IS
The sports-sedan soul of Lexus — rear-wheel drive, V6 power, and zero ownership worries · 5 seats
REPRESENTATIVE PHOTODeane Bayas / PexelsOur verdict
8.4 / 10The Lexus IS is a genuine sports sedan that has quietly remained one of the most rewarding rear-wheel-drive saloons you can buy in the UAE — without the ownership drama of its European rivals. The V6-powered IS350 is a highlight: sonorous, fast, and smooth in a way no turbocharged four-cylinder can match. The 2026 update sharpens the steering and chassis feel meaningfully. It is not the most spacious car in class, nor the most tech-forward, but the IS delivers something rarer in the segment: long-term peace of mind, bullet-proof reliability and resale value that German rivals struggle to match at three years old.
Who it's for — UAE drivers who want a proper rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with Lexus reliability, low service costs, and strong resale — and who can live without a large back seat.
PROS
- +Rear-wheel drive with a naturally aspirated V6 — increasingly rare in class
- +Lexus reliability record is unmatched in segment; dealer network is excellent
- +Outstanding resale value in UAE used-car market
- +2026 steering and suspension revisions make the driving experience genuinely sharper
- +5-year / 100,000 km warranty with low service costs versus German rivals
CONS
- –Rear seat is genuinely tight — adults will feel cramped on longer journeys
- –Boot space is modest at 480 litres
- –No hybrid option in GCC market (IS300h sold elsewhere but not UAE)
- –IS300 2.0T feels ordinary compared to the sonorous IS350 V6
Specifications
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
DIMENSIONS & CAPACITY
Features
SAFETY & ADAS
Pre-collision system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam, Radar Cruise Control — standard across all trims
Highway driving assist with hands-on capability for lane change, distance and speed management
10 SRS airbags including dual front, side, curtain, and knee airbag for driver
Active lane-centering intervention to keep vehicle within lane boundaries
Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitor with visual and audible alerts
Detects vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists; applies brakes if no driver response
Front and rear ultrasonic sensors with audible and visual warnings
Panoramic view monitor with split-screen display
COMFORT
Electronically controlled dampers with Normal, Sport, Sport+ modes, recalibrated on 2026 model
10-way power-adjustable front seats with memory function for driver
Heating and cooling for driver and passenger
Semi-aniline leather upholstery with Forged Bamboo trim finishes
Premium synthetic leather upholstery standard on IS300 and IS350
Independent temperature control for driver and front passenger
Single-panel electrochromic sunroof with one-touch operation
Qi-compatible wireless phone charging pad
Revised variable-gear-rack EPS for improved feedback, updated for 2026
Supportive sport-bolstered seats with enhanced lateral support
New lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels
INFOTAINMENT
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard on all trims
12.3-inch TFT configurable digital gauge cluster
Wired Apple CarPlay integration
Wired Android Auto integration
17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system
10-speaker premium sound system
Connected services with over-the-air updates and cloud navigation
Colour head-up display projecting speed, navigation and safety alerts on windscreen
Natural-language voice recognition for navigation, phone and audio
Trim ladder
| PRICE | AED 185,000 | AED 199,000 | AED 225,000 | AED 255,000 |
| POWER | 241 hp | 312 hp | 312 hp | 312 hp |
| 0–100 KM/H | 8.1 s | 5.6 s | 5.6 s | 5.6 s |
| FUEL | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol | Petrol |
| ECONOMY | 8.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| DRIVE | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
Lexus
Over-engineered like a Toyota, so it lasts and holds value better than the German luxury trio.
Toyota's dependability wrapped in genuine luxury and the calmest ownership experience in the segment.
In the UAE — A favourite for buyers who want luxury without German upkeep worries.
Where to get it
Official listings are GCC spec. Grey-market imports may be other specs (US, Chinese, Japan) — always confirm the spec, as it affects warranty, A/C cooling and resale.
BUY FROM
RENT FROM
Luxury sedan category; Lexus IS availability subject to fleet. Branches at Dubai Airport and city locations.
https://www.sixt.ae ↗Premium sedan category available at major UAE airports and city branches.
https://www.enterprise.com/en/car-rental/locations/united-arab-emirates.html ↗Warranty — 5 years / 100,000 km · GCC warranty valid across all UAE emirates. Lexus UAE (Al-Futtaim) is the official distributor with service centres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Al Ain.
Frequently asked
How much does the 2026 Lexus IS cost in the UAE?+
The Lexus IS ranges from AED 185,000 (IS300 Premier) to AED 255,000 for the top trim in the UAE, GCC spec.
Is the Lexus IS worth buying?+
Caralog rates the Lexus IS 8.4/10. The Lexus IS is a genuine sports sedan that has quietly remained one of the most rewarding rear-wheel-drive saloons you can buy in the UAE — without the ownership drama of its European rivals. The V6-powered IS350 is a highlight: sonorous, fast, and smooth in a way no turbocharged four-cylinder can match. The 2026 update sharpens the steering and chassis feel meaningfully. It is not the most spacious car in class, nor the most tech-forward, but the IS delivers something rarer in the segment: long-term peace of mind, bullet-proof reliability and resale value that German rivals struggle to match at three years old.
Who should buy the Lexus IS?+
UAE drivers who want a proper rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with Lexus reliability, low service costs, and strong resale — and who can live without a large back seat.
What are the pros and cons of the Lexus IS?+
Pros: Rear-wheel drive with a naturally aspirated V6 — increasingly rare in class; Lexus reliability record is unmatched in segment; dealer network is excellent; Outstanding resale value in UAE used-car market; 2026 steering and suspension revisions make the driving experience genuinely sharper; 5-year / 100,000 km warranty with low service costs versus German rivals. Cons: Rear seat is genuinely tight — adults will feel cramped on longer journeys; Boot space is modest at 480 litres; No hybrid option in GCC market (IS300h sold elsewhere but not UAE); IS300 2.0T feels ordinary compared to the sonorous IS350 V6.
Is the Lexus IS reliable, and does it hold its value?+
Lexus has exceptional reliability and exceptional resale in the UAE. Over-engineered like a Toyota, so it lasts and holds value better than the German luxury trio.
How fast is the Lexus IS?+
The Lexus IS makes 241 hp and does 0–100 km/h in 8.1s (top speed 210 km/h).
What is the fuel economy of the Lexus IS?+
The Lexus IS returns about 8.1 L/100km combined.
How many seats does the Lexus IS have?+
The Lexus IS seats 5, with 480 litres of boot space.
Where can I buy the Lexus IS in the UAE?+
Available from Lexus UAE (Al-Futtaim). 5 years / 100,000 km warranty.
What are the alternatives to the Lexus IS?+
Cross-shop the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Genesis G70, Infiniti Q50.