TOYOTA’S premium brand Lexus is showing off the latest version of the IS, a rival for the BMW 3-Series and the Mercedes C-Class in the premium business car stakes. The first official pictures have been released in advance of the new car’s debut at the Detroit Motor Show next week.
Lexus is saying that the latest IS has more space for passengers and their luggage, thanks to a longer wheelbase and a bit of added width. Exterior styling draws upon the themes first seen on the LF-CC concept car at last year’s Paris Motor Show, in particular the “spindle” grille design that will form the basis of a new family look for all Lexus models in future.
One highlight – a zippy IS F Sport model that draws on the Lexus’ LFA super-car for some of its technology.
There’s no news yet, though, on the UK engine line-up, so company car buyers will have to wait a bit longer to see how the new IS stacks up in terms of those all-important CO2 emissions and tax bands.