Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus IS review - price, specs and 0-60 time - Design

Hybrid drive makes the Lexus IS a company car champion, though it’s less impressive to drive than its rivals.

Evo rating
RRP
from £26,495
  • Striking looks, efficient drivetrain and plentiful equipment
  • Efficiency drive hampers the fun factor, E-CVT transmission droning

Design

 Bold about covers it. The IS, once rather forgettable looking, now stands out from its German competition. It’s a riot of lines, the IS one of the finest examples of Lexus’ current design direction. If we’re being picky it could be accused of being a little bit too fussy in its detailing - the lights at the front are particularly busy - but there’s no denying it’s got more head-turning ability than any of its rivals. F Sport adds more drama, arguably too much with even more aggressively styled intakes and grilles, where the standard models not quite so extrovert. A stand-out looker then, which might not appeal to all, but won’t fail to get you noticed if you like the attention.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The engineer so good he got banned, and designed a £30k sports car you can buy
Richard Hall Great British Sports Cars
Features

The engineer so good he got banned, and designed a £30k sports car you can buy

From 1:10-scale beginnings via building kit cars, Richard Hall’s passion for engineering led to the creation of his own modern‑day Lotus Seven interpr…
27 Sep 2026
New BMW 3-series revealed – M3 power for the M350 Audi S5 rival
BMW 3-series M350
News

New BMW 3-series revealed – M3 power for the M350 Audi S5 rival

On top of being as fast and powerful as an F80 M3, the new M350 will come with a drift mode too
29 Sep 2026
Honda Prelude goes (very) red for Europe with the 2027 Limited Edition
Honda Prelude 2027 Limited Edition
News

Honda Prelude goes (very) red for Europe with the 2027 Limited Edition

The Honda Prelude has been given a special edition for the 2027 model year, but the makeover isn’t exactly what we were hoping for
29 Sep 2026