Exterior Design

The Lexus IS sedans show a strong family resemblance to the Lexus GS models while establishing their own distinctively sporty identity. A notably wide stance and long wheelbase, coupled with tightly drawn bodywork, give the IS an athletic, road-hungry yet sophisticated style. Carefully shaped body contours, a subtle ducktail-curved trunk lid and "air kick" tail lamps contribute to a low 0.28 coefficient of drag (Cd).

A highly rigid body structure is the starting point for controlling noise intrusion. Strategically placed noise-suppression materials, including special window and door seals, acoustic windshield glass and asphalt sheeting, take over from there.

    See also:

    Leftlane’s bottom line
    Looking at the sales figures alone, the ES fills an obvious slot in the market that no other automaker has really chosen to take on. Priced more like the compact IS, the ES is sized like the GS bu ...

    Hill-start assist control
    Hill-start assist control helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting on an incline or slippery slope. To engage hill-start assist control, further depress the brake peda ...

    The Inside
    Cabin materials are inconsistent for a Lexus — too much faux-metal plastic, a cheaper headliner than usual — but the same could be said for most sub-$30,000 luxury cars. For its league, the CT sco ...