TO THE POINTWhat’s New? Virtually everything. The 2005 Lexus IS is similar to the GS sedan, with more engine displacement and a more aggressive character. Selling Points: Sexy design, well executed interior, powerful engines with smooth power bands Deal Breakers: No manual transmission offered with the IS 350 – the real performance variant, virtually silent exhaust note, IS 250 misses some power. Our Advice: Test drive today
Based on the LF-A supercar’s edgy style, the IS is the second Lexus model to don the company’s new direction in design. More of the same from Lexus is hopefully close behind, as the look retains its sporty, edgy appeal yet adds a swooping line and a dramatic beltline. This new Lexus is much more emotive than past generations. Notably, the stance is wider and the wheelbase is longer than the previous generation IS, and the result is a more aggressive style. The new Lexus IS looks like the finished thought that that was the previous IS design– elements such as the grille, tail lights and headlamps seem drawn through to completion, with sharper edges, larger badges and closed shapes.
Photos courtesy of Lexus
About Brian Chee Prior to joining Autobytel in the Spring of 2000, Brian Chee spent 15 years as a writer and editor in his native southern California, his work appearing in a wide variety of regional newspapers and online publications. As an editor at Autobytel, Brian has been quoted in numerous regional and national publications, including the Wall St. Journal and InStyle Magazine. He is responsible for writing, editing and planning content for three of the company’s consumer websites: autobytel.com, autoweb.com and carsmart.com. His “beat” includes vehicle reviews, features, news and Auto Show coverage. Brian considers himself a “SoCal” car enthusiast: the kind who grades a car on how it handles today’s urban and suburban reality of daily traffic gridlock, rising fuel prices and fast-paced lifestyles. Brian is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Automotive Press Association, the Motor Press Guild, and the California State University Advisory Board for Internet Writing. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism.
