that the styling is precisely the most striking thing about this Lexus IS, because wherever it goes it attracts attention.

Exterior design

The F Sport finish is very present in an eye-catching, sporty and different exterior design. Sportiness seems to be gaining points among premium saloons; now it doesn’t matter which engine the car has, because an exterior sport pack is always available to achieve a more striking look without having to add a single horsepower.

On the outside, the front stands out with a large trapezoid-shaped grille, typical of the brand, lateral ribs that outline the fog lights, and LED daytime running lights that are slashed and separated from the main headlight (bixenon lights).

On the side, a rising line stands out running from the front doors to the rear ones, as well as the 18-inch black alloy wheels. Meanwhile, at the rear, we again see straight-edged shapes that mark a sporty profile, slashed lights (with LED technology) that extend to the side and the lower part of the bumper with sporty lines.

Interior design

The dashboard design follows the master lines set by the large GS saloon, but keeping its distance. It is a dashboard full of straight lines that wraps around both driver and passenger, and with high-quality finishes and materials. The size of the centre console stands out, which also contributes to the feeling that the dashboard envelops the occupants.

The driving position is comfortable and low, it doesn’t stand out for a sense of spaciousness, partly because of the dashboard design, but it does stand out for comfort. The seats on our unit were semi-leather with electric adjustment and adapt perfectly to the driver, with outstanding lateral support, while visibility is correct, except at the rear.

The instrumentation stands out (inspired by the LFA), fully digital, with a motorised central dial that allows two different types of display. Plenty of information from both the on-board computer and the multimedia or navigation system.

The rear is designed for the absolute comfort of two passengers; the third will be uncomfortable because the backrest of the central seat is very hard and the raised centre console also reduces legroom.

Storage and boot

In the storage section it is rather tight: the front door pockets are adequate, along with the main glovebox, but there are no storage spaces in the centre console for leaving our things, only the central cubby.

At the rear there are no door pockets, although there are cup holders inside the central armrest. The boot has a capacity of 450 litres, a good figure even though the hybrid system’s battery is located under the boot floor. Therefore, it does not have a spare wheel but does have a puncture repair kit, which is increasingly common.

Photos | Test team