Luxury, Agility & Sportiness: 2017 Lexus IS Sedan
The Lexus IS luxury sport sedan models continue to delight drivers with their balance of luxury, agility and sportiness. The IS sedans convey an aggressive yet elegant presence with the brand’s unmistakable spindle grille, L-theme LED daytime running lights and dynamic bodylines. The lineup combines silken power delivery with multi-link rear suspension and finely tuned electronic power steering derived from the Lexus GS sedan to deliver a rousing driving experience.
For 2017, the IS sedan is available in four models: IS 200t, IS 300 AWD, and IS 350/350 AWD. Drivers will have a hard time deciding which IS to take home with rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-weather drive (AWD) and F SPORT variants.
Available for all IS sedan models, the F SPORT package sharpens handling acuity with unique 18-inch wheels and special suspension tuning, while sharpening the design with unique interior and exterior trim. The finishing touch on the F SPORT experience for IS 300 AWD and IS 350 is an intake sound that creates a more sporting engine note.
The IS 200t is available as RWD only and features a 2.0L twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine with intercooler paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the popularity of the all-weather drive (AWD) system in inclement weather, Lexus offers the IS 300 AWD. The IS 300 AWD features a 3.5L V6 engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. Lexus continues to offer the IS 350 equipped with a high-output variant of the 3.5L V6 in both RWD and AWD models.
The electronically controlled all-weather drive system standard on IS 300 AWD and available on IS 350 models is designed to help enhance traction and grip under all driving conditions by automatically varying front-to-rear torque balance from 30:70 to as much as 50:50.
A Drive Mode Select system features up to four driving modes to tailor the car’s combination of economy, comfort, performance and handling characteristics. All IS sedans feature ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT modes. Equipping the IS 350 with the F SPORT package also nets Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), controlled with SPORT S and SPORT S+ modes. In addition, AWD models also feature a SNOW mode.
Inside the passenger cabin, luxuries abound. A high-efficiency dual-zone climate control system uses touch-sensitive electrostatic temperature switches. The IS offers two multimedia systems: a standard high-resolution Lexus Display Audio (LDA) with controller or the optional Lexus navigation system.
A Display Audio system equips the IS models with a seven-inch screen, HD Radio™, Bluetooth®audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio. The multimedia system also incorporates cache radio which has the ability to pause live radio. It automatically records the previous 15 minutes for convenient replay.
Keeping drivers connected, all IS models have Siri® Eyes Free mode, with technology licensed from Apple®. Compatible with the iPhone® 4S and iPhone 5 models forward, Siri responds to verbal requests to play music from iTunes®, get turn-by-turn navigation, and much more.
The navigation system puts a world of capability at the driver’s fingertips via the second-generation Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI) multi-function control device. The RTI also allows control of the climate, audio, phone controls and more.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 110.2; overall length: 184.3; width: 71.3; height: 56.3
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder – 241 hp at 5800 rpm and 258 lbs-ft of torque at 1650-4400 rpm; 3.5L V6 – 255 hp at 6400 rpm and 236 lbs-ft of torque at 2000-4800 rpm (IS 300 AWD), 306 hp at 6400 rpm and 277 lbs-ft of torque at 4800 rpm (IS 350).
Transmission: six-speed automatic, eight-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city/32 hwy. (IS 200t); 19 city/26 hwy. (IS 300 AWD); 19 city/28 hwy. (IS 350); 19 city/26 hwy. (IS 350 AWD).
Cargo capacity: 10.8 cubic feet
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual front knee airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, rear seat airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, vehicle dynamics integrated management, pre-collision system, lane departure alert with steering assist, intelligent high beam, hi-speed adaptive cruise control, LED daytime running lights, front/rear door side impact door beams, Smart Stop technology, vehicle theft deterrent with system, engine immobilizer, Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Smart Access with push button engine start, Bluetooth hands free phone system, first aid kit, HomeLink programmable garage door opener, automatic power door locks, and tire pressure monitoring system.
Optional safety features include navigation system, back-up camera, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, intuitive park assist, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile
Powertrain: 6-year/70,000 mile
Corrosion: 6-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 4-year/unlimited 24-hour
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Lexus IS sedan starts from $37,825 for the IS 200t upto $43,535 for the IS 350 AWD. Destination charges add $995.
