Like the GS, the brand new 2014 Lexus IS sedan was engineered to higher compete with German rivals BMW and Mercedes, and boasts a revised styling to show heads. Revealed on the 2013 Detroit show in F Sport guise, the IS’ bold design aims to keep the car’s position as having among the youngest owner bases in its class. Let’s review the IS’ new look below.

You can’t miss the subsequent-gen version of the blacked-out mesh spindle grille at the IS 350 F Sport. Outlined in chrome, front grille extends down to where the outgoing IS had front air dam, with foglight housings angled in toward the underside corners of the spindle. The regular IS, however, doesn’t look as mean because it gets a grille with horizontal bars that transition into the lower air dam. Whereas the outgoing IS’ daytime running lights are integrated into the headlight housings, the brand new IS’ check-mark LED daytime running lights are separately located underneath the headlights. The LEDs fit well with the hourglass grille, as they angle in toward the kink.

Looking on the 2014 IS’ profile, the horizontal beltline was stretched out using a 3-inch longer wheelbase, that is most visible within the rear. The trunk appears to increase farther out than previous IS, with the taillights sweeping down onto the rear quarter panels and right into a character line that runs all of the strategy to front wheels.

Viewing the 2014 IS from the back, the trunk lid is flatter and the rear reflectors also tackle more of a shark fin shape. Black trim has also been added to the lower rear fascia, and from behind you’ll find the broader wheel arches. Inside, the brand new IS’ instrument cluster takes inspiration from the LFA supercar, with the requisite large infotainment screen on the top of the dashboard and Lexus’ Remote Touch controller and wrist pad.

Are you fascinated by the 2014 Lexus IS’ design Did Lexus introduce enough of a thrilling design at the compact sedan to tackle the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class It the design too overdone Tell us within the comments below.

In last week’s Refreshing or Revolting post, several readers agreed that the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t put its best face forward. Drew9Oh said “the front is horrible, it looked better previously. Everything else though looks good.”

“I like everything greatly, except those headlights.  They ruin an otherwise great refresh,” agreed KMPrenger.

Fans of the refresh included Remington Rand, who said “Refreshing!  i really really just like the new headlights.  To me, they seem like some tough guy squinting.” Jbernard was also on his side: “Refreshing. It definitely looks more polished, more sophisticated.”