Lexus IS News
You still can’t have this Japanese premium sedan
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By Chris Thompson · 12 Sep 2025
Lexus this week revealed the updated IS sedan ahead of a Japanese on-sale date of early 2026.The updates consist of some mechanical changes for more engaging driving and design alterations to emphasise the “signature aggressiveness” of the car, but one thing that hasn’t changed is whether the car can be sold in Australia.The Lexus IS was discontinued for Australia in 2022 due to its inability to pass ADR 85, or ‘Pole Side Impact Performance’, which assesses the car’s ability to withstand a sideways impact into a pole. It’s one of many models that fell victim to ADR 85, including the Lexus RC coupe.Lexus Australia confirmed the IS update does not affect whether it can be sold here.“The updated IS sedan announced this week will be offered in selected markets only. This does not include Australia, which ceased offering the IS in 2022,” a Lexus spokesperson told CarsGuide.While the updated Lexus IS is a clear progression over the refreshed 2020 design, it looks rather different to the first iteration of what is still the same generation that debuted back in 2013.Twelve years on from being revealed, the third-generation IS has been given a more aggressive look, Lexus says, with a new face that bears a wider grille, has new F Sport design features, and is 10mm longer than before (now 4720mm).Inside, the changes are more significant. A 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen is standard across the range, while a completely restyled driver display panel (also 12.3 inches), console and door trims creates a more “driver-focused” interior.The IS now has more functions under the brand’s ‘Lexus Safety System +’ and can support hands-off during highway traffic congestion.
Lexus promises sedans and sports cars have a future in Australia despite its increasingly SUV-centric range. Bring on the electric Lexus IS and an EV LFA successor!
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By Tom White · 25 Mar 2024
Why the boss of Lexus Australia says the sedan will be back.
Got an older Lexus? Here's why the brand has extended its ownership benefits to EVERY owner in Australia with new subscription program
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By Tom White · 22 Mar 2024
Lexus introduces new subscription-based programs for both its oldest and most recent models.
Lexus IS back! 2025 Lexus IS to return as electric car with a wagon variant, so should you hold off on that Tesla Model 3 or Polestar 2 order?
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By Chris Thompson · 17 Feb 2023
If you’re keen to break the trend and opt for a wagon in the age of the electric car, the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo might no longer be your only option thanks to Lexus.
The posh Toyota Yaris Cross you never knew you wanted? Funky small hybrid crossover hatch from Lexus looms and it's here soon to take on BMW X1
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By Byron Mathioudakis · 13 Feb 2023
Lexus is expected to launch an all-new entry-level hybrid crossover in Australia within the next 18 months, slotting in underneath the established UX as the brand’s most affordable offering.
Fire hazard: More than 14,000 Lexus cars recalled for fuel leak risk
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By Chris Thompson · 16 Dec 2022
The Australian Government's Vehicle Recalls program has announced a recall for 14,270 Lexus cars due to a fire risk.The cars, which are Lexus IS, RC, and GS models from between 2012 and 2018, have been recalled for a fuel tank vent fault which could lead
An electric car worth lusting over? Coming Lexus IS replacement could be like the lovechild of a Nissan Skyline GT-S and Tesla Model 3
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By Byron Mathioudakis · 20 Feb 2022
If you’re a fan of the Lexus IS and are disappointed that the series is no longer available in Australia, then there is bright beam at the end of the tunnel, with Lexus revealing that a replacement of sorts is in the product-planning pipeline for 2025.
Rust in pieces: From the last of the V8 Holden Commodore replacements to China's answer to the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, here are 11 cars removed from sale in 2021
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By Andrew Chesterton · 25 Dec 2021
A new year is always tinged in a tiny bit of sadness for us car peeps.
Mitsubishi Mirage supply to continue into 2022 despite safety change, but stock of other affected models dwindling
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By Tim Nicholson · 06 Dec 2021
Mitsubishi will continue to sell its Mirage micro car for a while yet, despite the hatchback not complying with the Australian Design Rule (ADR) changes that came into effect on November 1.The Japanese carmaker looks like it is the only manufacturer affec
Lexus' loss, Genesis' gain? Why Genesis G70 could be the big winner after the shock Lexus IS axing
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By Stephen Ottley · 17 Jul 2021
Genesis could become the big winner of Lexus’ shock decision to axe its popular IS mid-size sedan.