Lexus · 2005–2013

Lexus IS (XE20)

The Lexus IS (XE20) is a car produced by the Japanese carmaker Toyota under its luxury division, Lexus. Classified as a compact executive car, it represented the second generation of the Lexus IS. It served as Lexus's entry-level sedan from 2005 until its production ended in 2013. Toyota manufactured the XE20 at the facility in Tahara, Aichi, and the Kyushu factory in Miyawaka, Fukuoka (until 2012). It was available as both a four-door sedan and a two-door coupe—the latter designated by a "C" at the end of their name (e.g., "IS 250 C"). The development of the XE20 began in 2001 under the direction of Suguya Fukusato—chief engineer of the project. Primarily designed by Kengo Matsumoto, a pre-production version of the IS debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2005. The final model debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April of the same year. Production of the IS officially began in September 2005 at both the Tahara and Miyawaka facilities. Lexus implemented a staged roll out of the XE20 models, starting with the IS 250 and IS 350 in 2005. The IS 300 and IS 220d, the latter of which marked Lexus's first diesel model, followed in 2006. In 2010, the IS 220d was replaced by the IS 200d. Lexus also produced high-performance variants of the IS under the F marque, known as the IS F. The XE20 shared its platform with the fourth generation of the LS and the second generation of the GS, both of which were also built at the facility in Tahara. While several minor updates have been made, the XE20 has undergone one major facelift; this update included a slightly revised front fascia, an interior refresh, and modifications to the suspension. The XE20 has been well-received by car critics, who have most praised its design and reliability. The car has received numerous accolades, including Ward's 10 Best Engines in both 2006 and 2007 for the IS 350 and Car's Performance Car of the Year for the IS F in 2008. Production of the XE20 ended at the Kyushu facility in 2012, while manufacture at the Tahara plant ended in the subsequent year. It was succeeded by the XE30 model, which began production in April 2013. The IS C remained in production until 2014 when it was replaced by the RC.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Toyota Altezza · Successor: Lexus IS (XE30)|Lexus RC

All Lexus IS data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

History of development

=== Development === After commencement of U.S. sales of the XE10 in 2000, development began on its successor, the XE20 under chief engineer Suguya Fukusato in 2001. Design work was done under Kengo Matsumoto for a period of 2 years from 2002 into late 2003 when the final conceptual design by Hiroyuki Tada, utilizing the new corporate styling theme of L-finesse was chosen. From 2003 into the first half of 2004, the conceptual design was further refined into the production design specifications, being then approved by the executive board. Design patents were filed in September 2004 in Japan, on 18 February 2005 in Europe, and 25 February 2005 at the United States Patent Office upon conclusion of development in early 2005. Exterior and interior. The second generation Lexus IS was the second debut of Lexus' new L-finesse design philosophy on a production vehicle, following the premiere of the 2006 Lexus GS performance sedan. The new IS design featured sleeker, coupé-like contours, a fastback profile, and a repeated arrowhead motif in the front fascia and side windows based on the Japanese concept of kirikaeshi, referring to angular movements. The forward design was reminiscent of the earlier Lexus LF-C coupé concept. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation IS was 3.5 inches (89 mm) longer and nearly 3 inches (76 mm) wider, largely due to a 2.3 inches (58 mm) wheelbase stretch. The grille was set at a lower level than the headlights. The new IS body resulted in a 0.28 Cd figure. The second generation IS interior features leather seats, lightsaber-like electroluminescent instrument display lighting and LED interior lighting accents, 10-way (including lumbar) driver and front passenger power seats, and the choice of faux-metallic or optional Bird's Eye Maple wood g

Standard models

=== GSE20 / GSE21 (2005) === The IS 250 (GSE20) went on sale in 2005 in Japan and North America in RWD (GSE20) and IS 250 AWD (GSE25) configuration, along with the more powerful rear-wheel drive IS 350 (GSE21) sedan. The IS 250 RWD comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, with a 6-speed automatic transmission available as an option. All other gasoline-powered IS sedans are only available with the automatic. The IS 350 features larger braking discs and calipers borrowed from the GS 430; the IS 350's larger calipers are four-piston rather than the two-piston front calipers of the IS 250. Citing independent testing by auto research firm AMCI, Lexus highlighted the IS 350's acceleration as the "fastest in its class" at its launch (see also: Lexus IS performance specifications). Some reviewers noted the second generation models as Lexus' first foray into the sport compact market that compared fairly well with its German competitors. However, some criticisms were that its steering was not as communicative as that of some rivals, the rear seat legroom (while improved over the first generation) was still tight, and that the six-speed manual was only available on the IS 250. However, the IS' performance has also been praised, for example in a February 2007 Road & Track Japanese luxury sports sedan comparison, in which the IS 350 took first place. ALE20 / GSE22 (2006). Introduced for sale in European markets in 2006, the IS 220d (ALE20) was the first diesel-powered Lexus ever produced. The IS 220d featured a 2.2 L 2AD-FHV Inline-4 diesel engine, capable of 175 hp (130 kW), and rear wheel drive. The IS 220d was only offered with a manual transmission. Introduced to Chinese and Middle Eastern markets in 2006, the IS 300 (GSE22) was tailored to the fuel requirements of th

F marque models

During 2005 and 2006, several automotive publications reported on rumors of a higher performance variant of the IS being tested at various stages of development. Spy photos of such a vehicle being tested in Germany and California were published in several magazines and websites. Among these spy reports, several photos were shown of a heavily modified and camouflaged IS sedan at the Nürburgring test track in Germany along with other disguised Lexus test vehicles. The previous generation IS 430 prototype vehicle was indicative of future possibilities for the IS series, including the likelihood that a second generation high-performance IS model could come equipped with a V8 engine. It was rumored that there would be a coupé and a convertible version for a 2009 model, as well as a convertible version of the V8-powered IS. USE20 (2007). In early 2004, just after the final XE20 design had been frozen for production, Lexus engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi, assembled a small team and on a limited budget began work on a higher performance IS. By the first half of 2005, XE20-body prototype mules with the 4.6L 1UR-FE V8 were spotted testing on the Nürburgring. These prototypes were nicknamed "IS 460" by the media. In late 2005, test mules were also spotted on the Nürburgring that were made using body panels from Toyota Crown Royals that were shortened by cutting out sections of the roof and rear doors. The winning exterior design proposal by Hiroshi Okamato (supervised by chief IS designer Kengo Matsumoto), was finalized in 2005. On 6 December 2006, Lexus officially confirmed the existence of the vehicle which they called IS F in the press release. At the North American International Auto Show on 8 January 2007, the new IS F sedan was debuted to the public along with the LF-A supercar c

Limited editions

=== Elegant White Interior edition (2007–) === It is a limited (700 units) edition of the IS 250 and IS 350 for the Japan market. It included a custom two-tone white and gray leather interior. IS 250 X (2007–). Lexus introduced a new badge into its lineup in 2007 – a new "X-Package" which was introduced into a number of countries. In the Australian market, it was introduced to celebrate the sale of the 5000th IS 250 in Australia. The IS 250 X came standard with: sport tuned suspension, exclusive 18-inch alloy five-spoke wheels, premium Mark Levinson 14 speaker stereo, moonroof, satellite navigation, illuminated scuff plates, rear camera and sports pedals, and a front lip spoiler. The "X" also came in 3 colors: Onyx Black, Vermillion Red and Metallic Silver. In order to retain the "exclusive" image, only 260 were released in the 2007 calendar year. The pricing started at A$64,390 for the 6-speed manual and rose to A$66,990 for the 6-speed semi-automatic. There were a number of changes made to the 2008 IS 250 X model. These included: changes to the steering system resulting in an improved steering feel, modified rear seats to improve rear room and the added choice of a new exterior colour – Arctic Blue. Lexus Australia also announced that 450 units would be released, compared to the 260 released the previous year. Production of the IS 250 X ceased in 2008. Neiman Marcus 2008 Lexus IS F Special Build Sedan. It is a limited (50 units) version of the IS F sedan sold by Neiman Marcus. Priced at US$68,000, the Neiman Marcus edition had a custom black with white accented interior with exterior black color. Each vehicle was individually numbered, and the owner also received a training session at the Skip Barber Racing School. IS 250 SR (2008). It is a limited (1000 units) versi

Concept cars

Lexus has built a handful of concept and one-off models based on the IS. Aftermarket tuners, such as Wald International and FiveAxis, have also produced several one-off IS models, which have been part of the manufacturer's auto show exhibits. IS F Racing Concept (2008). At the 2008 Tokyo Auto Salon, the IS F Racing Concept was shown. Few details were released at the show, other than that the concept was the work of chief engineer Yukihiko Yaguchi who built the concept "just for fun", to show "true driving pleasure", and exhibit a potential IS F race car. The IS F Racing Concept had larger fenders, wheels, and spoilers, in a similar manner as DTM racing cars. Reports at the event suggested that the vehicle was not planned for actual racing; rather instead different IS F models were being prepared for racing. Other reports following the car's unveiling also alleged that the car was actually a rebodied Opel Vectra GTS V8 DTM race car. The IS F later made its racing debut in VLN competition (see Lexus IS (XE20) in motorsport). IS F Circuit Club Sports (2010). The CCS is a concept version of the IS F sedan, which later became the basis for a range of aerodynamic and mechanical upgrades for the IS, sold by TRD, called the Circuit Club Sport Package. The concept features a carbon fiber reinforced polymer hood, trunk and rear spoilers, along with a rear titanium muffler, 19-inch magnesium wheels, and modified suspension and brakes. The carbon fiber components were produced using technology developed for the Lexus LFA supercar. The vehicle also featured additional aero parts, a separate bright orange color scheme, and increased engine power to 428 hp (319 kW). The vehicle was unveiled in the 2010 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Motorsport

In 2008, the second generation IS 350 was entered in the Super GT race series in the GT300 class (cars with approximately 300 horsepower). Extensively modified from the factory car, with upgrades including a V8 engine, the No. 19 Team Racing Project Bandoh IS 350 driven by Manabu Orido and Tsubasa Abe achieved its first victory in its fifth race at the Motegi GT300 race. Other IS 350 GT300 competitors included those of the WedsSport and Green Tec/Kumho teams. In 2009, two manufacturer sanctioned Racing Project/Bandoh and Team Reckless/Shift IS 350s were also announced for competition, both equipped with 3.0L V8 engines. The Project Bandoh WedsSport IS 350, driven by Manabu Orido and Tatsuya Kataoka, won both driver and team title in the GT300 class that season. In 2009, Gazoo Racing produced a Lexus IS F VLN racing vehicle, which was entered in the SP8 class of the ADAC-Westfalenfahrt VLN 4h endurance race. The vehicle finished second to the team's Lexus LF-A in the race. The IS F VLN racer was also entered in the 2009 24 Hours Nürburgring race and finished third in the SP8 class. The IS F was also later entered in the DMV Grenzlandrennen VLN 4h endurance race in August 2009 where it won the SP8 class. In Gazoo's win at the DMV Grenzlandrennen VLN race on 29 August 2009, Kazunori Yamauchi, the developer of Gran Turismo series who had little experience in actual motorsport, was also one of their drivers, along with Peter Lyon and Hideshi Matsuda. An IS F driven by Peter Lyon, Hideshi Matsuda, Kazunori Yamauchi, and Owen Mildenhall participated in the 2010 24 Hours Nürburgring and finished in 4th place in the SP8 class, behind the 1st place ranked Lexus LFA.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Lexus IS (XE20)

Manufacturer

Toyota

Production

September 2005 – April 2013

Assembly

Japan: Tahara, Aichi (Tahara plant), Japan: Miyawaka, Fukuoka (TMK)

Class

Compact executive car

Body style

4-door sedan, 2-door coupé convertible

Layout

Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, Front-engine, all-wheel drive

Platform

Toyota N platform

Engine

2.2 L 2AD-FHV I4 (diesel), 2.5 L 4GR-FSE V6, 3.0 L 3GR-FE V6, 3.5 L 2GR-FSE V6, 5.0 L 2UR-GSE V8 (IS F)

Transmission

6-speed RA62 manual, 6-speed RA63 manual, 6-speed A960E automatic, 6-speed A760E automatic, 8-speed AA80E automatic

Wheelbase

2730 mm

Length

4575 - (sedan), 4636 mm (convertible), 4661 mm (ISF)

Width

1800 -

Height

1415 -

Kerb weight

1558 -

Predecessor

Lexus IS (XE10)

Successor

Lexus IS (XE30), Lexus RC (for IS C)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6537926CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lexus_IS_(XE20)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1373671307 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lexus_IS250_silver.jpgCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: derivative work: Altair78 (talk) Lexus_IS250_front.JPG: Luftfahrrad · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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