Lexus pulled the curtains back on its newest creation at the Beijing Autoshow, giving the public the first look at the updates on the 2017 Lexus IS sedan.
It’s not a reinvention of its predecessor so much as an evolution, but there are still some changes that have got us giddy with the prospect of meeting this car in the flesh. (We’ll keep you updated as to when we’ll have them in our showroom.)
The changes were mostly aesthetic, with the engine options remaining the same as before. Lexus did throw in a tech upgrade, though, in the form of the Lexus Safety System + that combines Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam, Radar Cruise Control and Pre-Collision System.
Here’s a breakdown of the visual updates on the 2017 Lexus IS.
Exterior:
On the front side, Lexus has added some new headlamps, more pronounced air intakes in the bumper and an updated spindle grille.
A sidelong inspection reveals an accentuated character line running the length of the sedan, which gives it a sense of dynamism. The wheels also got hit with the update stick and are now 10-spoke 17-in with bright machine finishes.
The sporty changes continue on the back end with more L-shaped LED lights and new rectangular chrome exhaust tips. Lexus will be adding two new exterior paint options to the list, too: Deep Blue Mica and Graphite Black Glass Flake.
Overall, we find the updated IS to be visually more aggressive, appearing lower to the ground and more athletic than its predecessor.
Interior:
The first change you’ll notice in the cabin is the expanded display screen, which has swelled from 7 inches to over 10.
For those who miss their analog controls, Lexus has added an ever-so-convenient little “Enter” button to the side of their center console. So push away, button lover! The speedometer and tachometer are new here, too, as are the cup holders, and there’s some new stitching on the top of the meter hood.
As with the exterior updates, we find these modifications add a sense of sportiness to the 2017 Lexus IS.
Let us know what you think of the updates to the 2017 Lexus IS in the comments section on our Facebook page, or better yet, come on in to the dealership and tell us yourself.