LuxuryCarMagazine En Luxury Car Review and News
While the 2016 Lexus IS isn’t all-new, two notable new engine additions do add a compelling reason to take a fresh look at Lexus’ big selling compact luxury model. Along with the new engines come two new trim levels: the 2016 IS200t and IS300 AWD.
Really, anybody who knows anything about the luxury car world today could see the IS200t coming from miles away. It gets the turbocharged four-cylinder motor from the NX200t cute ute, which debuted last year. A good fit for a vehicle like that, it’s perhaps an even better fit for the IS, providing 241 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, all sent to the rear wheels. It’s the only configuration available, which is a little questionable considering other manufacturers are offering four-cylinder options with AWD. The drifters will probably love it, though. What they may not like so much is that the only transmission available is an eight-speed automatic, though it does offer a manual mode.
The also-new IS300 arrives to replace the IS250, with a 255 hp, 236 lb.-ft. V6 mill sending power to all four wheels. It’s nice that you have the AWD option, but IS300 buyers will have to get by with a six-speed automatic transmission as their only choice.
Meanwhile, the IS350 remains at the top of the model line-up (aside from the V8-powered IS-F, of course), and it returns with a 3.5L V6 good for 306 hp, and Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission.
2016 also marks the debut of Lexus Enform connectivity suite, which pairs with your smartphone to keep you informed (or is that “Enformed”?) about your maintenance schedule and the general health of your car.
As far as the two new models go, Lexus hasn’t yet confirmed pricing or release dates; expect the IS200t and IS300 to arrive in showroom later this summer, with pricing announced closer to that time.
