New for 2015: Lexus
2015 Lexus Overview
Based on its 2015 lineup, it would seem that Lexus believes there's no rest for the luxurious. While most of the company's models are carryovers from 2014, they all return with noteworthy improvements, such as a smartphone-linked remote access system for the ES and IS sedans, available F Sport package for the GS 450h hybrid, and Apple's Siri eyes-free technology for the 2015 GX and LX SUVs. Also treated to their share of upgrades are the full-size LS sedan and the RX crossover, which now offers LED headlights. Only the 2015 CT 200h hybrid hatchback is a near mirror image of its predecessor, aside from a new paint color and a revised built-in garage door opener.
Joining those veterans are two all-new models: the 2015 NX crossover and the 2015 RC coupe.
With the exception of a fresh paint color and a new Homelink universal garage door opener, the 5-door Lexus CT 200h returns for 2015 essentially identical to the 2014 model it replaces. As was the case last year, the powertrain consists of a 4-cylinder engine mated with a pair of electric motors, continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a nickel-metal hydride battery. Base and F Sport versions are available.
What's New:
Eminent White Pearl paint color
Updated universal garage door opener
Another year, another round of mild updates for the Lexus ES, a sedan that's available in traditional V-6-powered ES 350 and hybrid ES 300h versions. This front-wheel-drive (FWD) model now boasts perforated leatherette upholstery, a new exterior paint color, smartphone-linked remote access to the car's built-in infotainment system, and a standard 7-in. touch screen that serves as a display for the audio system and rearview camera.
What's New:
Atomic Silver paint color
Available perforated leatherette upholstery
Upgraded standard audio system
Remote functionality for smartphone-linked infotainment system
As is the case with many 2015 Lexus models, the GS sedan arrives with a few key upgrades to keep things fresh. Among the changes are the addition of new 18-in. alloy wheels, 8-in. touch screen for the standard audio setup, and an available 12.3-in. split-screen display that accompanies the optional navigation system.
Those familiar with the Lexus GS will recognize the model lineup that has been carried over for 2015: GS 350, GS 350 F Sport, and the GS 450h hybrid. Those variants are now joined by the GS 450h F Sport, accented by 19-in. alloy wheels, performance-tuned suspension and 4-wheel steering, larger brake rotors, unique exterior cues, and aluminum interior trim.
What's New:
Standard 18-in. alloy wheels
Upgraded infotainment system
F Sport package (hybrid model)
One year after receiving a number of tweaks, including revised styling and new safety features, the Lexus GX SUV is back with updates that are small in number, but still significant. Owners of Apple's iPhone will appreciate the available Siri eyes-free functionality that allows them to use voice commands for the infotainment system, which now provides access to more music-related smartphone apps.
This 7-passenger utility vehicle can be had in base, Premium, and Luxury versions, all equipped with full-time 4-wheel drive (4WD) and a 301-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8 engine.
What's New:
Siri eyes-free mode
Upgraded infotainment system
Relative to most 2015 Lexus models, the IS returns with a substantial number of updates, such as the introduction of Siri eyes-free technology, gridlines for the rearview camera, new interior colors and finishes, and the smartphone-enabled remote functionality for the infotainment system. Designers have also brightened up the exterior with optional LED fog lights, and the F Sport package has been improved courtesy of heated and cooled front seats.
Buyers considering the 2015 Lexus IS have their choice of sedan and convertible body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), multiple engines, and variants ranging from the IS 250 to the high-performance IS F.
What's New:
Remote functionality for smartphone-linked infotainment system
Revised interior finishes and colors
Siri eyes-free mode
LED fog lights
Upgraded F Sport package
Gridlines added to rearview camera display
Lexus' flagship sedan, the LS, returns for 2015 with many of the upgrades seen on other models in the company's lineup. Among them are the addition of helpful gridlines to the rearview camera display, smartphone-enabled remote functionality for the infotainment system, and an updated 3D navigation system.
Offered with the choice of RWD or AWD capability, the 2015 Lexus LS delivers room for up to 5 occupants, derives power from a traditional gas or hybrid powertrain, and can be ordered in a regular- or long-wheelbase configuration.
What's New:
Gridlines added to rearview camera display
Remote functionality for smartphone-linked infotainment system
Upgraded infotainment system
Revised 3D navigation system
Similar to the smaller GX, the Lexus LX SUV sees only a couple of modifications as it enters the 2015 model year. Siri eyes-free functionality is now part of the LX's roster of features, and the infotainment system provides access to more music-related smartphone apps.
Aside from those changes, the 8-passenger 2015 Lexus LX has been carried over from 2014, meaning it continues to be powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine and is equipped with a standard 4WD system.
What's New:
Siri eyes-free mode
Upgraded infotainment system
One of two all-new models being offered by this luxury brand, the 2015 Lexus NX is a 5-passenger crossover that's available with FWD or AWD capability and a generous assortment of standard features, highlights of which include LED headlights, Siri eyes-free functionality, 7-in. touch-screen audio system, leatherette upholstery, and Lexus' telematics system. Luxury and Premium packages are available, as is an F Sport package consisting of unique styling touches, sport-tuned suspension, and more.
There are two primary versions of the 2015 Lexus NX: 200t and 300h. The former is equipped with the company's first turbocharged engine--a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit that generates 235 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. Under the hood of the NX 300h is a hybrid powertrain comprised of a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine, 3 electric motors, nickel-metal hydride battery pack, and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Net output measures 194 horsepower.
What's New:
All-new crossover model
Gas and hybrid powertrains
Available turbocharged engine
Wireless phone-charging system
Standard LED headlights
FWD or AWD
Multiple driving modes
Available power-folding rear seat
Touch-sensitive dome lights
The second of Lexus' all-new 2015 models is the RC, available in 350 and high-performance F variants. In its base RC 350 form, this RWD or AWD 4-passenger luxury coupe features a 306-horsepower V-6 engine, as well as LED headlights, 18-in. alloy wheels, aluminum interior trim, smartphone-enabled remote start and other functions, Siri eyes-free technology, and a 256-watt 7-in. touch-screen audio system.
For the RWD 2015 RC F, Lexus engineers have opted to utilize a 467-horsepower, 5.0-liter V-8 engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Accompanying that powertrain is an aggressively tuned chassis sporting Brembo brakes and 19-in. alloy wheels wrapped in tires designed specifically for the RC F. Lexus claims the car can reach 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 170 mph.
What's New:
All-new 2-door, 4-passenger coupe model
Standard V-6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission
RWD or AWD
Available high-performance RC F variant
Multiple driving modes
Optional 4-wheel steering
LED headlights
Rounding out the 2015 Lexus lineup--from an alphabetical perspective, at least--is the RX crossover, which continues to be offered in traditional 350 and hybrid-powered 450h versions. New this year are available LED headlights, standard 7-in. display for the audio system and rearview camera, and optional light gray 19-in. alloy wheels.
What's New:
Updated navigation system
Optional LED headlights
Tri-spoke 19-in. alloy wheels
Standard 7-in. touch-screen audio system
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