Lexus New IS Minor Change 2026 Model Complete Guide: Details and Notable Improvements

The new Lexus IS, unveiled by Lexus (Toyota Motor Corporation) for the first time in the world on September 9, 2025, is a vehicle that can be said to be the culmination of the compact FR sports sedan, which has a history of more than a quarter century since the first model was born in 1999. It is scheduled to be released in various regions sequentially from early 2026, with the IS300h scheduled to be introduced in the Japanese market.

The keyword for this minor change is “maturity,” and the IS has further refined the “comfortable driving experience that allows the driver to interact with the car” and “aggressive, sporty design” that it has pursued up until now.

Major changes and improvements to the new Lexus IS

Dramatic improvement in driving performance

The new IS features innovative improvements to its electric power steering (EPS) . By changing from the conventional rack-coaxial type to a rack-parallel gear (variable gear) , the steering angle is controlled at intersections and in successive corners, resulting in a more comfortable and precise steering feel.

Even more noteworthy is the evolution of the AVS (Adaptive Variable Suspension system) . By adopting a newly developed built-in linear solenoid actuator instead of the conventional step-type actuator, damping force response has been improved by approximately four times . This technology achieves both flat sprung behavior and a high level of reduction in shock caused by road input.

Renewed exterior design

The most notable change to the exterior of the new IS is the adoption of a new front fascia . The low-slung spindle grille that incorporates the brake ducts creates a bolder design that further emphasizes the low center of gravity and wide stance.

The design of the aluminum wheels has also been significantly revamped, with the 19-inch aluminum wheels now finished in a dark clear paint finish with a machined finish instead of the previous shine silver metallic finish. The 18-inch aluminum wheels now feature a dark premium metallic finish, giving the car a sportier look.

A new color, “Neutrino Gray,” which combines a hard light gray with a metallic finish , has been added, bringing the body color lineup to a total of eight colors.

Revolutionary evolution of the interior

Adoption of the latest multimedia system

The interior of the new IS is designed to be both functional and beautiful. All vehicles come standard with a 12.3-inch touch panel center display , and the TFT LCD meter in front of the driver’s seat has also been enlarged to 12.3 inches.

This larger screen provides a driving environment in which the driver can receive visual information directly, and also supports detailed personalization of display content to meet diverse needs.

Use of environmentally friendly material “Forged bamboo”

Of particular note is the adoption of the newly developed ornament panel “Forged bamboo .” This material was developed based on the “Bamboo CMF Concept” unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, and the IS is the first to use it on a production vehicle .

This material, made from bamboo, creates a unique and distinctive shadow with the woven bamboo fibers, creating a powerful, dynamic and sporty interior for the IS. Lexus plans to use Forged bamboo in other models in the future, promoting the realization of a circular economy and contributing to local economies.

New interior color “PROMINENCE”

The F SPORT will be available in the newly developed color “PROMINENCE,” a highly saturated color inspired by the mysterious red flames that cover the sun, creating an aggressive and sporty image for the interior.

Significantly improved safety equipment

Expanded functionality of Lexus Safety System+

The new IS features a variety of enhancements to the Lexus Safety System + active safety technology . The main improvements are as follows:

• Expanded support functions for radar cruise control (ACC)
• Road Sign Assist [RSA] functionality improvements
• Improved performance of the departure delay notification function [TMN]

Adoption of Proactive Driving Assist (PDA)

A notable new feature is the adoption of Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) . This system predicts risks based on the driving situation, such as pedestrians crossing the road or a car suddenly jumping out into the street, and supports driving operations to prevent the driver from getting too close to danger.

Specifically, it has the following five support functions:

1. Steering and deceleration assistance for pedestrians, cyclists, and parked vehicles
2. Assistance for slowing down the vehicle ahead
3. Curve deceleration assistance
4. Assistance for deceleration when turning right or left at signalized intersections
5. Constant steering assistance while driving within the lane

Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive installed

In addition, it will also be equipped with “Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive” (hands-off function during high-speed traffic jams), which assists driving on some expressways and expressways .

This function activates the system when certain conditions are met, such as the driver facing forward while radar cruise control and lane tracing assist are operating in traffic jams (0km/h to approximately 40km/h), helping to reduce fatigue during long-distance travel.

Powertrain and spec details

IS300h to be introduced in Japan

The Japanese market will see the introduction of the IS300h FR model, which will have the following specifications:

IS300h (scheduled for introduction in Japan)

• Engine: Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L + motor hybrid
• Maximum engine output: 178ps/22.5kgm
• Motor maximum output: 143ps/30.6kgm
• Maximum system output: 226ps
• Drive system: FR
• Transmission: Electric continuously variable transmission
• Fuel economy (WLTC mode value): 18.0km/L

Overseas model IS350

The IS350 will also be available in overseas markets , with the following specifications:

IS350 (overseas model)

• Engine: 3.5L naturally aspirated V6
• Maximum output: 318ps/38.7kgm
• Drive system: FR/AWD
• Transmission: 8-speed AT (FR), 6-speed AT (AWD)

Body size and basic specifications

The new IS body dimensions are as follows:

• Overall length: 4,720mm (10mm longer than conventional model)
• Overall width: 1,840mm (unchanged)
• Overall height: 1,435mm (FR) / 1,440mm (AWD)
• Wheelbase: 2,800mm (unchanged)
• Passenger capacity: 5 people

The overall length has been slightly extended, resulting in more flexible and high-quality proportions.

New Lexus IS price prediction and release date

Pricing Forecast

Based on the current model’s pricing, the new IS is expected to be priced as follows:

• IS300h : From approximately 5.3 million yen
• IS300h F SPORT : from approximately 5.9 million yen
• IS300h version L : from approximately 6.1 million yen

With the adoption of the latest equipment, the price is expected to increase by approximately 200,000 yen from the current model.

Release date

The new IS will be unveiled to the world on September 9, 2025, and is scheduled to be released in various regions from early 2026 (around January). It is expected to be released in the Japanese market around the same time.

The history and evolution of the Lexus IS

A premium sedan with over 25 years of history

Since the launch of the first model in 1999, the Lexus IS has continued to pursue the “fun of driving” as a compact FR sports sedan. Over more than a quarter of a century, it has sold a total of approximately 1.3 million units in approximately 40 countries and regions around the world.

During development, we conduct test runs at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama and other locations around the world in our continued pursuit of the Lexus Driving Signature , the driving experience that is unique to Lexus.

Comparison of the new IS with competing models

The main competitors to the new Lexus IS include:

• BMW 3 Series
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• Audi A4
• Alfa Romeo Giulia

Compared to these competing models, the new IS differentiates itself through its unique “Japanese hospitality” spirit and the use of environmentally friendly materials such as “Forged bamboo.”

Summary: Highlights of the new Lexus IS

The new Lexus IS represents a major evolution in the following areas:

The Lexus development team has continued to develop the car without compromise, with “maturity” as the key concept, and the results are evident everywhere, making it a car we can’t wait to see released in 2026 .

The new IS will be sold alongside a new generation electric vehicle model as an internal combustion engine vehicle, and the company plans to meet the needs of a wide range of users. As a core model for the Lexus brand, attention will be focused on its future development.