New lexus is – driver-focused cockpit and class-leading roominess

Segment-leading driving enjoyment, refined comfort and intuitive on-board technology lie at the heart of the new IS development program.

This is reflected in an all-new interior which combines a more sporting, focused driver's environment and entirely intuitive ergonomics with a significant improvement in rear seat knee space for best-in-class roominess and a larger, more convenient luggage compartment

Sporting, Focused Driver's Environment

The IS's all-new interior design offers drivers a focused, ergonomically ideal environment from within which to fully exploit the new Lexus sedan's superb driving dynamics.

The snug, wrap-around driving position has been inspired by the cockpit of Lexus' race-bred LFA supercar. LFA-style features[1] include a sports steering wheel trimmed in tactile, high-grip perforated leather, the supercar's innovative driver's meter with moving centre ring and, a highly supportive sports seat design using an "integrated foaming" construction method which eliminates gaps between the upholstery and the foam padding to combine excellent comfort with outstanding lateral holding performance.

The seat hip point has been lowered by 20 mm, the angle of the new, 3-spoke, 370 mm diameter steering wheel has been lowered 3 degrees, and steering reach adjustment has been increased by 23 mm, creating a more sporting driving position.

Intuitive, ergonomically ideal interaction with the vehicle's instrumentation, switchgear and Human Machine Interface (HMI) technology are also fundamental to the sporting IS driving experience.

Featuring improved switchgear ergonomics and a new paddle shift switch shape for easier, more accurate operation, the new steering wheel is the first on a Lexus to coordinate multimedia system control with both meter and 7" centre console displays.

Another first in the IS is the control panel that incorporate touch-sensitive, electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature. Sliding a finger up or down the bar shaped switch allows for temperature adjustment in 0.5 degree Centigrade increments.

Class-Leading Roominess

With 50 mm of its 70 mm longer wheelbase dedicated to increased rear seat space and 20 mm dedicated to increased luggage capacity, the new IS offers rear seat occupants significantly greater levels of comfort and a 50% increase in legroom for class-leading roominess.

The combination of extended wheelbase and a thinner front seat design generates an 85 mm increase in rear seat knee room. And a 20 mm increase in the gap between the B pillar and the front corner of the rear seat improves accessibility.

The new IS 300h is also the first Lexus full hybrid to install the battery beneath the luggage deck board, offering a 450 litre compartment capacity.

Throughout the interior, high quality materials and finishes convey contemporary, premium look and feel, with a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail forwhich Lexus is global renowned. Soft touch finishes abound, including knee pads either side of the centre console for increased driver and front passenger comfort.

Full product details can be found on the Lexus Europe newsroom on http://newsroom.lexus.eu.

[1] On F SPORT grade