IS (1999 to Present)

The Lexus IS, manufactured globally across three generations from 1999 to the present, established itself as a sharp-handling rival to the European executive crowd, though it was withdrawn from the Australian new-car market in late 2021 due to stricter side-impact safety regulations. In the 2026 Australian market, the final third-generation models—particularly the 2021 facelift units—have reached a peak in desirability, as they represent the last rear-wheel-drive sports sedans Lexus offered locally with the choice of a punchy turbo-four (IS 300), an efficient hybrid (IS 300h), or the muscular 3.5-litre V6 (IS 350). The buyer pool in Australia is currently dominated by driving enthusiasts who value the model's mechanical longevity over more complex European alternatives and luxury-value hunters who are specifically targeting the F Sport variants for their aggressive styling and high-resolution 10.3-inch touchscreens. Locally, market value is exceptionally strong for the IS 350 F Sport with the Enhancement Pack, as 2026 buyers prioritise these for being "future-proofed" modern classics that offer a level of build quality and reliability that remains a benchmark in the prestige used-car sector.

The Lexus IS, manufactured globally across three generations from 1999 to the present, established itself as a sharp-handling rival to the European executive crowd, though it was withdrawn from the Australian new-car market in late 2021 due to stricter side-impact safety regulations. In the 2026 Australian market, the final third-generation models—particularly the 2021 facelift units—have reached a peak in desirability, as they represent the last rear-wheel-drive sports sedans Lexus offered loca… Read more