The New Lexus IS Turbo is Upon Us. We Can Feel It.

Those who visited Lexus Malaysia’s official website over the past week would’ve noticed something interesting – the discreet announcement that the 2017 IS is ‘coming soon’.

And just as we found that out, the brand also happened to release a new promo video for the sedan on YouTube just yesterday.

First revealed at last year’s Beijing International Auto Show, the new IS is armed with a fresh new look and a number of important changes.

From what we can see, the entire front fascia of the new model has undergone a transformation, highlighted by new headlamps, large air intakes in the front bumper and an evolution of Lexus’ spindle grille.

And then, we have the F Sport grille, which features an exclusive 3-dimentional F-mesh pattern, with jet-black metallic coating that incorporates functional brake ducts. Meanwhile, changes to the rear are highlighted by more pronounced “L”-shaped LED light guides that are now triple layered within the taillight housing and new rectangular chrome exhaust tips that accentuate the car’s sporting nature.

Inside, the first thing that’s sure to catch your eye is the multimedia display screen that has grown from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. The new high-resolution monitor offers a larger and clearer image of the various functions of Lexus’ innovative multimedia system. Also, “Enter” buttons have been added to the sides of the Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console.

Under the hood however, the new IS remains unchanged. Power is supplied by the recently-added 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 engine with intercooler, which comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. While maximum power is rated at 240hp at 5,800rpm, peak torque readings stand at 350Nm at 1,650 to 4,400rpm.

Last but not the least, the new IS has been upgraded with the Lexus Safety System +, which combines Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Radar Cruise Control.

Having been on sale in Japan since last October, we expect the new IS to be arriving here within the next few months.