Updated Lexus IS to compete with new Mercedes C-Class

The compact IS saloon from Lexus continues with hybrid power and a facelift for its 25th year on sale.

Lexus entered the compact executive class with the IS at the turn of the millennium. It has sold 1.3 million units of the IS globally over a quarter of a century. 

Now the third generation of the company’s rival to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class undergoes an update.

The front bumper gains a more ornery look while there are bigger brake ducts, a low-set grille, and a rear spoiler. On the range-topping F Sport trims, there’s a new set of 19-inch wheels.

Inside, twin 12.3-inch screens with Lexus’ latest infotainment system are now standard. There’s also a new material on the centre console called ‘forge bamboo’ which Lexus says “adds a sense of dynamic strength and sportiness”. 

The new IS still uses the same ‘New N’ platform and body as it did in 2020. We no longer take the 350, the three-model range (Premium, F-Sport and Limited) using the 300h hybrid powertrain with rear-wheel drive. 

The current 300h’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine provides 164kW and sends its power through a CVT gearbox. Mean fuel use is a quoted 5.7L/100km.

Lexus still sells its mid-size ES and full-sized LS sedans in New Zealand, along with the IS trio. An all-electric ES is coming out in 2026 as a rival to the BMW i5 and Audi A6 e-tron. It is said to be good for 530km of range and packs power of 252kW.

We await a response from Lexus New Zealand on the availability or otherwise of the updated IS range.