New Lexus IS revealed

The all-new Lexus IS has been unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. The third generation of Lexus’ BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4 rival will go on sale in the UK in June.

We’ve already driven the V6 petrol-powered IS 250 in prototype form, and the new IS 300h hybrid, which replaces the diesel in the current line-up and promises sub-100g/km emissions.. But this is the first time that we’ve been able to see the new car’s design.

The new IS is clearly inspired by the Lexus LF-CC concept, which was shown at the Paris Motor Show last year. The IS features the new Lexus spindle front grille that has become a design hallmark that adorns all new Lexus models, flanked by a pair of aggressive headlights.

The lamp design is distinctive, as the arrow-shaped daytime running light looks like it’s part of the main headlight cluster, but is actually a separate unit.

In profile, the new IS is considerably more dramatic than its predecessor, with the cabin pushed back, relative to where it is now. Combined with the sweeping crease which runs up from the sill into the tail-lights, this makes the IS look much more dynamic.

Inside, the Lexus IS features similar design themes to the smaller CT 200h, including a horizontal bar incorporating the heater vents running across the dash, a wide centre console and a sports steering wheel.

The IS also gets Lexus’ part-digital, part-analogue dials, like the LFA supercar. Push a menu button and the central speedo slides to the right, revealing the selected menu in a small TFT screen.