By Staff Reporter

The Lexus brand has been defying the odds and growing steadily whilst some luxury brands have seen a knock on sales. To keep the momentum afoot, the Lexus IS, NX, RC and LS models have undergone some minor improvements for 2020. The changes mainly include interior and technology-focused upgrades.

Lexus IS Sedan

The Lexus IS sedan line up has been improved as follows:

• The Hybrid model (launched in December 2018) and the F Sport version now come standard the Mark Levinson 15-speaker sound system;
• The F Sport is now equipped with LED Hi (previously LED Lo) headlamps with AHB (adaptive High Beam);
• Both the Hybrid and F Sport models also get a rear sunshade as standard fitment.
• The vehicle range also includes a new colour option called Manganese Luster.

Locally, the Lexus IS line-up comprises the flagship IS 350 F Sport (revered 3.5-litre quad cam V6 engine) and IS 300 Hybrid EX, which comes with a dual 2,5-litre engine and an electric motor, as well as the 2.0-litre Turbo IS 300 EX.

Lexus NX SUV

The NX is one of the most popular models in the Lexus line-up and gets the following key changes:

• Outside, SE Hybrid model gets headlamps cleaners, headlamp levelling, power-enabled rear boot and auto re-retractable side mirrors;
• Inside, SE hybrid model gets wooden dashboard inserts, a panoramic sunroof, 60:40 power-adjustable second row seats, full leather trim as well as driver memory for the front seat;
• Both the F Sport and SE hybrid models now come standard with the Lexus Safety System which includes Pre-crash System, Lane Trace Assist and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert;
• The NX range also gets an Audio upgrade from 17MM to 17MM+ screen with Android Auto & Apple Carplay.

Lexus RC Coupe

The Lexus RC F Coupe gets the following updates:

• Electronic parking brake.
• 17-speaker Mark Levinson Sound System.
• Infotainment with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

Lexus LS Sedan

Squaring off with likes of Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, the flagship Lexus LS sedan has received the following updates:

• Body coulour offering has been rationalised. Terrane Khaki and Amber are no longer available for order in the LS 500, while Amber is discontinued on the LS 500 F Sport.
• Adaptive Cruise Control becomes All Speed (it was previously High Speed only).
• Lane Keep Assist is improved to include features such as Steering Vibration and Lane Trace Assist.

Price List

Lexus IS 300 EX                  R733,100

Lexus IS 350 F Sport        R863,200

Lexus IS 300h EX               R826,500

Lexus NX 300 EX               R737,100

Lexus NX 300 F Sport      R866,200

Lexus NX 300h SE             R952,200

Lexus RC F Sport               R1,009100

Lexus LS 500                       R2,022,000

Lexus LS 500 F Sport        R2,200,800

Lexus’ best-in-class 7-year/105,000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan is standard for all petrol Lexus models.