Lexus’ Shapely New IS Shows off in Beijing

2017 Lexus IS (Credit: © Lexus)

The Beijing Auto Show has been slower than usual this year, but there have been a handful of notable debuts there. Likely the most anticipated reveal was of the new Lexus IS as China’s biggest auto show gave us our first look at the revised sports sedan.

At first glance, not much has changed for the 2017 IS, but a closer examination shows that Lexus made a lot of small tweaks to improve upon the 2016 model. Up front, there are updated headlights that lack the arches on the bottom portion, larger air inlets on the outer edges of the bumper, a restyled grille that folds rearward at a higher point, and a restyled hood with more swooping lines. On the rear, the only change appears to be revised exhaust outlets. New 10-spoke, 17-inch wheels round out the updates.

2017 Lexus IS (Credit: © Lexus)

The cabin also underwent a few changes as we enter 2017, but these are even more subtle than the exteriors changes. In here, buyers will find a 10.3-inch center-mounted screen in the place of the old 7-inch unit, new “Enter” buttons on the sides of the Remote Touch Interface, revamped HVAC and audio controls that are now nestled between the knee bolsters instead of flowing over them, new gauges and gauge hood, new cup holders, a leather-wrapped palm rest for the RTI, and new markings on the analog clock.

The 2017 IS lineup will continue with the same model lineup and powertrains, as expected. This will include the IS 200t with its 241-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, the IS 350 with its 306-horsepower V-6, and the IS 300 with its 255-horsepower V-6 and standard all-wheel drive.

Lexus also adds a few new safety bits for 2017 as it has expanded the Lexus Safety System+ to include the Pre-Collision System, Lane-Departure Alert with Steering Assist, auto high beams, and radar cruise.

Lexus didn’t announce an estimated release date nor did it mention pricing.