It’s official! The first pictures of the all-new Lexus IS have finally been revealed. Our images offer the first look at the stunning new saloon, ahead of its debut at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show on January 15th.

On sale this summer, the car has a bold new exterior design inspired by the acclaimed LF-CC concept car. The concept’s imposing spindle grille and L-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are carried through to production – and that’s not all.

Viewed in profile, the IS production car keeps the LF-CC’s pronounced character line that rises from the lower body into the rear lamp clusters, creating a sense of elegance and drama.

On the inside, a major focus has been placed on creating an ideal environment for the driver, with ideal ergonomics and a clean but sophisticated design theme.

Cabin material, trim and finish refinement are complimented by Lexus firsts such as electrostatic switches to control the air conditioning temperature with the touch of a finger.

The IS also features design elements also seen in the Lexus LFA supercar, such as the innovative moving driver’s dial on the instrument panel, which is available on top specification F Sport models.

The newly designed driver’s seat offers greater comfort and better side support. Both the seat hip point and the angle of the steering wheel have been lowered and steering reach adjustment increased, creating a more sporting driving position.

The increased width and wheelbase length of New IS provide significantly increased levels of rear seat comfort and luggage capacity. Accessibility has been improved and rear-seat knee room is now best in class. The IS also features new 60:40 split/folding seats.

At launch, a new F Sport model will also be introduced.

F Sport models are instantly recognised by an exclusive grille and front bumper design. The ‘waistline’ of the grille is higher than on standard models, increasing the area of the lower grille to make it capable of drawing in a larger volume of cooling air appropriate to a sportier performance.

The IS F Sport also features an exclusive, highly supportive seat design using an ‘integrated foaming’ construction method, ensuring that there are no gaps between seat upholstery and filling to combine excellent comfort with outstanding lateral holding performance.

F Sport models also inherit the innovative driver’s meter with moving centre ring from the LFA.

The all-new Lexus IS makes its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show on January 15th 2013 – be sure to return, as we’ll have even more details and pictures of the car then.

Take a look at what we’ve already published on the new IS in this post.

Meanwhile, give us your first impressions of the new Lexus IS – what do you think?

*Final UK production specification and equipment may vary from these images

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