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 Audi Nuvolari is a 987bhp, carbon-bodied successor to the R8
Audi Nuvolari
News

The Audi Nuvolari is a 987bhp, carbon-bodied successor to the R8

The R8 recipe returns with a significantly higher level of performance – and price tag
4 Jun 2026
Polestar 5 review – cheaper and faster than a Porsche Taycan but not quite as sharp
Polestar 5 front
Reviews

Polestar 5 review – cheaper and faster than a Porsche Taycan but not quite as sharp

Polestar’s flagship finally arrives, with a bespoke aluminium structure, electric powertrain and suspension. But will anyone actually buy it?
1 Jun 2026
How to rediscover the love for cars? Get out there and buy an affordable classic
Subaru Impreza RB5
Opinion

How to rediscover the love for cars? Get out there and buy an affordable classic

It took our Eras tests to top up Richard Meaden’s love for cars. It also stoked the urge to buy an S1 Elise
5 Jun 2026