dashmer

Just noticed that the 2015 IS sold in Canada does not offer LED headlamps anymore. I wonder why?

Not specifically for Lexus, but I have heard one concern that LED headlights do not generate enough heat to melt ice and snow. That has not stopped Toyota from putting them in the new Corolla...

wthrman2

^^ Didn't the IS always have the HID on their model? Or are you talking about the LED strips (the swoosh)?

I am originally from the Maritimes too.....Are you getting one? If so, the 250 or 350?

computerwi

LED headlights are available for the Executive non F-Sport package in Canada.

I don't think insufficient heat would be a design consideration. Even HIDs don't reallly generate enough heat to melt snow. However, while the LED lights are brighter, I noticed they didn't have very good range or a nice cutoff. I prefer the HID.

dashmer

I already have a 2014 IS350 AWD...just looking at the changes between years...

wthrman2

^^ Oh OK.

computerwi...I agree with you. I prefer HID over LEDs.

dashmer

You are right...missed that in the options write up.... Do you recall if it was offered in other configurations in 2014?

computerwi

It was always exclusively available on the Executive non F-Sport trim. See the attached 2014 spec sheet from Lexus Canada.

AndyL

Just as computerwi said, LED headlights have always been available in one package only - Executive package for non-F Sport IS350 AWD in Canada (i.e., 2014 & 2015)

http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/en/configu...e/is#/packages

LED runs cooler than HID and hence it is more energy efficient. To melt ice and snow, headlamp washers do the task.

AndyL

Not sure about cutoff difference between LED and HID in the 3IS. But I find the illumination is more uniform on the road for the LED headlight in IS, vs the HID.

And for HID in IS, it looks yellow on the road compared to the LED DRL running strips. It is almost a must to change to aftermarket ones.

computerwi

In general, I find the lighitng on the IS to be inadequate. Even with the HIDs, the cutoff for the IS is poor. Projector halogens in my Venza and the HIDs on my previous Acura TSX were much better. Agreed that the IS HIDs are quite yellow.