The 2024 Lexus IS represents a refreshed iteration of the third generation of the compact luxury sedan manufactured by the Japanese luxury automaker. Although this generation was initially introduced in 2013, the vehicle received a comprehensive update in the previous year’s model. This update encompassed various aspects, such as an expanded exterior structure, new lighting elements, interior enhancements, and the incorporation of advanced driving assistance systems.
The 2024 Lexus IS family sees an expansion with the introduction of the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance. This addition heralds the arrival of a fresh era for F SPORT Performance models, catering to passionate driving enthusiasts who seek elevated levels of performance beyond what the standard F SPORT models offer.
Exterior
The 2024 Lexus IS undergoes a bold exterior makeover, emphasizing both provocative design and enhanced agility. This redesign results in a lower and wider appearance, characterized by muscular fenders accommodating larger 19-inch wheels and tires. The sleek, sharp lines enhance its aggressive appearance, and a distinctive three-dimensional spindle grille dominates the front end, emphasizing a strong presence.
Slender headlamps with a unique L-shape signature sit above the grille, contributing to the sense of a low center of gravity. The side profile features new rocker panels and a distinct rearward kick-up design, leading to muscular rear wheel wells. Rear fenders blend into the lowered rear deck, enhancing the IS’s wide and low stance.
The IS 500 stands out from the standard IS 350 F SPORT with subtle exterior enhancements, including a raised hood with sculpted character lines, elongated front bumper and fenders to accommodate its V8 engine, and exclusive 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels. Other updates encompass a revised lower rear diffuser accentuating the quad exhaust system, dark chrome window trim, and a black IS F SPORT rear lip spoiler, all combining to define the IS 500’s unique exterior identity.
2024 Lexus IS Interior
Inside the cabin, you’ll find standard NuLuxe®-trimmed seats, with the driver enjoying a 10-way power-adjustable seat and the front passenger an 8-way power-adjustable seat. The interior also boasts a dual-zone automatic climate control system with touch-sensitive controls, and there’s an option to add a power moonroof and SmartAccess with push-button start.
The IS is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen that’s thoughtfully positioned closer to the driver for easy access to controls. For models featuring navigation or Mark Levinson with navigation, there’s an even larger 10.3-inch touchscreen available. This upgraded multimedia system includes compatibility with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa.
Additionally, the Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System has seen improvements, now featuring 17 speakers and an impressive 1,800-watt amplifier, a substantial upgrade from the previous 15-speaker system with 835 watts.
In the Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance, the cabin greets drivers with distinct black F SPORT Performance badging adorning the heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and door sill scuff plates. Moreover, it incorporates standard features like the IS F SPORT accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and footrest. An interesting highlight is the exclusive startup animation found in the combination instrumentation meter, which is a unique feature specifically designed for the IS 500.
Powertrain
- The vehicle utilizes a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 241 horsepower and 350 Newton meters of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In the case of the rear-wheel-drive configuration, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds and achieves a top speed of 230 km/h. It has a fuel consumption rate of 7 liters per 100 kilometers.
- You can opt for the all-wheel-drive version of the IS 300. This IS 300 AWD variant is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, providing 260 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, which is distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.
- You also have the option to choose the IS 350, which is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. It comes equipped with a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers an impressive 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of peak torque. In the rear-wheel-drive model, you’ll find the same eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission as seen in the Lexus IS 300 RWD, while the all-wheel-drive version employs a six-speed automatic transmission. In terms of acceleration, the IS 350 RWD achieves the 0-60 mph sprint in 5.6 seconds, while the IS 350 AWD accomplishes it in 5.7 seconds.
- At the pinnacle of the lineup, the IS 500 takes the lead as the first model in Lexus’s F SPORT Performance series, boasting a commanding 5.0-liter V8 engine generating a robust 472 hp and 395 lb.-ft. of torque. Impressively, despite its potent powerplant, it only adds an extra 143 pounds to the IS 350 F SPORT’s weight, resulting in a total weight of 3,891 pounds. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes just 4.5 seconds, and it achieves an estimated highway fuel efficiency of 24 mpg. Notably, the IS 500 features a distinctive quad exhaust system with dual stacked tailpipes, adding to its unique character.
2024 Lexus IS Price
Pricing details for the Lexus IS models are as follows:
- The IS 300 starts at a base price of $41,235 and can go up to $43,235 with the addition of all-wheel drive (AWD).
- For the IS 350 F SPORT DESIGN, the price begins at $44,310, and opting for the AWD version increases it to $46,310.
- The IS 350 F SPORT starts at a price of $45,560, while the AWD variant is priced at $47,560.
- The IS 500 F SPORT PERFORMANCE has a starting price of $59,420.
- Finally, the most expensive among them is the IS 500 F SPORT PERFORMANCE PREMIUM, with a base price starting at approximately $64,000.
