THE LEXUS IS IS BACK — SHARPER, COOLER, AND STILL JDM AT HEART. WE LIKE!
When Lexus dropped the first IS back in 1999, it was a shot across the bow of the Germans. Compact, rear-wheel drive, sharp styling, and just the right amount of Japanese quirk - it was the car that gave BMW’s 3 Series something to worry about. And if you know your JDM legends, you’ll remember that some early IS models (like the IS 300) came packing the 2JZ straight-six under the bonnet - yep, the same block that turned the Supra into a cult hero. That heritage cemented the IS as more than just a luxury sedan; it was a stealthy sports saloon that could hang with the best. Fast-forward 25 years and over 1.3 million sales later, the IS has become a cornerstone of the Lexus lineup. And now, with the 2026 model reveal, Lexus has polished it into something sharper, more aggressive, and more tech-loaded than ever before.
The new IS will launch in two guises: the hybrid-powered IS 300h and the punchier IS 350. Lexus has kept its focus on what matters - refinement in performance and design. The car was honed at Toyota’s hardcore Shimoyama test facility, with tweaks aimed at making the steering sharper, the chassis more stable, and the ride more comfortable. A new rack-parallel electric power steering system with variable gearing means tighter turns with less effort, while a linear-solenoid AVS adaptive suspension smooths out rough roads without dulling driver feedback. Translation: the IS still knows how to carve corners, but won’t punish you on the daily commute.
From the outside, the IS now looks like it’s been hitting the gym - the styling is great. We can picture these ending up on some YouTube channels as a project car. A new face accentuates its low stance and wide body, giving it a meaner, more commanding presence. It’s stacked so good that just a simple aftermarket wheel change will make it look baller. The F SPORT models crank that up even more with a new aero-tuned rear spoiler, lightweight 19-inch alloys, and the option of red Lexus-logo brake calipers straight from the factory.
The IS cabin has always been about blending sportiness with Lexus luxury, and the 2026 version doubles down on that formula. Both the centre touchscreen and the driver’s instrument cluster are now full 12.3-inch displays, sitting right in the driver’s natural line of sight. Functionality has been refined for clarity and responsiveness, while the details are pure craftsmanship. New “Forged Bamboo” trim decorates the console and start switch area, with the natural bamboo fibres creating a unique shading effect that shifts in the light. A new interior colour option called Prominence - inspired by the fiery glow of solar flares - adds extra drama to the cockpit. Pair that with sculpted, driver-focused ergonomics, and you’ve got a space that feels both high-tech and unmistakably sporty.
Tech hasn’t been overlooked either. The latest Lexus Safety System+ is fitted, along with the brand’s Advanced Drive driver-assistance package. On the highway, it can handle the heavy lifting in stop-and-go traffic, giving you hands-off functionality to ease the grind of long-distance journeys. In a world that’s rapidly shifting toward crossovers and EVs, it’s refreshing to see Lexus double down on a proper rear-wheel-drive sports sedan. The IS has always been about dialogue between driver and machine - the kind of connection that made those early 2JZ-powered models such a hit with enthusiasts.
Now, 25 years after its debut, the 2026 IS carries that spirit forward. Sharper to drive, bolder to look at, smarter to live with - it’s proof that Lexus hasn’t forgotten how to build a proper JDM sports-luxury sedan.
Take a look at the YouTube video hosted by the chaps over at Kondor Cars, and it takes you through the all-new, and rather damn good-looking new Lexus IS, one of the brand's most popular models: Lexus IS 2026 Interior, specs | KondorCars
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