When it comes to luxury sports sedans, Lexus is always on the shortlist of options for many buyers. Even though it might not be quite as fast as a BMW 3-series or Mercedes C-Class, the Lexus IS has always had a cult following owing to how true Lexus stays to its automotive roots under the hood. After all, one would be hard-pressed to list even a few cars in this day and age that still come off the assembly line with naturally-aspirated V8s and V6s.
After a complete refresh only recently in 2021, the model is back for 2022 with an all-new 5.0-liter V8 ready to take on any western rival. Here’s what we love the most about the new Lexus IS 2022 lineup.
8 A Physically-Movable Instrument Cluster
How many cars can one even list today that come with a physically-movable instrument cluster? Moreover, how many then fall under the $100,000 mark? The new Lexus IS comes with a beautiful driver-inspired cockpit, and at the center of it is a magnetic instrument cluster. The kicker? With the touch of a button mounted on the steering wheel, the speedometer physically moves.
Normally, the instrument cluster behind the wheel allows you to tinker around with your settings. Then, when you feel like enjoying the sheer pleasure of sports-focused driving, just press a button and the speedometer gauge comes smack dab to the center of the instrument cluster, with only the most important icons on either side.
7 Naturally-Aspirated V8
Again, the Lexus IS 500 makes you ask, how many cars on the market can still deliver a naturally aspirated V8 under the hood? It's been a turbocharged world for a while now, but Lexus has decided to keep the old-school traditions alive with the 2022 IS. Thus, it is clear that Lexus has opted to target the emotional aspect of cars with their 5.0-liter V8. Moreover, having an eight-cylinder unit while remaining less expensive than its German rivals sure goes a long way for the new IS.
The massive engine under the hood of the IS 500 F Sport Performance churns out an equally-massive 472 horsepower. Moreover, it doesn't hurt that the roaring sound of the power unit alone is enough to turn heads when the IS goes raring down the tarmac, and that is before we even get to the styling of the vehicle. Suffice to say, when it comes to an enthusiast's emotions, Lexus has absolutely scored by keeping the engine all-natural.
6 Alexa Integration
The 2022 Lexus IS brings to you the convenience of Amazon Alexa compatibility on the road, merged with the Lexus app. If you're familiar with Alexa at your home, you'd be right at home behind the wheel of your Lexus IS, with the ability to access thousands of Alexa functions behind the steering wheel.
Thus, from within the comfort of your IS, you'd have to do nothing more than use your voice to listen to audiobooks, stream music, and even turn on the lights at your place while you navigate the curb leading up to the garage door. The new 2022 Lexus IS sure offers a plethora of tech options for you to choose from among its plenty of variants.
5 Exclusive Launch Edition Styling
Lexus came out with 500 units in their exclusive launch edition lineup for the IS F Sport Performance. If you're one of the five hundred lucky ones to bag a unit, you'd be welcomed to a host of exclusive design features that add that extra oomph to an already beautiful sports sedan.
Firstly, there are the quad exhaust tips, which are simply breathtaking. After all, with a naturally-aspirated eight-cylinder power unit under the hood, you'd want that sort of strength symbolized at the back too. Then comes the raised hood for the Lexus IS, and the icing on the cake is the 19-inch Forged Alloy Matte Black wheels that are exclusive to the launch edition.
4 Launch Edition Numbered Badging
Each of the five hundred 2022 launch edition Lexus IS 500 models comes with a unique badging signifying its number on the lineup. Granted, the badging is on the inside but housed snugly in the center console, it certainly keeps one looking at it, reminding them that their vehicle is one of a very limited bunch.
In that vein, the Lexus IS Launch Edition also has one additional perk to it- the steering wheel gets treated to a stylish wooden trim highlight. Undoubtedly, the race-inspired interiors of the Lexus IS are quite impressive in and of themselves, but the wooden trim most certainly adds a touch of exclusivity to it. Lexus is definitely playing their cards right, where the cards are the heartstrings of customers who view cars as more than just tools of commute.
3 Road Sign Assist
Lexus has always been known for its utterly reliable vehicles. In fact, it is not just the parts that make a Lexus reliable, but the riding safety that has become synonymous with Lexus as well. The new Lexus IS comes with a host of safety features, with the most interesting feature being the Road Sign Assist feature.
The Road Sign Assist safety feature on the Lexus IS uses built-in cameras to gauge road sign information on the side of the road and relay it to the instrument panel. So, just in case you might miss a sign on the road the feature alerts you of it, along with providing the speed limit information as well.
2 Curve Speed Reduction
Another great safety feature on the new Lexus IS 2020 is curve speed reduction. Not only will the vehicle slow down when it senses a curve in the road coming up ahead, but you can also configure the reduction in speed to be low, medium, or high.
This feature would suddenly come in handy on a dark night, or simply in situations where one has another car, biker, or cyclist in front of them. Lexus certainly ensured that you'd be relaxed even while driving on the twisties with the Curve Speed Reduction feature.
1 The Coolest Start-Up Animation
The IS F Sport Performance variant of the new 2022 Lexus IS has what is hands down the coolest startup animation in a sport sedan. After you're done staring at the stylish exteriors of your new Lexus IS F Sport Performance and remember you've got somewhere to be, the start-up animation is what greets you the minute you turn the car on.
Of course, the fact that Lexus has gone the extra mile to include the animation in press tours might also speak to an otherwise lacking technology in the car, especially when compared to its rivals like the BMW M3 or the Audi RS3. Nevertheless, one simply cannot deny the coolness of the startup animation as you see nothing but the angular headlights' silhouette against the dark instrument cluster, warp through starry-blue skies and see the Lexus IS turn to face you.