Lexus Beefing up IS for 2015 Model

2015 Lexus IS Model (Credit: © Lexus)

For some time now, the Lexus IS has lagged behind other cars in its class, like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but the Japanese brand is now taking steps to help change that. While the overall look of the 2015 Lexus IS will be pretty much the same as the 2014 model, it will be packing some new items that are currently lacking.

The exterior does gain some LED foglights, which is a smart move considering that such hardware is becoming standard among luxury vehicles. It is the only real exterior upgrade for the car.

The interior gains a number of new features. A new rearview camera with guidelines will be standard, along with iHeartRadio 4.0 and Slacker, which will be added to the Lexus Enform App Suite for better infotainment options. A new Enform Remote will allow owners to control different features using their phone, like adjusting the climate settings, starting or stopping the engine, monitor the activity of a person who has borrowed the car, and finding the exact location of the car.

Other interior amenities include piano black finish that will be available for the window switches and instrument panel. A new interior color, Stratus Gray, replaces Light Gray. Exciting, I know.

Wrapping up the new features is a Siri Eyes Free mode for all models as a standard feature, which connects the driver’s iPhone 4S to the car, allowing for voice commands when a button on the steering wheel is pressed. All-wheel-drive models gain a heated steering wheel. Buyers who go for the F Sport package will enjoy heated and ventilated seats.

As for addressing the performance gap between the IS and the aforementioned models, Lexus currently has zero plan. At least iHeartRadio 4.0 will be nice.