2001 Lexus IS Reviews

What people mover costs a quarter of a million dollars? The Lexus LM 500h does and we tested it to see if it's the ultimate family car.

Lexus has revealed an all-new ES prototype at the Shanghai auto show, marking the first time the now eighth-generation sedan has been offered with the choice of a battery-electric powertrain.

Australia’s premium small SUV hybrid class is about to experience a shake-up with the arrival of the Alfa Romeo Junior.

Lexus has entered the fray with its new plug-in hybrid powertrain for its popular mid-size SUV, the NX. Will it prove to be a winning combination?

Lexus has announced some big upgrades for its flagship EV.The formerly entry-grade RZ 450e has been replaced by the 500e, which now offers a benchmark 280kW of power – an increase of 50kW on its predecessor thanks to retuned front- and rear-axle electric motors.A pacier headliner in the RZ 550e F Sport replaces the previously top-spec 450e Sports Luxury, delivering an additional 70kW for a new total output 300kW. It sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the 500e.To simulate the experience of a petrol engine, Lexus has installed a virtual eight-speed manual transmission that incorporates artificial gear shifts and engine noises for the driver, similar to what is offered on a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N or Kia EV6 GT.The updated all-wheel drive platform now welcomes a bigger 76.7kWh lithium-ion battery too, up from 71.4kWh on its predecessor. As a result, Lexus said the driving range has improved by 14 per cent to 500km under the WLTP cycle on the 500e. The 550e F Sport, meanwhile, tops out at 450km.Charging time is also down by up to 30 minutes, Lexus claims. The brand hasn’t outlined exact specifications yet, but the updated model is presumed to improve on the 150kW DC fast charging rate of its predecessor.On the 550e F Sport, Lexus has introduced steer-by-wire technology, which replaces the traditional mechanical steering unit for an electronic system.Lexus said it delivers 200 degrees of rotation on the new RZ, eliminating the need for a conventional steering wheel. The 550e F Sport adopts a yoke-style design instead.Additionally, the 550e F Sport adds sports suspension, a unique lower bumper, brake ducts, rear spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels with aero covers.Inside, a dimmable, UV-resistant panoramic sunroof is now available. Lexus has improved cabin acoustics through additional sound-deadening materials and trims, which includes Lexus’ new synthetic suede fabric.Lexus Australia will confirm the local line-up, specifications and pricing for the updated RZ closer to its launch in its home market of Japan later this year.Pricing is expected to exceed the current RZ 450e Luxury’s entry price of $121,059, before on-road costs, which is $4,059 more than the incoming Cadillac Lyriq but $15,841 less than the larger BMW iX

Toyota Australia has announced that 524 LandCruiser Prados sold locally have been recalled due to an assembly fault when fitting the optional Electric Brake Controller.Its cross-platform twin, the Lexus GX550, has also been impacted, with 28 Australian examples affected by the recall.According to Toyota and Lexus an error in fitting instructions for the Electric Brake Controller, which is designed to synthesise the vehicle's brakes with a trailer’s brakes, the lower driver’s airbag (which was removed during the accessory fitment) may have been reinstalled using the incorrect torque.Toyota and Lexus said: “This may cause the bolts to loosen and the airbag may not deploy as designed in the event of a collision, which could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants.”The issue only impacts Prados with build dates of between June 24 2024 and October 3 2024, while only GX550s built between March 6 2024 and September 17 2024 have been impacted.Both brands will contact owners of affected vehicles to arrange an inspection of the Electric Brake Controller, and if required, complete the recall free of charge. This will take approximately one hour.LandCruiser Prado owners can check if their VIN number on the list of affected vehicles here, while GX550 owners can check their VIN numbers here.

Japanese automotive publication Bestcar has graced us with digital renders once again, which this time take shape as the next-generation Lexus LC.It’s the latest conceptualisation of the upcoming LC in line with Lexus’ new design language, and we have to say, it looks pretty mean.The two-door sports coupe has been imagined in the same silhouette as the current-generation model, albeit with more aggressive styling.That includes fresh LED headlight clusters, a dual-chamber front grille, a new bumper and multi-spoke black alloy wheels.At the rear, the Lexus badge has been replaced by ‘L-E-X-U-S’ branding, which accompanies a new LED taillight bar, a small lip spoiler and a new lower apron.The 2026 model is a part of a sports car rebirth by Lexus and its parent company Toyota, which are committing to reinstating and introducing new sporty nameplates in the face of electrification, such as the LFA-based Lexus LFR, LC and Toyota Celica.As one of those models, the LC will purportedly return as a hybridised amalgamation of the RC and LC as both cars are gradually phased out across global markets this year.Bestcar reported that the new LC will carry a 3.5-litre V6 hybrid motor, with a battery-electric version also expected to accompany it – though details on the latter remain under wraps for now.Other engine possibilities are said to be the 3.4-litre V6 twin-turbo borrowed from the full-sized Toyota Tundra pick-up or the smaller 2.4-litre turbo-petrol-hybrid engine from the Tacoma, which is more comparable in size to a HiLux.Toyota is currently developing super-efficient 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines that are compatible with hybrid systems as well as synthetic fuels, however, these appear to be off the table for the future LC.Either way, we will certainly be saying goodbye to the 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 that currently powers both the RC and the LC.The LC still remains in on sale in Australia, with global production set to wrap up later this year. The Lexus RC was discontinued for Australia three years ago, but will still remain available in some markets for 2025 before it meets the same fate as the LC later this year.

The most economical car argument is still a valid one, despite the fact that oil prices have stabilised around the world.

Lexus has announced a second plug-in hybrid in its line-up.

Widely regarded as one of the most sonorous production cars ever made, the shatteringly fast, V10-powered LFA broke new ground for the Lexus brand.