2016 Lexus IS FACELIFT teased ahead of Beijing Motor Show

A facelift for the Lexus IS is heading for a debut at the Beijing Motor Show, but we’re expecting mainly cosmetic tweaks rather than major changes.

It’s three years since the latest Lexus IS arrived in the UK, and Lexus clearly feel it’s time to update their compact executive with a bit of a makeover which, ahead of its debut at the Beijing Motor Show, is being teased with a single image (above).

The only photo so far of the facelifted IS doesn’t give much away, but it does seem Lexus are going the usual facelift route with new alloys, new lights and new bumpers.

It’s quite possible the IS is in for a bit of an interior titivate too, probably with higher quality materials and a bit more tech, particularly a new infotainment system.

What doesn’t seem likely is any changes to what’s under the skin, so the IS will continue with its current engine and gearbox options, perhaps with a small tweak to power and emissions.

That means the IS 200t – which arrived last year – will continue to offer an alternative to the Lexus hybrid powertrains with its 2.0 litre petrol turbo delivering 241bhp and official economy of 40mpg.

The default option for many will remain the IS 300h, with its 2.5 litre hybrid offering a bit less power than the 200t but official economy of 65mpg.

The new Lexus IS will be revealed next week at the Beijing Motor Show.