E46CT

Those "2 openings" by the bottom sides of the grill are cooling brake ducts. BMW has been using them since the 80s for performance. Audi has only started to catch on in the mid 2000s. Now the Japanese are onto it.

Wunko

I'm disappointed as well. I was really liking the 2017 update because of the triple beam headlights. I like the straightened shape of the 2017 headlights over the prior years though.

E46CT

To me i'm not sure i dig the straightened headlights. a bit too straight. reminds of an entry level econobox for some reason. Too simple?? Cars like the 3 series or C Class have some character lines to the lights. Guess would have to see it in person

plastus

That was my first thought too...the '14-'16 headlights had character to them and they were unique. With the '17 MY refresh, not so much. The new pearl grey brake ducts look really nice on the F-Sport but the rest of the car not so much. Still can't believe they haven't transitioned to LED turn signals.

BostonIS

Agreed, the first thing that reminded me when I saw this new front end in the links posted was a cheap corolla. The new shape of the headlights are basic af. Love the way the front end and all the lines in 14'-16' IS models. I still get compliments on my car everyday, especially the front end.

yiantony

I'm shocked too. Lack of triple beam headlights on RC or GS could be explained by existence of RCF GSF, but there is no ISF in this generation. Don't even mention that the triple beam on new IS is not as good as those on RCF and GSF

Rebirthing

Yes I know they are meant for brake cooling.
Sorry, maybe I didn't make it clear enough... What I meant is they could have use the same grille pattern on the outside for a more unified look instead of having 2 obvious openings. The airflow won't be affected much.

faisal11ir

Not that much big of a difference, only some weirdo plain plastics with the mesh grill, weird push up to the swoosh red rear lights and that led line in headlights.

gonna keep the car for complete 8 years then.

yiantony

That's their new design language. Like the new gs. I think they are going to apply it to more cars.

Kevin350

Wow, cant believe how much difference it made going from triple LEDs to one boring projector. Whole front end just took a dump...

SwiftIS

^ Agreed. Just makes me happier that I didn't wait for the 2017s and jumped into a 2016.

davyjordi

as an aside, when is the next generation IS thought to be released? in 2020? or in 2022?

CarlitoIS

It's like the new GS. One projector. Is it HID's or LED's?

yiantony

LED. Yes GS got a nice one projector with halogen turn signals. Actually I would also consider a GS if they offer triple beam on it..

yiantony

It should be three years after this refresh. so 2019 I would say but 2020 is also possible.