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2023 Lexus IS packages add fancy looks, paint, and wheels

Lexus made big changes to the IS range for the 2021 model year after introducing the latest generation in 2014. For 2023, the updates are primarily cosmetic, a couple of appearance packages aimed at keeping a fresh edge on a proven package, to go with one handling package. Prices are only up a few hundred bucks as well. MSRPs for the coming IS range after the $1,150 destination charge, and the changes compared to 2022, are: 2023 IS 300 RWD: $40,585 ($310)  2023 IS 300 AWD: $42,585 ($310)  2023 IS 350 F SPORT DESIGN RWD: $43,660 (new trim)   2023 IS 350 F SPORT DESIGN AWD: $45,660 (new trim)   2023 IS 350 F SPORT: $44,910 ($210) 2023 IS 350 F SPORT AWD: $46,910 ($210)  2023 IS 500 F SPORT PERFORMANCE: $58,270 ($270) 2023 IS 500 F SPORT PERFORMANCE PREMIUM: $62,770 ($270)  There are two additional trims in the lineup, the IS 350 F Sport Design driving the rear axle or both axles. It wears the F Sport exterior trim pieces like the grille, bumpers, decklid spoiler, and badging, as well as a quartet of 19-inch F Sport alloy wheels. There are two reasons the Design trim is less less expensive than the regular F Sport, the first being that it's missing standard and optional features. The Design doesn't get goodies like the heated, leather-trimmed steering wheel, climate-controlled front seats, or rain-sensing wipers, nor can it be optioned with tech like the driver's memory seat and NuLuxe surfaces with black geometric trim. The second reason is that the IS 350 F Sport gains a Handling Package for 2023, installing an adaptive suspension, Drive Mode Select with Sport S/S+ and Custom Modes, and on the RWD version, a Torsen limited-slip differential. Because the AWD version lacks the LSD, the package costs $770 on that model, versus $1,610 for the RWD trim. The F Sport Handling Package can be upgraded with 19-inch matte black forged BBS wheels. There's even more menace to be had on the IS 350 F Sport with the $1,500 Special Appearance Package. On this one, the hood and roof are painted black, the wheels are swapped for 19-inch Enkei split-ten-spoke F Sport Performance units with a dark finish. Lexus will offer only 480 units with this package for the model year. The 19-inch Enkei alloy wheels standard on the IS 500 F Sport will come with a dark finish for 2023. The IS 500 F Sport in either standard or Premium grade gets its own limited-edition Special Appearance Package, this one costing $3,570 and offered in just 150 examples.

Lexus LS sedan will be quieter, more comfortable and smarter

Lexus made numerous updates to the LS in a bid to turn it into an even more comfortable cruiser. Unveiled online, the redesigned model gains a quieter cabin, new driving aids, and a handful of minor styling tweaks. Engineers turned their attention to parts of the fifth-generation LS that a majority of owners never think about in order to achieve a ride that's markedly quieter and smoother. They notably fitted a new solenoid to the adaptive suspension that reduces damping force, redesigned the motor mounts to prevent mechanical vibrations from entering the cabin, and changed the stiffness of the run-flat tires as well as the rigidity of the stabilizer bars. These changes come together to cement the sedan's positioning as the cushiest model in its category. Deeper stitch points and seat pads made with low-resilience urethane further enhance comfort, according to Lexus, but the biggest upgrades found inside are technology-related. The LS receives a digital rear-view mirror as well as a 12.3-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Users can also control the display screen and audio functions using their phone once they've paired it to the infotainment system. LS buyers in select markets will be able to order the company's Teammate technology. It's a semi-automated suite of driving aids that bundles lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control while allowing the car to change lanes and pass slower vehicles. It does not turn the LS into an autonomous car; it merely helps motorists when driving becomes tedious. The system can only be used when the right conditions are met, and Lexus hasn't announced plans to offer it in the United States. The latest generation of park assist technology is available, too. The visual changes are relatively subtle. Up front, stylists redesigned the lights and gave the bumper a new look. Out back, eagle-eyed car spotters will notice the lights and the lower bumper have been slightly revised. It's the same story inside, where the most noteworthy change is the addition of the aforementioned touchscreen. Lexus expanded the color palette with a shade of silver named Gin-ei Luster that stands out with a smooth, mirror-like finish.

BMW reclaims US luxury sales crown from Mercedes

The numbers, they are in: BMW has reclaimed the luxury-sales crown from Mercedes by a margin of 9,347 cars. Mercedes donned the king's headgear in 2013 after a strong final quarter of 2013 when the new CLA and S-Class poured out of dealerships. This year, led by the 3 Series/4 Series and X5, BMW sold 339,738 units – a 9.8-percent increase year-on-year. Mercedes, led by the C-Class and M-Class, saw its sales go up by 5.7 percent to 330,391 units. We'll have to wait a bit to see if there's another registrations-vs-sales challenge as in 2012, when BMW was anointed US luxury ruler. Behind them, a dark horse named Lexus nudged closer to the leading Teutons, selling 311,389 cars. The Japanese luxury automaker also had the biggest gain among the top three, its sales rising by 13.7 percent compared to 2013. Audi had the biggest sales of anyone among the top five, though, with a 15.2-percent gain to 182,011, which moved it a spot ahead of Cadillac; the Wreath-and-Crest brand dropped 6.5 percent to 170,750. Acura (167,843), Infiniti (117,300), and Lincoln (94,474) took the final positions. Speaking of Lincoln, sales at the once-mighty luxury marque stand as the mightiest jump of any on this list, up 15.6 percent. That's the power of Matthew McConaughey... and better cars and a new crossover, sure. So now that we're back to Round One of 2015, in case no one else has said it yet: "Ok, fight!"