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

Jaecoo 7 review – impressive in ways, not great in others
Jaecoo 7
Reviews

Jaecoo 7 review – impressive in ways, not great in others

Is what is now one of Britain’s best-selling cars actually any good? We got one in to find out
11 Aug 2026
Unpopular opinion: Why fast estate cars are almost pointless
BMW M3 Touring (E46)
Opinion

Unpopular opinion: Why fast estate cars are almost pointless

The ‘spork’ of the car world – do-it-all, but two cars each dedicated to their specific job would be better
11 Aug 2026
Jaguar Type 01 interior revealed – futuristic and luxurious to make German cars look old-fashioned
Jaguar Type 01 interior
News

Jaguar Type 01 interior revealed – futuristic and luxurious to make German cars look old-fashioned

Unsurprisingly the Jag’s cabin is as bold and futuristically luxurious as its exterior, if not entirely clear in terms of ergonomics…
11 Aug 2026