Lexus Philippines adds another variant to the IS sports sedan range with the introduction of the IS 300h. Priced at just P 2.978 million, it now becomes the entry point into the IS range.
The IS 300 shares its running gear with the IS 300h Premier. With that it gets an electrified (hybrid) 2.5-liter inline-4 mated to an E-CVT transmission. Maximum power is rated at 220 horsepower, while maximum torque is at 221 Nm. Delivering power to the rear wheels, 0 to 100 km/h happens in 8.7 seconds.
Inside, the IS 300h gets an 8-inch touch display for its infotainment. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Miracast are standard, as is a 10-speaker audio system. It also offers a wealth of convenience features such as a power adjustable tilt/telescopic steering wheel and 8-way power adjustable seats.
Among the changes between the IS 300h and IS300h Premier are the deletion of seat ventilation for the front seats, memory settings for the driver seat, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic dimming rear view and side view mirror. The genuine leather is replaced by black synthetic leather.
Outside, the IS 300h features smaller wheels at 18-inch wheels with 235/45R18 tires.
The IS 300h also removes the Lexus Safety Sense (LSS) system, but it does retain its full suite of airbags (10), ABS with EBD, stability control with hill-start assist and traction control, clearance sonars, and a rearview camera.
The new IS 300h joins the two other variants of the IS sport sedans still priced at P 3.328 million for the IS 300h Premier and P 3.808 million for the IS 350 F Sport.
Kindly point out the difference between the premiere 300h and the base variant. What did they remove from the premiere in order to achieve the 300k price cut?
ReplyDeleteFrom the story:
Delete"The genuine leather though is replaced by black synthetic leather."
That's the only one Lexus quickly pointed out.
The IS350 is on top of my list as my next car but the price is too steep. This base variant IS will do but im waiting for anyone of you to review it. Most of the reviews in youtube are not that positive mainly because of the CVT gearbox. And the driving conditions in other parts of the world are not the same as in our country. Please test drive it soon.
DeleteLexus probably removed the Lexus Safety System on this base IS. I just don't get why a facelift cost so much more than the previous Gen. The new FSport version with its improvements should only be priced at around P3.5M. P3.8M is too steep. Right now that's already in the 5 series and E Class range.
DeleteWe updated the article to include all the items removed from the IS 300h Premier.
ReplyDeleteI remember the days when the IS 350 which has the amazing V6 sold for less than that. Now we get this neutered hybrid that only almost goes as fast as a honda jazz... Pathetic.
ReplyDeleteYes. Dissapointing, isnt it? This brand, together with Genesis and Acura was supposed to rival the German luxury cars for less. But, the way i see it, Lexus is almost, if not, more expensive than BMW and Merc.
DeleteIndeed, probably all that success from selling those glorified Alphards have gone to their heads.
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