The Lexus IS gets an update at the Beijing Motor Show

The Lexus IS, in its third generation, was the model tasked with introducing the brand’s new -and current- design language.

Now, after 3 years on the market -it arrived in 2013- the IS updates its look to freshen it up for the second part of its commercial life.

It is clear that the direction Lexus has taken in design bears little resemblance to the classic Lexus of the first decade of the 21st century. The current Lexus bets strongly on avant-garde designs, with lines that leave no one indifferent. It is certainly not possible to please everyone, but at Lexus what they do not want is for people to get bored when looking at one of their vehicles.

The current generation of the IS, launched in 2013, was the first model in the current range to feature the brand’s current design language, with a large grille and much more aggressive lines.

The restyling introduces changes mainly at the aesthetic level on the bodywork, where we can see the front end renewed thanks to a more defined grille, more prominent air intakes and improved light units, which now offer optional LED matrix lighting. They still feature daytime running lights separate from the rest of the arrow-shaped headlamp.

The update mainly improves the appearance of the front end, which is better proportioned and more attractive

At the rear, the internal design of the taillights changes, as does the lower part of the bumper, which now integrates the square-shaped exhaust outlets more neatly. Inside there are no apparent changes, maintaining the stepped design that characterises Lexus’s current cabins.

Mechanically, no modifications are planned either, so in Europe the current two-engine offering remains: the IS 200t with a 2.0 turbo four-cylinder engine, and the IS 300h with a hybrid system combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. It is the same combination that equips the NX 300h, a model we tested a few months ago, and you can read that road test here.

As is customary for the Japanese luxury brand, no diesel engine is planned. Nor does it seem that this third generation will see a sporty version like its predecessor enjoyed.