2013 Lexus IS: sharper premium sedan hits the road

By Tim Beissmann
November 01st, 2012

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The all-new Lexus IS has been spotted testing in Europe ahead of the third-generation premium mid-sized sedan’s launch in 2013.

The new Lexus IS can’t come soon enough for the Japanese manufacturer, which is struggling to keep pace with German rivals Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz with the second-generation model that is now more than seven years old.

As our spy images reveal, the 2013 Lexus IS will take inspiration from the Lexus LF-CC coupe concept that debuted at September’s 2012 Paris motor show.

The new Lexus IS is expected to boast the most aggressive version of the brand’s new signature ‘spindle’ grille, as well as a set of piercing headlights and sharp LED tail-lights.

Despite the psychedelic camouflage, Lexus couldn’t disguise the new model’s sporty upturned side skirts, which add extra theatre to the car’s sleek profile.

Underpinned by a shortened version of the new Lexus GS platform, the new IS is expected to grow slightly over the outgoing model and shed some kilograms in the pursuit of improved efficiency and dynamic ability.

The front and rear overhangs of the new model appear shorter than those of the second-generation, while a more heavily raked rear windscreen enhances the coupe-style appearance.

Lexus is expected to launch replacements for the IS250 and IS350 early in 2013, and is also poised to introduce a hybrid variant to the line-up for the first time.

Lexus Australia CEO Tony Cramb confirmed at last month’s Sydney motor show that the IS hybrid is on the local division’s wish list, and it appears a good bet to join the rest of the line-up on our shores during 2013.

A high-performance Lexus IS F variant is tipped to follow in 2014, while coupe and convertible variants are also believed to be on the way.

Sales of the Lexus IS (sedan and convertible) are down 18.8 per cent across Australia so far this year, with 1777 units delivered in the first nine months of the year.

Looking purely at sedan sales, the IS (at 1610 units) trails a long way behind the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (4596), BMW 3 Series (3845) and the Audi A4 (2170).

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F1orce

The IS sedan has never outsold the leader BMW 3 series. Even in USA the 3 series constantly outsells the IS

the IS doesn’t seem to be far off from the A4.

But the current IS350/250 looks very nice for an almost 8yrs old model!
- Golfmother
  
  Looks like a skoda .
  - LeStori
    
    Well it is a Toyota after all…..
    - Golfmother
      
      Well said, agreed , might work on dumb yanks , lexus still cant make inroads on the big 3 luxury german maker sales in OZ .
      - Luke
        
        “dumb yanks”? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
        inb4 Lighten up, Golfmother. Just having a “laff”…
      - Iconcept
        
        Well judging from what i see yeah there are more of the German 3 on the roads. But Lexus are very common around here too. I know the figures are against me but sometimes i see more Lexus than i see Mercedes, BMW or Audi.
      - Golfmother
        
        Figures dont lie , the germans blitz them .
      - Guest
        
        The reason why it looks like there are a lot of IS around is because that model has been around for 6-7 years basically unchanged. The 3 Germans all have had at least one generational and / or mid life major facelift during that time….
      - James Cortez
        
        “dumb yanks”? So you Aussie put US designed and made engine in your V6 and V8 commodore. Who is dumb? Its’ you. You can’t even make your own. Coyote V8 in the Ford Falcon is another US made engine. Watch your words!
      - Golfmother
        
        Exactly dumb yanks with low tech engines conning the OZ public , back in your taurus .
      - Damian
        
        The Australian market is, at best, insignificant compared to the US, where Lexus has made significant inroads and taken a large market share.
        
        Furthermore, I’d say we have Lexus to thank for the razor sharp pricing of the IS350, which was most probably why BMW priced its 328i so competitively.
    - Bobbyd
      
      Really, have you seen a shot of the interior?
      
      Have you seen a shot of the car without all the stickers?
      
      If not, how can you make that call?
      
      The current IS is for its age, still a good looking car.
      
      Can’t wait for the next one!
  - Jeff
    
    If you mean it looks like a Skoda in that it has a chassis and four wheels, then yes, I guess you could say it looks like a Skoda.
  - Robin_Graves
    
    Yeah with that much Camo, it does. Skodas are so horrid to look at they should just stay camo’ed the whole time. They have a head only a ‘mother could love, or a deluded VeeDud fanboi.
- Zaccy16
  
  yeah the is350 is a very decent car
  - Swwil
    
    Actually its a very good car the is350
- Dave W
  
  Except for the spindle grille… Why anyone would pick that shape for a grille is beyond me. Whoever came up with that must’ve been smoking a particularly strong one.
Chevrons

The images with those exhaust fumes do look like smoke. Here’s hoping that engine was cold and being driven pretty hard and not a sign of something else.
- Nwo
  
  Looks like steam to mr
- Damian
  
  Don’t worry – Lexus is not part of GM.
- Phil
  
  If you watch the episode of Top Gear where the IS-F was track tested, you’ll see it spewing smoke from the exhaust at the beginning. They also commented it on being smoke.
Tex

The rear does indeed look like the Lexus LF-CC, except transformed on the IS to make the rear look like a Mitsubishi Lancer? Um…

It’ll be an interesting battle next year.

New Mercedes-Benz C Class
New Infiniti G Sedan
New Lexus IS
Recently launched BMW 3 Series
Recently updated Audi A4

Let the battle begin…
- MisterZed
  
  There is no new C-Class next year. At best, the new model might be *revealed* towards the end of the year to be launched in 2014. C-Classes have 7-year lifecycles, with the current model being introduced in 2007, the new one won’t appear here until 2014.
  - Phil
    
    Yeah, that does seem to be standard for the segment – the current IS has had about seven years of production already and the new 3 series replaced a seven year old model.
Johgo

What kills me are the number of IS250′s on the road.

How can anyone pay for an the IS250 when you can have the IS350 for like less than 5k extra?

the is350 has some pretty good performance
- 5reasonreviews.com
  
  Probably has something to do with the typical age group that buy this car
- MisterZed
  
  Um, the IS350 has only been around since 2010 so of course there are more IS250s on the roads?
- Zaccy16
  
  yeah the v6 in the 350 is a good engine, but can’t match the efficiency and tech of the germans
  - F1orce
    
    Does Mercedes even sell the C350 in Australia?
    - MisterZed
      
      Only the C350 coupe. For some reason we don’t get the C350 sedan.
    - Zaccy16
      
      Only the coupe, but i didn’t mean the merc i meant the lexus is350
      - matt
        
        no you mentioned the 3.5 lexus engine and the “germans”….. VAG 3.6 is trash BMW does not do one and who’s left? mercs very comparable 3.5 of its own… wheres this “tech” again champ?
  - Damian
    
    The IS350 has port and direct injection and only lacks forced induction, which it may not adopt as Toyota Motor is firmly entrenched in its hybrid philosophy.
    - Acct1
      
      It doesn’t need forced induction
      
      The IS350 is a genuinely quick car. Very competitive in its segment.
      
      It’s not like you have many 335i guys complaint that the IS350 is slow.
      
      The IS350 is lighter and feels ‘sportier’ than 335i and the engine of the IS350 is smooth and sounds delightful
      
      There is a YouTube video of a stock is350 vs a lightly modded 335i in which the IS350 is slightly faster lolz
      - Phil
        
        Wrong. IS350 is not lighter despite being a smaller car.
        
        IS350 weighs 1645KGs
        335i is 1520kgs
        
        Both cars were tested by Motor in the June edition, 335i did 0-100 in 5.73 secs, IS350 took 6.35secs – which was slower than the Ford G6E.
      - F1orce
        
        LOL at the G6E
        
        There are many tests between the 335i N55 or N54 & IS350.
        
        And each time the IS350 is either slower or faster by 0.1 seconds than the 335i
        
        And all the tests I’ve seen show the IS350 does the 0-60mph sprint in 5.0 to 5.3 seconds
        
        If setup for hardcore then both the IS350 & 335i can pull sub 5 second numbers.
        
        6 seconds is Camry V6 territory
      - Phil
        
        Of course F1orce, we all know you carefully pick and choose your sources (of which you never provide either). Certainly we don’t expect you to say anything about Hyundai/Kia who were recently exposed in USA as lying about their cars fuel consumption.
        
        Why would you laugh at the Ford G6E Turbo performance? It has a better power (and torque) to weight ratio than the IS350, so why wouldn’t it be faster?
        There was a comparo of all three in Motor Magazine – IS350, 335i & G6E were tested back to back and the IS350 was the slowest of the three.
        
        No need to get all huffy because your beloved car isn’t offering class leading performance.
        
        Ewwwrion struggles to get to 100kmh in under 7 secs. Wheels and Motor have it listed at 7.4 secs (though Motor has achieved 6.8 by loading up the gearbox at launch and turning off ESP).
      - Phil
        
        Um, why would we expect him to say anything about Hyundai/Kia who were recently exposed in USA as lying about their cars fuel consumption here? This article is not about Hyundai/Kia.
      - Kim
        
        First you said G6E, but now you’re saying G6E Turbo? You can’t blame others for reading your mistakes for what they are.
      - F1MotoGP
        
        I looked online and found that the 0-100 figures from that issue of Motor Magazine were actually:
        
        0-100 G6ET 6.18s0-100 BMW 5.93s0-100 Lexus 6.17s
        
        Source: FordXR6Turbo forum
        
        I guess you both incorrectly claimed that the Lexus was slower than the Ford and overstated the difference between the cars. Please include the correct figures next time.
      - Kyle
        
        Regardless, there are no surprises there, given the 335i is a new model and the IS350 is significantly older. It would be disappointing to see the 335i perform worse than the IS350, given this fact. Considering the IS is being updated and allegedly going to shed weight, it will be interesting to see the result of a comparison with the models being more closely aligned in terms of age.
      - Huwtm
        
        Seriously, methinks you need to check your facts a little better before you post, otherwise you’ll only end up looking like a plant that Phil’s put in here to make himself appear smart…
AvidF1fan

Hopefully they improve the room in the backseats. You can’t fit 3 average sized people in there comfortably which boggles my mind!
AndyGF

“sporty upturned side skirts” –Only if you like origami…
- Phil
  
  I don’t see what origami has to do with whether someone likes the side skirts or not.
Schn

I hope the front design is executed well. The current one is hard to beat. Unless, it’s an evolution which would be disappointing. Just don’t over do the spindle grille please.
- Tom
  
  Luckily those wheels were once/still used on the current model, so I don’t think they’ll be on the new one.
Koolio

I’ve always likes the IS as it has a unique design and its also sporty and luxury
Aphaboiy

who biuys this anyway? i drov the is350 and it was soo slow

copyang the germans real class bmw and audi and mercedeS
- MisterZed
  
  -1
- Schn
  
  How old are you…? Go learn some history about the luxury car segment assuming you’re a ’car person’.
- JamesB
  
  Slow? I don’t think 0-100 in the low 5s is slow. Maybe you just don’t know how to drive fast.
- Desy
  
  Hope you enjoy your 318i or your four banger “German” car. I love my 6cylindar Lexus!
- Smoothcall
  
  Maybe people who can type?
Mitch

I don’t like the paint job….hope it comes in different colours & designs.
- Jimmy
  
  Yeah, fingers crossed…
Pauly

Lexus IS250 Coupe with F Sport Package for around $70,000, YES PLEASE!
Guest01

Wow easy on the camo lexus
James

Got to say that even if it’s 8 years old the current model still looks so good. Would definitely have an IS250 over a German/French/Swedish car. And the reliability is just amazing. Hope the new model improves on a few things though- fuel economy and interior styling. Good work toyota!
Anthony

What are “piercing headlights”? Is this a technical or an amateurish term?
http://twitter.com/RpmRushCom rpmush.com

Nice camouflage
Aus_poppa

Memo to Lexus. More room inside please. The current car was cramped when compared to the BMWs and Audis on sale at that time. Since then the competition has got larger, so that they all take 4 people of reasonable height in comfort - and the current IS doesn’t manage this.
- F1orce
  
  The front passenger space is very good. But the rear is compromised
Aussie

If Lexus wants to get serious about taking more market share, then price the new base model at $50,000; add GPS and reversing camera as standard, increase the base engine power to 170 kW (to clearly beat the Merc C-200 and BMW 320i both at 135 kW).
Luke Brinsmead

Lets hope they now allow enough space for rear seat passengers.
MisterZed

I think the Lexus IS is one of the oldest cars on the road in Australia – it was released in late 2005, 7 years ago. Can anyone think of any other cars that are older than this? I can think of only one – the Proton Gen.2 which came out in 2004 (I won’t count the Rolls Phantom – 2003). Obviously there are older SUVs out there, but I’m just talking about cars. Kind of embarassing for Lexus.
- Phil
  
  Mitsubishi Colt was released here in 2004 and was already a year old at that
  stage. The Mitsubishi Express has been around since 1986!
  VW Caravelle/Multivan is from 2003 though it wasn’t released
  here untill later. VW Caddy also from 2003.
  
  Aston Martin DB9 from 2004
  
  Masarati Quattroporte from 2004.
  
  Volvo S40/V50 from 2004 (XC90 from 2002).
  Holden still has the Combo listed for sale and its from 2001.
  Skoda Octavia is from 2004 though not released here untill later.
  
  That’s just 2004 and there are plenty more 4WDs and Vans I didn’t list. I’m sure there are more passenger cars from 2005 that were released prior to the IS.
  - MisterZed
    
    I was talking about passenger cars, not SUVs or commercial vehicles, which have longer lifespans. The Colt, S40, and V50 have been discontinued – Colt is not even listed on Mitsubishi’s website anymore. So I stand by my statement that the IS is the 2nd oldest “mainstream” passenger car available in Australia right now, after the Proton Gen.2. (not counting high-end luxury exotics).
    - Phil
      
      Except that brand new Colts, S40s and V50s are still avaliable to buy. Brand new Octavias and Caravelles are still in full scale production and are definately avaliable. People mover version of the Caddy still for sale too.
      
      But we know how you work, you just shift goal posts around to suit your own agenda.
      - MisterZed
        
        Sorry but “run outs” don’t count. Technically speaking, a “brand new” car can be sold years after production has ended (a “new” Monaro was sold earlier this year, for example). It’s whenever the factory ceases production, *that* is what counts.
      - Legnab
        
        Phil, quit trying to defend Lexus, we all know you’re a huge Lexus fanboi and your words can’t be trusted. The Lexus IS is old – get over it.
      - MisterZed
        
        Actually I found a car older than the IS – the current Mazda MX-5 was introduced in September 2005. So the IS is actually the 3rd oldest mainstream model passenger car in Australia.
  - http://www.facebook.com/people/Karl-Sass/100000921334936 Karl Sass
    
    Go the Express! lol
AMERICANO

The IS250 is alright speed wise

It’s much better than the poverty pack 318i
- MisterZed
  
  There hasn’t been a 318i in 7 years.
guest

reading at all these post
i must ask
have you guys ever owned a lexus before?
do you even know wat the marketing and driving force lexus sales?
why do people hate on brands
other than hearing stuff on the internet have you actually have first hand experience in owning a bmw merc audi or even lexus?
if not then dont talk your just making a fool our of yourself