2027 New Lexus IS Review, Engine, Configurations – The 2027 New Lexus IS enters the market with a comprehensive redesign that solidifies its role as a leader in the luxury sports sedan segment. Lexus has taken an evolutionary approach to styling, retaining the IS’s signature athletic stance while modernizing its lines for a sharper, more aggressive profile. The front fascia now features a more streamlined interpretation of the spindle grille, paired with new ultra-slim tri-beam LED headlights that give the sedan a high-tech yet menacing presence. A re-sculpted hood and reworked fenders contribute to improved aerodynamics, while lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon-reinforced plastics are used extensively to reduce overall weight without sacrificing structural rigidity. 2027 New Lexus IS Review
2027 New Lexus IS Redesign and Update Plan
Exterior & Interior
On the outside, the 2027 Lexus IS embodies an athletic yet refined presence. Its side profile is cleaner and more sculpted, with character lines flowing from the front fenders to the rear haunches, emphasizing motion even when stationary. Wheel options now range from 18 to 20 inches, with performance-oriented variants featuring forged alloy designs that reduce unsprung mass. At the rear, redesigned LED taillights span the width of the car with an illuminated Lexus script for a premium nighttime signature. The rear diffuser and integrated quad exhaust tips hint at the sedan’s performance credentials, while subtle aerodynamic elements, such as an active rear spoiler, add function to the form.
Step inside, and the cabin presents a blend of modern Japanese craftsmanship and advanced digital luxury. The driver-focused cockpit features a redesigned dashboard with a fully digital 14-inch instrument cluster, customizable to display performance data, navigation, or driver assistance information. The central 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system is paired with a new haptic feedback controller for more intuitive operation. Ambient lighting with 64 customizable colors allows owners to tailor the cabin mood, while premium materials such as semi-aniline leather, Alcantara, and open-pore wood trim elevate the tactile experience.
Passenger comfort is further enhanced through redesigned seats that provide increased lateral support without sacrificing long-distance comfort. Rear seat space has been improved thanks to a more efficient packaging of the cabin, while cargo capacity benefits from a deeper trunk design. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels have been significantly reduced through triple-sealed doors, acoustic glass, and improved underbody insulation. The 2027 Lexus IS’s interior not only reflects performance-oriented luxury but also reinforces Lexus’s commitment to delivering a serene, connected driving experience.
The update plan extends beyond aesthetics, with the platform receiving significant engineering upgrades for improved handling and ride quality. Lexus has implemented its latest GA-K modular architecture with enhanced torsional stiffness, which translates into sharper steering feedback and more precise cornering dynamics. An adaptive suspension system with continuously variable dampers is now standard across higher trims, providing a perfect balance between sport and comfort. Furthermore, Lexus engineers have reworked the sound insulation for a quieter cabin without muting the exhaust’s sporty tone, catering to both performance enthusiasts and luxury seekers.
Technology integration is another core focus of the redesign. Lexus has introduced its latest connected car platform, featuring over-the-air (OTA) updates to keep software and infotainment fresh throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle. Enhanced driver assistance features are also part of the plan, ensuring the 2027 Lexus IS meets evolving safety standards. By blending an assertive new design, chassis improvements, and cutting-edge technology, Lexus aims to keep the IS competitive against formidable rivals in the performance luxury sedan market.
2027 New Lexus IS Specs
Engine & Performance
The 2027 New Lexus IS lineup offers a range of powertrains designed to satisfy both efficiency-minded buyers and performance purists. The base IS 300 variant comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth yet responsive shifts. Stepping up to the IS 350 brings a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 with 311 horsepower, delivering a richer exhaust note and more engaging acceleration. Both variants are available with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.
For enthusiasts seeking maximum performance, the IS 500 F Sport Performance returns with a reworked 5.0-liter V8, now producing 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated V8 delivers linear power delivery and an intoxicating exhaust sound, accompanied by a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. An adaptive variable suspension, larger Brembo brakes, and a limited-slip differential come standard on the IS 500, ensuring that it remains one of the most exhilarating sedans in its class. Lexus has also optimized the steering ratio for quicker turn-in and improved road feel, making the car equally at home on winding roads and open highways.
In addition, Lexus introduces an all-new hybrid performance model: the IS 450h+. This plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with dual electric motors, producing a combined 400 horsepower while offering up to 40 miles of pure electric driving. The hybrid setup delivers instantaneous torque for rapid acceleration, while regenerative braking enhances efficiency. Across the range, performance is supported by refined chassis tuning, improved suspension geometry, and upgraded tire compounds, ensuring that the 2027 IS delivers precision handling without sacrificing ride comfort. 2027 New Lexus IS Review
2027 New Lexus IS Fuel Economy
Efficiency figures vary across the powertrain lineup, with the base turbocharged four-cylinder IS 300 expected to return an estimated 26 mpg combined in rear-wheel drive form, and slightly lower for all-wheel drive models. The IS 350 V6 maintains respectable efficiency at 23 mpg combined, while the IS 500’s high-output V8 delivers around 19 mpg combined, prioritizing performance over economy. The standout in efficiency is the new IS 450h+ plug-in hybrid, which offers an estimated 80 MPGe when combining electric and gasoline driving, with a range of up to 500 miles on a full charge and tank.
2027 New Lexus IS Safety Features
The 2027 Lexus IS incorporates the latest iteration of the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which brings an expanded suite of driver-assistance features designed to enhance both active and passive safety. Standard equipment includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management, and lane tracing assist with lane departure alert. The new proactive driving assist function uses forward-facing cameras and radar to anticipate potential hazards, adjusting steering and braking inputs subtly to maintain safe distances.
Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard across the lineup, while higher trims gain a 360-degree panoramic view monitor with transparent chassis mode, allowing drivers to see beneath the vehicle for easier parking and obstacle avoidance. Night vision assist, available as an option, uses infrared imaging to detect pedestrians and animals beyond the reach of the headlights, projecting alerts onto the instrument display. Lexus has also strengthened the vehicle’s structure using high-tensile steel and strategically placed crumple zones to improve crash performance.
Inside, ten airbags are positioned to protect all occupants, including front knee airbags and rear side-impact airbags. Lexus Connect telematics offers automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle tracking, and emergency assistance services. In addition, the 2027 IS integrates advanced vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication capabilities, enabling it to receive safety alerts from connected traffic systems. These technologies, combined with robust structural engineering, aim to make the 2027 Lexus IS one of the safest sedans on the road.
2027 New Lexus IS Release Date & Price
Pricing for the 2027 Lexus IS is positioned competitively within the luxury sports sedan segment. The IS 300 is expected to start at around $44,000, while the IS 350 will be priced closer to $50,000. The IS 500 F Sport Performance will command a premium at approximately $65,000, reflecting its high-performance hardware. The IS 450h+ hybrid will likely fall in the mid-to-high $50,000 range, targeting buyers who prioritize both performance and sustainability. Customization options, including performance packages, upgraded interior materials, and advanced technology bundles, allow buyers to tailor the IS to their preferences.
Lexus plans to launch the 2027 IS in global markets by late Q3 2026, with North American deliveries expected to begin in early Q4. Pre-orders are anticipated to open in the spring of 2026, with select markets offering early access programs for loyal Lexus customers. Given its blend of updated styling, advanced technology, and diverse powertrain options, the 2027 Lexus IS is poised to strengthen its foothold in the competitive luxury sedan arena 2027 New Lexus IS Review