Lexus Teases IS Refresh Before Beijing Motor Show - Isn't It Time We Have An All New Model?

The new Lexus IS is on the way, with a reveal set for the Beijing Motor Show 2016. The facelifted compact executive saloon will get a number of changes to keep it fresh, and Lexus has teased the car with this darkened image.

The picture shows the new headlights and front grille design, which make up the current Lexus family face as seen on the new RX, NX, RC and GS models. That means the IS will get the large spindle grille and sharp light designs seen on those cars, as well as origami-inspired styling touches around the front bumper. The rear should get a similar treatment, to keep things looking consistent.

Read Article

TheSteve - 4/19/2016 12:06:28 PM

-1 Boost

It's time for an all-new design language, as far as I'm concerned.

MDarringer - 4/19/2016 8:20:26 PM

+2 Boost

Sales argue otherwise thankfully.

TheSteve - 4/19/2016 2:37:16 PM

+1 Boost

You know, I've given Lexus a lot of credit for all the reports of "our customers love our styling" and "Lexus is selling like hot-cakes", so I figured they must be doing a lot right, in spite of their polarizing styling language, which looks terrible to *me*.

I recently looked at Lexus's unit sales compared to Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, and I discovered that in North America, MB is #1, BMW has 99% of MB's sales, and Audi has 94%, while Lexus has only 76% of MB's sales. And globally, BMW is #1, MB has 98% of BMW's sales, and Audi has 95% of BMW's sales, while Lexus has only 34%.

While Lexus has admirably low defect numbers and a high level of fit and finish, they're being passed over for the top 3 luxury car-makers, both domestically and across the planet. Speaking solely for myself, when I saw Lexus's styling on their web site, I closed my browser tab and went elsewhere. I suspect I'm not alone.

MDarringer - 4/20/2016 8:58:20 AM

0 Boost

I don't know where you got your data to say: "I recently looked at Lexus's unit sales compared to Mercedes, BMW, and Audi, and I discovered that in North America, MB is #1, BMW has 99% of MB's sales, and Audi has 94%"

Because in MY2015 in USA:

Mercedes: 372,997
BMW: 346,023
Lexus: 344,601
Audi: 202,202
Cadillac: 175,267

ilovecar2015 - 4/19/2016 3:07:44 PM

+2 Boost

Just look at the 2016 GS, you can imagine what the 2017 IS will look like. I suspect 200t, 300, 350 will continue. They need to add in IS250h like in Europe.

ilovecar2015 - 4/19/2016 3:10:43 PM

+2 Boost

*IS300h not IS250h*

emiliojose - 4/19/2016 3:20:21 PM

+4 Boost

I feel that TheSteve's analysis seems right, but misses some points. First, in the US Lexus is on the rebound after losing its crown as biggest luxury seller precisely for following derivative German styling. While it's hard to guarantee that Lexus will catch up, especially considering that the germans have many more models for sale, Lexus will definitely keep pushing higher in the US. Indeed it's the only competitive luxury maker from Japan that is still running in the US as Infiniti and Acura have lost a lot of ground.

Second, Lexus suffered quite a bit in China due to the Japanese-Chinese fights of recent times, thus it lost ground in that, the second market on earth. The third is Europe where the germans play on home turf. Lexus doesn't really compete elsewhere, thus not much margin for growth.

I feel Lexus' styling is doing what is meant to do: say I'm NOT german. If DC/Virgnia/Maryland are any indication, Lexus is succeeding and will continue to do so...they are everywhere around here!

MDarringer - 4/19/2016 8:19:59 PM

+1 Boost

If by "all new" you mean every nut and bolt new...NO...it's too new for that. If you mean microscopic change = all new, then yes.