The revamped Lexus IS of the previous year achieved an ideal fusion of sporty dynamics and refined elegance, marking it as the pinnacle of IS models thus far. Expanding on this triumph, the 2022 lineup sees the return of the 2022 Lexus IS 300 and 2022 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT, now equipped with fresh packages and options that enhance overall sophistication and convenience for this front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports sedan.
Introducing the all-new Premium Package for the 2022 IS 300, featuring a range of interior and exterior upgrades. Additionally, the Comfort Package now incorporates rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with the Homelink system. The 2022 IS 350 F SPORT stands out with the introduction of a new Memory Package and the availability of a standalone option for a power rear sunshade.
The Lexus IS 350 is a noteworthy mention in the best compact luxury sedans in Kenya, and the launch of this new model helps bolster its place firmly in the list.
The Lexus Driving Signature Lives at Shimoyama
In 2021, the IS marked the initiation of a new era for vehicles crafted at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, embodying a consistent Lexus Driving Signature. Since the inception of Lexus, the tactile feel, behavior, and execution of each model have been shaped by the visionary efforts of the Chief Engineer (CE).
The Lexus Driving Signature stands as a pivotal pillar in the Lexus Next Chapter, symbolizing a fundamental transformation in our approach to product development and culture. Going forward, the Chief Engineer’s endeavors will be dedicated to elevating vehicles to an unprecedented standard of performance and handling, guided by the vision of Lexus International President and Chief Branding Officer Koji Sato, along with the expertise of Master Driver and Brand Holder Akio Toyoda. The ultimate objective is to deliver a new generation of Lexus vehicles unified by a shared brand identity, encompassing responsive and linear control, exceptional handling, grip, and confidence, as well as refined ride quality and quietness. Achieving these benchmarks will involve meticulous testing and evaluation at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama.
Fast, Fun, Ferocious – Putting the “F” in F SPORT
In 2021, the IS F SPORT lineup underwent a comprehensive restructuring, featuring the F SPORT exclusively on the IS 350. The IS 350 F SPORT boasts a distinctive identity through a range of visual and performance enhancements. Notable exterior elements include a unique front bumper with functional aerodynamic features, a rear bumper, grille surround, rear lip spoiler, rocker molding, and more. Complemented by F SPORT 19-inch wheels, a unique center cap, and larger rear tires for heightened performance (265/35R19), these models are equipped with a cool air intake featuring a sound generator, as well as an F SPORT exhaust and diffuser. The sides of the vehicle proudly display unique F SPORT badges.
Inside the IS, stainless-steel scuff plates grace the door sills, leading to F SPORT front seat surfaces that captivate attention, especially when adorned in the available Circuit Red. These front seats feature standard heating and ventilation functions. The driver is greeted by a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with a distinctive center ornament, a perforated leather-wrapped shifter, and F SPORT combination instrumentation meter. Unique F SPORT accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and footrest further enhance the driving experience. The front seats offer two-way power-adjustable lumbar support and four-way adjustable headrests. Unique F SPORT door accents with black geometric film window switch surrounds add to the interior’s distinctive appeal. Active Sound Control has been refined to heighten the V6 engine’s exhilarating performance notes while minimizing undesirable tones.
F SPORT models can be enhanced with the optional Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), featuring Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) and lighter 19-inch forged-alloy BBS wheels in matte black finish. These BBS wheels not only contribute to a striking appearance but are also approximately 4 pounds lighter per wheel compared to the standard 19-inch F SPORT wheel.
Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) F SPORT models equipped with the DHP benefit from a Torsen® Limited Slip Differential (LSD), improving handling and performance by enhancing traction during cornering or exiting turns while maintaining straight-line stability. DHP-equipped F SPORT models feature Drive Select Mode Sport S and Sport S+, offering advanced engine and transmission mapping for enhanced performance. Sport S+ adjusts EPS steering assist and damping force to deliver sportier handling to match updated powertrain settings. Custom Mode, available on DHP models, allows for various combinations of the powertrain (Normal/Eco/Power), chassis (Normal/Sport), and air conditioner (Normal/Eco).
F SPORT models with the DHP come with a unique carbon-fiber rear spoiler and a Lexus SmartAccess Card Key, with carbon-fiber side-view mirror caps available as an option.
Fast, Fun, Ferocious – Putting the “F” in F SPORT
The assertive exterior design of the 2022 IS is crafted to make a bold statement, aiming for a provocative aesthetic with muscular fenders that gracefully extend to accommodate the striking 19-inch wheels. The broad and low silhouette not only pays homage to the inherent high-performance nature of the IS but also integrates sleek lines with overtly aggressive sharpness carved into the side and shoulder character lines.
Slim headlamps adorn the front of the IS, featuring Daytime Running Lights with a distinct L-shaped signature that traverses laterally just above the compact and lightweight lamp units. These headlamps not only contribute to conveying a low center of gravity, accentuating the grille’s lower sections, but also complement lowered side character lines that extend seamlessly to the rear of the trunk. The available triple-beam LED headlights are redesigned to harmonize with the low-profile hood.
Rocker panels enhance the side profile with a design that kicks up at the rear, creating a sharp contour that continues into the muscular shoulders above the rear wheel wells. The gently sloped rear-quarter pillars form a robust cabin silhouette that wraps around from the sides, creating a striking contrast with the rear fenders and amplifying the overall aggressive appearance.
Progressing to the rear of the IS, the lines of the rear fenders seamlessly blend into the extended, lowered rear deck, contributing to a lowered stance that accentuates the wider hips of the vehicle. The three-dimensional design of the rear deck is achieved through press-in mold construction, creating a visually striking and dynamic rear profile. Notably, the attention-grabbing L-shaped blade-style lightbar spans across the rear of the vehicle, immediately capturing the observer’s eyes.
The 2022 IS will be available in a selection of ten popular exterior colors, including Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Infrared, Grecian Water, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0.
Bask in Cabin Comfort
The interior of the IS boasts standard NuLuxe®-trimmed seating, featuring a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The cabin is equipped with a dual-zone automatic climate control system featuring touch-sensitive controls. For added luxury, there’s an available power moonroof, and the SmartAccess system allows for convenient push-button start/stop functionality.
F SPORT models elevate the interior experience with door trim showcasing a distinctive graphic pattern of embossed intersecting lines, representing a novel form of Lexus decorative expression and Takumi craftsmanship. The decorative ornamentation is meticulously finished in Black Metallic paint, Black Geometric Film, or the exclusive Ash ornamentation reserved for F SPORT models equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package. The cabin ambiance is further enhanced by Piano Black accents, creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blends dignity with sportiness. Standard NuLuxe interior trim color options include Black, Glazed Caramel, and Rioja Red. F SPORT packages expand the choices to Black, Circuit Red, and a two-tone White/Black combination. The F SPORT Dynamic Handling Package is available in Black or Circuit Red interior trim.
The IS features a standard 8-inch touchscreen, providing easy access to controls. For vehicles equipped with navigation or the Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package, an expansive 10.3-inch touchscreen is available. The multimedia system offers seamless integration with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Amazon Alexa.
For audiophiles, the available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System boasts an impressive 17 speakers driven by an 1,800-watt amplifier. This advanced system minimizes interference, enhances output (with the addition of two speakers), and refines sound quality through EQ tuning. The rear surround speakers are tweeter/mid-range combination Unity speakers. The audio amplifier incorporates enhanced Quantum Logic Surround for compressed sound source playback, delivering a captivating 7.1 surround sound listening experience.
Drivetrains and Powertrains
The 2022 IS offers both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options, with three distinct powertrain choices based on the grade.
The rear-wheel-drive IS 300 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline four-cylinder engine. Updated for 2021, the engine features adaptive transmission control for optimal gear selection based on driver input, ensuring a linear response. Delivering 241 horsepower and a robust 258 lb.-ft. of torque across a broad range (1,650 to 4,400 rpm), this efficient powerplant utilizes Variable Valve Timing intelligent – Wide (VVTi-W) to switch between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles. Paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission, it incorporates a G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system to determine the best gear selection based on performance parameters.
For enhanced traction in colder climates, the IS 300 is also available with all-wheel drive. The IS 300 AWD is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, producing 260 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque. This power is distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, with an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system that automatically adjusts front-to-rear torque distribution for optimal traction and grip.
For those seeking maximum power, the IS 350 is available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. The 3.5-liter V6 engine generates 311 horsepower and 280 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The rear-wheel-drive model uses the eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive version employs a six-speed automatic. Performance enthusiasts will appreciate the quick acceleration, with the IS 350 RWD covering 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and the IS 350 AWD achieving the same in 5.7 seconds.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
The 2022 IS comes equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 as a standard feature, incorporating key active safety technologies. The Pre-Collision System (PCS) includes Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection, and Bicyclist Detection. Enhancements to the lens camera and millimeter-wave radar elements expand the system’s response range. This improved capability allows the system to detect not only the vehicle ahead but also preceding bicyclists during the day and even pedestrians in both daytime and low-light conditions. At intersections, under certain conditions, the system can recognize oncoming vehicles during left turns or pedestrians during both left and right turns, activating typical PCS functions as needed. Emergency Steering Assist (ESA) is also part of PCS, assisting with steering within the vehicle’s lane as cued by the driver.
The All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) activates above 30 mph, providing vehicle-to-vehicle distance controls down to 0 mph and the ability to resume from a stop. DRCC includes a feature facilitating the smooth overtaking of slower vehicles. When traveling behind a slower vehicle and the driver engages the turn signal, the system initiates acceleration in preparation for a lane change. After the lane change, the vehicle continues accelerating until it reaches the original preset driving speed.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/ SA) notifies the driver of inadvertent lane departure at speeds above 32 mph through steering wheel vibrations or an audible alert. It can also take slight corrective measures to help keep the vehicle within the marked lane. Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), activated when DRCC is set, provides a subtle steering force to assist the driver in staying within the lane, using visible lane markers or a preceding vehicle. LTA alerts the driver with visual warnings and either audible alerts or steering wheel vibrations. The IS features improved lane recognition performance, enhancing the recognition of line and road edge, lateral G performance, and control and stability after a lane change.
Additional Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 features encompass Intelligent High Beams, automatically switching between high and low beams based on detected preceding or oncoming vehicles, and Road Sign Assist (RSA), which acquires road sign information using a camera and navigation maps, displaying relevant information on the multi-information display (MID).
New Packages and Options for IS 300 and IS 350 F SPORT
In 2022, the IS 300 and IS 350 F SPORT models take the luxury sports sedan experience to new heights with the introduction of enhanced packages and options, emphasizing convenience, refinement, and exceptional value. Both the IS 300 RWD and AWD models now come equipped with an entirely new Premium Package. This package has been meticulously crafted to cater to the preferences of both our younger audience and dedicated IS enthusiasts, offering a suite of features that elevate the overall driving experience.
IS 300 Premium Package
- 19″ split-spoke Alloy Wheels (All-season or Summer tires)
- Power Moonroof
- Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel
- Rain-Sensing Wipers
- Inside auto-dimming mirror with garage door opener
- Lexus Memory System
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- Outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse
- Rear armrest with cupholders
- Power Rear Sunshade
- Front door scuff plates
- Black Open Pore wood trim
In response to valuable guest feedback, the 2022 IS 300 Comfort Package has been enhanced to include rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with the Homelink system, providing added convenience and comfort for drivers.
Furthermore, for the 2022 IS 350 F SPORT RWD and AWD models, a new Memory Package has been introduced based on customer input. This package includes features such as a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, outside mirrors with auto-tilt down in reverse, and the Lexus Memory System for the driver’s seat, outside mirrors, and steering wheel. Additionally, a new standalone option for a power rear sunshade is now available, further enhancing the customizable and luxurious offerings for these F SPORT models.
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