The IS, whose first generation was launched in 1999, is the entry model into the Lexus brand. Thanks to its reduced size, it is the most agile and sporty of the Lexus models. The IS is offered as a convertible since the 2010 model year. The IS has the difficult mission of competing with the German compact luxury sedans such as the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class all of which are long-standing kingpins within this market. Its high performing version, the IS F is considered its own model in CarPassion.ca since its vocation is so distinct from that of the "regular" IS.
