Review: Lexus XE20 IS (2005-13)

Review: Lexus XE20.I IS 250 (2005-08)

Overview

Released in November 2005, the Lexus XE20 Series I (XE20.I) IS was a range of compact executive sedans. Manufactured in Japan, the rear-wheel drive XE20.I IS range consisted of the IS 250 model which was powered by a 2.5-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The IS 250 range initially consisted of an unnamed entry-level variant, the Sports and Sports Luxury variants. From 2006, however, the entry-level variant was named ‘Prestige’ and, in 2007, the range was expanded with the ‘X-Package’ variant.

4GR-FSE engine

The 2.5-litre 4GR-FSE V6 petrol engine had a die-cast aluminium block and double overhead cam cylinder heads, roller rockers, direct fuel injection, four valves per cylinder, variable inlet and exhaust valve timing (dual VVT-i), an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) and a compression ratio of 12.0:1.

Dimensions

Compared to the Lexus XE10 IS , the XE20 IS was 175 mm longer (at 4575 mm), 80 mm wider (1800 mm), 5 mm taller (1425 mm) and had a 60 mm longer wheelbase (2730 mm). Furhtermore, the new body achieved greater rigidity through the use of high-strength steel for all major longitudinal members and a stepped underbody to maximise downforce under the vehicle.

Steering and suspension

The XE20 IS 250 had electric power-assisted steering, MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension (with dual upper links and a toe control arm).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the IS 250 included dual twin-chamber front airbags, dual front knee airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Sports Luxury was also fitted with Lexus’ Pre-Collision system which tensioned the seatbelts in emergency situations.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , an XE20 IS with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.4 out of 37. In the frontal offset test, there was a slight risk of head, chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side and pole impact tests, maximum points were awarded.

Features: IS 250 Prestige, Sports and Sports Luxury

Standard features for the IS 250 and IS 250 Prestige included 16-inch alloy wheels, a thirteen speaker Pioneer sound system with a six-stack CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, full-faced leather seats, power adjustable and ventilated front seats (i.e. heating and cooling functions), front and rear fog lamps, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, height adjustable front seats, a trip computer and an immobiliser. Models with automatic transmission were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

The IS 250 Sports variant was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, sport-style seats with Alcantara trim, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, memory settings for the front seats and steering wheel position, heated door mirrors, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and moonroof.

The IS 250 Sports Luxury was distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, fourteen speaker Mark Levinson sound system with MP3/WMA compatibility and auxiliary input, premium leather seats, active cruise control (i.e. autonomous braking), satellite navigation (with DVD capability when stationary), a reversing camera (with park assist display), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice recognition and woodgrain interior trim.

Lexus IS 250 X

Released in July 2007, the IS 250 X was based on the Prestige variant but added five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, fourteen speaker Mark Levinson sound system, satellite navigation, a moonroof, sports pedals and metal scuff plates. Only 260 examples of the 2007 IS 250 X were available for sale in Australia; paint finishes were limited Vermilion (red), Metallic Silver and Onyx (black).

The IS 250 X returned in March 2008. As before, additional features – relative to the Prestige variant – included five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, a fourteen speaker Mark Levinson sound system, satellite navigation, a moonroof, sports pedals and metallic scruff plates. The 2008 IS 250 X, however, was also fitted with Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and a rear view camera with rear guide assist. Only 450 examples of the 2008 IS 250 X were available for sale in Australia; paint finishes were limited to Vermilion, Arctic Blue and Onyx.

Related links

• Press Kit: Lexus XE20.I IS 250 (November 2005)
• Press Release: Lexus XE20.I IS 250X (July 2007)
• Press Release: Lexus XE20.I IS 250X (March 2008)

Review: Lexus XE20.II IS 250 and IS 350 (2008-13)

Overview

Released in October 2008, the XE20 Series II (XE20.II) IS 250 introduced retuned steering and suspension, upgraded transmissions and subtle cosmetic changes. The range was also revised as the Sports variant was discontinued, although an optional Sports package was available. Visually, the XE20.II IS could be identified by its new bumpers, chrome grille surround, new door mirrors with integrated indicators and tail-lights. Inside, there was a new centre instrument stack, switchgear and folding rear head restraints.

Lexus IS 350: 2GR-FSE engine

In October 2010, the IS range was expanded with the introduction of the IS 350 models. The 3.5-litre 2GR-FSE V6 petrol engine had a die-cast aluminium block and double overhead cam cylinder heads, roller rockers, a twin injection fuel system which combined direct injection with traditional port injection (the latter for more precise air/fuel mixing under low and medium load conditions), four valves per cylinder, variable inlet and exhaust valve timing (dual VVT-i) and a compression ratio of 11.8:1.

Fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, the IS 350 was offered in Prestige, F Sport (also introduced for the IS 250) and Sports Luxury variants.

Safety equipment

Compared to its predecessor, standard safety equipment for the XE20.II IS range included Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), which replaced the existing traction and stability control systems. The IS 350 Sports Luxury was further equipped with Lexus’ Pre-Collision Safety System and Pre-Collision Braking.

IS 250 features

Features for the XE20.II IS 250 were substantially the same as its predecessor.

From October 2009, the IS 250 was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels as standard and featured USB audio capability.

IS 350 features

Compared to the IS 250 Prestige, the IS 350 Prestige was further equipped with satellite navigation, bi-xenon headlights with daytime running lights, a reversing camera and Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.

The IS 350 F Sport added 18-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, a fourteen speaker Mark Levinson sound system (with DVD player when stationary), front seat memory settings and rain-sensing wipers; features unique to the F Sport included a body kit, sports seats, mesh grille, front lower lip spoiler, boot lid spoiler, sports pedals and Flame Blue paint finish.

Finally, the IS 350 Sports Luxury was distinguished by its ventilated and heated front seats, semi-aniline leather-accented seat trim, electrochromatic rear view mirror, moonroof, active cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, heated and electrochromatic door mirrors. Although the moonroof was standard, buyers could choose to omit it.

2013 Lexus IS 250 X and IS 350 X

In February 2013, limited-run X variants were released for the IS 250 and IS 350 models. The IS 250 X and IS 350 X both featured five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, red semi-aniline leather upholstery, a satellite navigation system, HID headlights with daytime running lights, a reverse camera, parking sensors, proximity key, sports pedals, aluminium scuff plates and a rear lip spoiler.

Related links

• Press Release: Lexus XE20.II IS 250 Sports Package (April 2009)
• Press Release: Lexus XE20.II IS 250 F-Sport package and upgrades (October 2009)
• Press Kit: Lexus XE20.II IS 350 (October 2010)
• Press Release: X Special Edition for XE20.II IS 250, AL10.I RX 350X and RX 400h (November 2011)
• Press Release: Lexus XE20.II IS 250X and IS 350X (February 2013)
• Brochure: Lexus XE20 IS Range (October 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Lexus XE20 IS