Dunno why they would say "new stitching". It's basically the same as when the 3IS came out back in 2014.

 

well, this made my decision easier, following are the reason why most likely i will go with a '16 IS350F instead:

1. same damn engine, not the improved 3.5 in '16 GS350, this is the biggest turn off for me
2. wide screen navi looks nice but since i don't plan on getting navi option, it's a moot point for me
3. do not like the front fascia, too Camry-ish
4. the industry standard rear exhaust tips look more luxury, but it's also a moot point if i opt for F-Sport catback which is what i will do
5. obvious the pricing, i'll bet when '17 releases, '16 IS350F can be had for the price people are paying for IS200t F Sport currently

 

Good points!

 

IMHO it looks nothing like camry I would choose it over the 16 any day

 

Before update:



After update:

 

After letting that design sit in my mind for a bit, I think I still prefer the 2016 over the 2017. Big discounts come late summer/early fall?

 

The IS didn't need that much of an update, especially compared to the GS, because it already had the new design language.

While I like most aspects of the refresh, it does seem like they searched a bit to find something to do with the front end, and maybe tried a little too hard. I suspect it'll grow on me, as the '14 did when at first I didn't like it. I'll need to see it in person.

However, the interior and the rear/tail updates, at least for me, would be worth it if I were looking for an IS soon.

With that said, this is the best kind of update, where current owners shouldn't feel like their car's styling is suddenly obsolete. The IS is, in my opinion, still the best looker in the segment, be it the pre or post refresh version.

 

I really like the new LED headlight

 

To those asking above, yes an Auto Start/Stop system on European models.

 

This is also good for resale value and residuals. Nothing worse than a MMC that is so desirable that current owners want to trade and flood the second hand market. MMC's are meant to bring new buyers in.

 

I still don't see what's changed in these pics other than the heated seats switch for the driver and passenger are gone, everything else looks the same, the ML plate is still on both before and after in the same place.

 

BMW has the worst start/stop feature, I was in a 2015 328i with this feature and when your at a light you can actually feel the car turn off and then when you let off your foot from the brake you actually feel a jerk and then feel the engine kick turn on giving you a jolt feeling, it's so weird, I could never handle that feeling multiple x's a day everyday. It's not a smooth operation at all. I wonder how the Euro Lexus feels with this feature.

 

All this stuff is minor but helps 'tailor' the cabin a bit more. Take a look again at the two pictures, the plate no longer extends over the nuluxe material near the knees giving a taught look. The Naguri Aluminum has made it's way from the GS F-Sport. New 10.3" screen. New 'ENTER' buttons on Remote Touch as well as more padding on the wrist rest. Cupholder change. Steering wheel buttons now have the chrome touches like the RC has had since it's inception. Safety System+ now available. Again they are little things but it helps give a slightly more premium feel. Now if they would add back the damn sunglasses holder already...

 

i wonder if these side bolsters are able to be installed in the '14-'16 models.

 

Luckily you won't find that on any current U.S. spec Lexus's. The start/stop feature is typically added to benefit fuel economy but usually at the cost of refinement. At the latest 2016 RX ride and drive, where Lexus also had a GLE (former ML), X5, and MDX to compete on hand, both Germans had the system. After driving all, the reps asked about the refinement of each. No surprise the Germans were at the bottom for 'take off' refinement. Lexus vehicles also exceed CAFE standards (helps to have as many hybrids as they do) and do not need Start/Stop. In addition, Lexus can also retain the spare tire which the BMW shed to save weight to attain CAFE requirements.