Details of the 2017 Lexus IS 200t, IS 350 Changes - Can You Spot Them?

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Lexus Just restyled the IS Series. Can you tell?

Bear in mind when we ask if you can spot the changes to the new 2017 Lexus IS 200t and IS 350 that the writer is a former owner of an IS and a frequent contributor to multiple IS fan forums. To this former owner and fan, the changes are very subtle. In fact, it is doubtful that any non-enthusiast will be able to spot them. So we will break the changes down here for 2017 IS series shoppers.

2017 Lexus IS Series Front Fascia
The biggest exterior change is the front fascia. Most notable are the large air intakes flanking the spindle grill. More aggressive in appearance and possibly functional, the air intakes make the IS even more dynamic in appearance.

The headlight design has also changed, though please note that the images in this story show non-U.S.-spec headlamps. F-Sport models will have a 3-dimentional F-mesh pattern in the grill, with a jet-black metallic coating incorporating functional brake ducts.
- You do know about the secret message in the grill, right?

2017 Lexus IS Series – Body Restyling
The hood of the 2017 Lexus IS is reshaped, and a character line added to the sides of the IS. The standard 17” wheels have 10 spokes and machine finish. In back, the IS has “L-shaped LED light guides that are now triple layered within the taillight housing” according to Lexus. There are also new rectangular chrome exhaust tips.

2017 Lexus IS Interior Changes
Inside, the biggest change is that the multimedia display screen is now a larger 10.3”, instead of the outgoing 7”. Lexus says the new screen has better resolution than the old screen. The Remote Touch Interface (RTI) on the center console now has “Enter” buttons added to its sides for better functionality.

The final list of changes includes two new colors. Deep Blue Mica and Graphite Black Glass Flake have been added. Engines stay the same as last year, and Lexus promises more vehicles will have active safety systems. Did you know that the Lexus IS active safety system was rated higher than BMW's?