2026 Lexus IS350 Lands in the UAE: Sharper Looks and Upgraded Tech

Al-Futtaim Lexus has officially rolled out the latest iteration of the Lexus IS in the UAE. While it might look familiar to fans of the Japanese marque, the updated rear-wheel-drive IS350 brings a host of under-the-skin handling tweaks, heavily upgraded cabin tech, and some aggressive styling touches to keep it competitive in the fierce compact luxury sedan segment.

According to Al-Futtaim Lexus Managing Director Jacques Brent, the focus for this update was refining the “dialogue” between the car and the driver, evolving the daily driving experience while retaining the IS’s signature ride comfort.

Here is a breakdown of what is new for the latest Lexus IS350.

Lexus IS350 Mechanical and Handling Tweaks

Lexus engineers have heavily focused on refining the “Lexus Driving Signature.” To make the IS feel more agile in the corners and stable on the straights, they have updated two key components:

• Variable Gear Rack EPS: The Electric Power Steering has been revamped to provide more precise inputs at intersections and through winding stretches, reducing the steering effort required.
• Retuned Suspension: The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) gets an update aimed at soaking up road-surface imperfections better while keeping the chassis composed during spirited driving.

Exterior: Lower, Wider, and a New Shade of Gray

The IS has always been a looker, and the new model doubles down on that aggressive stance.

• Redesigned Front Fascia: The front end has been tweaked to emphasize a lower center of gravity and a wider footprint.
• F SPORT Upgrades: Buyers opting for the F SPORT trim get a newly designed rear spoiler for better aero, alongside new lightweight 19-inch aluminum wheels.
• New Colors: The exterior palette expands to eight colors, including a brand-new “Neutrino Gray”, a hard-toned light gray with metallic highlights.

Interior: Big Screens and Forged Bamboo

The most noticeable changes for daily drivers happen inside the cabin, bringing the IS up to speed with current tech expectations.

• Dual 12.3-Inch Screens: The center infotainment display has finally been bumped up to a massive 12.3 inches, placed closer to the driver’s natural line of sight. The traditional instrument cluster has also been replaced by a matching 12.3-inch TFT LCD digital gauge cluster.
• Unique Trim Options: Lexus is introducing “Forged Bamboo” ornamentation on the upper console and start switch bezel, adding a uniquely Japanese textured shading effect to the cabin.
• “Prominence” Interior: For those who want their cabin to pop, there is a new interior color option inspired by solar flares, adding a highly aggressive, sporty vibe to the cockpit.

Lexus IS350 Safety Tech

On the highway, the new IS350 introduces “Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive”, an enhanced driver assistance system built on the already robust Lexus Safety System +, designed to make long-haul highway cruising a much more relaxed affair.