The 2009 Lexus IS gets benefit of fresh styling, interior upgrades and improved handling for the new model year. The IS grille and front bumper are revised, as are the rear bumper and taillights. New turn signals are now integrated into the exterior mirrors, and the 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels feature new designs. New suspension and steering tuning are designed to improve stability and control, and the IS 250 gets Lexus' advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. Inside is a revised instrument cluster, updated controls and paddle shifters now function in D mode.
The IS sedan is Lexus’ entry sport sedan that debuted originally at the 1999 Detroit Auto Show. An all-new second-generation design was introduced for the 2006 model year with the IS 250 and more powerful IS 350.. Lexus has adopted a two-sedan strategy with the new IS moving more towards sporty while the ES 350 is the entry luxury choice. The new IS has a more aggressive stance than the original and is the second example of styling that Lexus refers to as L-Finesse.