Lexus IS (XE20) Guides, Photos and Videos

The Lexus IS (XE20) is the second generation of the Lexus IS line of compact executive cars. Sold by Lexus since 2005, the line includes multiple V6 gasoline-powered models, in four-door sedan and two-door convertible body styles. Additional sedan models also feature inline-four diesel powertrains, and an F marque version, the IS F, features a V8 engine. A pre-production car of the second generation IS model was first shown at the 2005 Geneva Auto Show, with the production version debuting at the 2005 New York Auto Show. The second generation was only available as a sedan until the two-door convertible variants debuted in 2008.

The IS is built on a shortened version of the rear-wheel drive midsize platform introduced for the third generation Lexus GS, and also used on the Japanese-market Toyota Crown and Toyota Mark X. The chief engineer of the second generation IS was Suguya Fukusato, a rally driver. The second generation IS sedans were sold until 2013, when the third generation (XE30) debuted; however the convertible model continued to be sold through 2014.

After commencement of U.S. sales of the XE10 in 2000, development begun on its successor, the XE20 under chief engineer Suguya Fukusato in 2001. Design work was done under Kengo Matsumoto for a period of 2 years from 2002 into late 2003 when the final conceptual design by Hiroyuki Tada, utilizing the new corporate styling theme of L-finesse was chosen. From 2003 into the first half of 2004, the conceptual design was further refined into the production design specifications, being then approved by the executive board. Design patents were filed in September 2004 in Japan, on 18 February 2005 in Europe, and 25 February 2005 at the United States Patent Office upon conclusion of development in early 2005.

The second generation Lexus IS was the second debut of Lexus' new L-finesse design philosophy on a production vehicle, following the premiere of the 2006 Lexus GS performance sedan. The new IS design featured sleeker, coupe-like contours, a fastback profile, and a repeated arrowhead motif in the front fascia and side windows based on the Japanese concept of kirikaeshi, referring to angular movements. The forward design was reminiscent of the earlier Lexus LF-C coupe concept. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation IS was 3.5 inches (89 mm) longer and nearly 3 inches (76 mm) wider, largely due to a 2.3 inches (58 mm) wheelbase stretch. The grille was set at a lower level than the headlights. The new IS body resulted in a 0.28 Cd figure.

The second generation IS interior features leather seats, lightsaber-like electroluminescent instrument display lighting and LED interior lighting accents, 10-way (including lumbar) driver and front passenger power seats, and the choice of faux-metallic or optional Bird's Eye Maple wood grain trim made by Yamaha piano craftsmen from sustainable plantations. The interior design also derived elements from Japanese concepts, including hazushi, where an object retains individuality while being part of a large whole, as typified in side air vents. Other available interior features include perforated leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, moonroof, electrochromic side view mirrors, power rear sunshade, and aluminum scuff plates.

The Lexus IS features standard dual front airbags, front row knee airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, and front side torso airbags. The new IS also debuted its manufacturer's latest twin-chamber, V-shaped front passenger airbag. Initially, the IS 250 came with the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system while the IS 350 used a more advanced VDIM system which reacts sooner with less intrusive operation. A Pre-Collision System (PCS) is the first offered in the entry-luxury performance sedan market segment.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test results in 2008 rated the IS the maximum five stars in the Side Driver and Rollover categories, and four stars in the Frontal Driver, Frontal Passenger, and Side Rear Passenger categories.Euro NCAP scores were the maximum five stars in Adult Occupant, four stars in Child Occupant, and two of four stars in Pedestrian test categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Lexus IS sedan a "Good" overall score for both front and side impact tests, and also ranks the IS "Good" in all fourteen measured categories in the front and side impact crash tests.

For the IS 250, IS 350, and IS F, engines feature the manufacturer's D-4S direct injection system; these models are ULEV-II emission certified in the United States by the California Air Resources Board. The IS line also features an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system which replaces the previous hydraulic steering pump.

Technical features on the second generation Lexus IS further include rain-sensing wipers, Intuitive Park Assist (IPA), bi-xenon headlamps, Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Lexus' SmartAccess keyless entry with push-button start is a standard feature along with a memory system that can recall driver's seat, side mirror, and steering positions. A high-resolution 7" touchscreen DVD-based Gen V navigation system with voice recognition, Bluetooth, a backup camera, and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system are available as options.

In response to criticism regarding the lack of a stability/traction control disable switch on 2006 IS models, Lexus added a VDIM/VSC off switch for the 2007 model year. For 2006 IS models, the stability control system/traction control system can be disabled through non-conventional methods by using a code during engine start.

In the 2007 IS models, in addition to the on/off switch for the traction-control system, Lexus added a roof-mounted shark-fin antenna in some markets. (The Australian delivered IS models did not receive the fin-style antenna until its first appearance on the IS F in 2008). For 2008 models, the steering system was tweaked for improved steering feel and the rear seats were modified to improve rear room.

The 2008 mid-cycle refresh for the 2009 model year (designed by Takahiro Kanno in 2007) included revised interior and exterior styling, the suspension and steering was retuned for improved stability and control, and the IS 250 also gained VDIM as standard for the 2009 model year. In 2009, Masanari Sakae designed revisions to the IS Line, which were patent registered in November 2009 in Japan and 27 April 2010 in Europe. In the second quarter of 2010 (2011 MY), these new revisions were introduced, featuring a refreshed exterior with new wheels, LED daytime running lights, additional interior features, and dedicated IS F-Sport production models.

The IS 250 (GSE20) went on sale in 2005 in Japan and North America in RWD (GSE20) and IS 250 AWD (GSE25) configuration, along with the more powerful rear-wheel drive IS 350 (GSE21) sedan. The IS 250 RWD comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is available as an option. All other gasoline-powered IS sedans are only available with the automatic.

The IS 350 shares larger braking discs and calipers borrowed from the GS 430; the IS 350's larger calipers are four-piston rather than the two-piston front calipers of the IS 250.

Citing independent testing by auto research firm AMCI, Lexus highlighted the IS 350's acceleration as the "fastest in its class" at its launch (see also: Lexus IS performance specifications). Some reviewers noted the second generation models as Lexus' first foray into the sport compact market that compared fairly well with its German competitors. However, some criticisms were that its steering was not as communicative as that of some rivals, the rear seat legroom (while improved over the first generation) was still tight, and that the six-speed manual was only available on the IS 250. However, the IS' performance has also been praised, for example in a February 2007 Road and Track Japanese luxury sports sedan comparison, in which the IS 350 took first place.

Introduced for sale in European markets in 2006, the IS 220d (ALE20) was the first diesel-powered Lexus ever produced. The IS 220d featured a 2.2 L 2AD-FHV Inline-4 diesel engine, capable of 175 hp (130 kW), and rear wheel drive. The IS 220d was only offered with a manual transmission. Introduced to Chinese and Middle Eastern markets in 2006, the IS 300 (GSE22) was tailored to the fuel requirements of those regions, with a 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6 engine (without direct injection), 228 hp (170 kW), and rear wheel drive. The IS 300 was also introduced to the Brunei, Indonesia, and Philippines markets.

After three years with only one body style, the IS returned with a second body style, this time in hardtop convertible form, debuting as the IS 250 C on 2 October 2008 at the Paris Motor Show. A more powerful IS 350 C also became available, with engine specifications analogous to those on the sedan models.

The IS convertible features a three-piece aluminum hardtop that can retract in 21 seconds, a roof-brake mechanism slows panels as they close and near the windshield. The IS 250 C and IS 350 C are offered with a six-speed automatic, while the IS 250 C was offered a manual transmission and all-wheel-drive version. However, as of 2015, the IS C is only available as rear-wheel-drive. The IS convertible's body has a drag coefficient of Cd=0.29.

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