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The Emperor’s New Clothes: 2017 Lexus IS Sedan

Introduced for the 2014 model year in 2013, the third-generation Lexus IS is a sports sedan with the looks to kill and the build quality to thrill. For the 2017 model year, the luxury division of Toyota has decided to revamp the IS sedan with better styling.
2017 Lexus IS sedan 19 photos
Photo: Lexus
2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan2017 Lexus IS sedan
First of all, going under the knife shaved a few years off the front fascia of the IS. Even though the essence is still there, the 2017 Lexus IS features redesigned headlamps, larger air intakes in the bumper, as well as an evolution of the Lexus spindle grille. Moving on to the side profile, the car boasts an enhanced character line that runs down the side, further emphasizing the sporty nature of the IS sedan.

As for the rear, changes are limited to the more pronounced LED taillamps and the rectangular chrome exhaust tips. Compared to the pre-facelifted IS, the mid-cycle refresh adds two exterior colors to the palette: Graphite Black Glass Flake and Deep Blue Mica.

The cabin brings a bigger multimedia display screen (10.3 inches instead of 7), “Enter” buttons to the sides of the Remote Touch Interface, and changes to the buttons controlling the HVAC and audio systems. Other notable updates include redesigned cup holders, a larger leather-wrapped palm rest with stitching for the Remote Touch Interface, as well as new markings on the in-dash analogue clock.

Engines remain unchanged, which means that the 2017 Lexus IS lineup starts with the rear-wheel-drive IS 200t (2.0-liter turbo inline-four and 8-speed automatic). The mid-ranger comes in the form of the IS 300 with AWD (3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 and 8-speed automatic), then there’s the RWD or AWD IS 350.

The Lexus IS 300h hybrid variant will follow soon enough, combining a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with an electric motor and a continuously variable transmission, not a conventional automatic. Expect the 2017 Lexus IS to set foot on American soil in the third quarter of 2016 and pricing to be disclosed this summer.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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