The Lexus IS has been a staple in the luxury sports sedan market for over two decades, competing head-to-head with European rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Known for its sleek styling, smooth driving experience, and renowned reliability, the IS has always attracted buyers who want a mix of performance and luxury at a relatively accessible price.
For 2026, Lexus Is has decided to give the IS another refresh instead of introducing an all-new generation. While some may see this as playing it safe, the updates bring meaningful changes to technology, interior design, and driving dynamics. Let’s dive into what makes the 2026 Lexus IS an interesting choice for luxury sedan buyers.
Table of Contents
Exterior Design: Subtle But Stylish
At first glance, the 2026 Lexus IS looks familiar, but a closer look reveals a sharper, more refined design. The front fascia has been updated with a wider spindle grille that extends into the hood line, giving it a more aggressive stance. Certain trims also gain sporty touches such as a rear spoiler, red brake calipers with the Lexus logo, and new 19-inch alloy wheels.
Lexus Is, has also introduced a fresh color option called Neutrino Gray, which joins the existing palette to give buyers more customization. While the overall dimensions of the car remain nearly identical to the outgoing model, these tweaks ensure the IS continues to look modern and athletic in a highly competitive segment.
Interior & Technology: A Modernized Cabin
One of the most noticeable upgrades in the 2026 Lexus IS is the cabin. Lexus has replaced the old analog setup with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and paired it with a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The outdated trackpad controller is gone, replaced by a more user-friendly touchscreen system with physical buttons for volume, seat heating, and cooling.
Luxury touches remain a priority. Lexus now offers a new forged bamboo trim, blending eco-friendly materials with an upscale feel. Redesigned air vents, USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pad add both style and functionality. The famous Lexus analog clock is no longer present, signaling a clear move toward modern design trends.
Overall, the interior now feels more premium and intuitive, with better connectivity and comfort for both drivers and passengers.
Performance & Powertrains: Hybrid Takes The Lead
Performance has always been a key selling point for the Lexus IS, but 2026 marks a major shift. The beloved IS 500 with its powerful V8 engine has been discontinued, leaving only two options:
• is 350 – available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
• is 300h hybrid – focusing on efficiency while maintaining decent performance.
While some enthusiasts may miss the thunderous V8, Lexus has worked on refining the driving experience. The steering system now uses a quicker, variable-ratio electric power steering setup for sharper handling. Adaptive dampers with new linear solenoids also deliver smoother ride quality, balancing sportiness with comfort.
This change reflects Lexus’ broader strategy of moving toward electrification and hybrid efficiency, while still providing the fun-to-drive character that IS fans love.
Safety & Driver Assistance: Smarter Than Ever
Safety has always been a strong suit for Lexus, and the 2026 IS continues that tradition. The model comes with the latest Lexus Safety System+, offering advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
A highlight for 2026 is the availability of Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive, a semi-autonomous driving feature that provides hands-off assistance during traffic congestion on highways. This makes long commutes more comfortable and positions the IS as a forward-looking luxury sedan with cutting-edge technology.
Price & Availability: Expected In Early 2026
Lexus has confirmed that the refreshed IS will go on sale in various global markets starting in early 2026. While official pricing has not yet been announced, it is expected to remain competitive with segment rivals. In the UAE and other Middle Eastern markets, the Lexus IS has always been popular among drivers who value Japanese reliability with a sporty edge, and the new hybrid option is likely to attract even more attention from buyers seeking fuel efficiency without sacrificing luxury.
Conclusion: Evolution Over Revolution
The 2026 Lexus IS may not be a brand-new generation, but it proves that Lexus is committed to keeping this beloved sedan fresh and competitive. With modern interior technology, a refined driving experience, improved safety features, and the introduction of hybrid power, the IS continues to stand out in the luxury sports sedan category.
For buyers in the UAE and beyond, the 2026 Lexus IS offers a balance of style, reliability, and cutting-edge technology at a price point that remains accessible compared to its German rivals. While enthusiasts may mourn the loss of the V8, most drivers will appreciate the updates that make this sedan more practical and future-ready.
If you’re looking for a luxury car that combines comfort, technology, and Lexus’ legendary dependability, the 2026 IS is definitely worth considering.
