Lexus introduces the all-new IS with a special Appearance Pack

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz C-Class rival, the Lexus IS, enjoyed a major makeover in 2021 and here comes yet another update for the luxury sedan. New for 2023 are some additional standard and optional features with a special appearance pack available for both IS 500 and IS 350. Let’s dive deeper to know all the changes in detail.

Starting with the IS 350, the revamped sedan gets the new F Sport Design trim. new 19-inch wheels (19-inch matte black BBS forged wheels) and F Sport exclusive bits. The latter comprises a restyled front grille, sportier bumpers, a rear lip spoiler, and special badges.

Taking the styling of the sedan to the next level is the new Special Appearance Pack which adds an Incognito exterior paint finish to the car contrasted with Obsidian black hood and roof. Also parts of the package are the new 19-inch Enkei wheels and black NuLuxe interior

Under the bonnet lies the same 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering a maximum power of 311 hp and a peak torque of 380 Nm of torque. In the RWD version, the power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, while a six-speed auto handles the same task in AWD variants.

Moving to the 2023 Lexus IS 500, here the customers get the new Enkei wheels as a standard fitment along with the BBS forged wheels as an option. The special pack adds Molten Pearl exterior paintwork, black NuLuxe interior, colour-matched floor-trimmed mats, and key gloves to the mix.

Powering the IS 500 is the same tried and tested 5.0-litre V8 mill cranking out 472 hp and 535 Nm of peak torque. Shifting duties are managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The pricing for the all-new 2023 Lexus IS starts at $39,435 (approximately equal to RM 178,827) and goes all the way to $43,760 (RM 198,440).

What are your views on the new Lexus IS? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: A 4-year long waiting period for Lexus LX in Japan