Lexus offers a refreshing approach to designing controls as compared to some competitors that are making controls more complex to learn and distracting to use. One example is the multi-information display located in the speedometer. This versatile feature integrates a trip computer that provides: outside temperature; driving range; average fuel consumption; average fuel consumption since refueling (per tank); current fuel consumption; and average speed. The display also includes an oil-maintenance reminder and system warnings, all grouped in one convenient location.

Additional features are added to the multi-information display depending on selected options. When an IS model is equipped with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the display can show a car icon with the selected following distance; when equipped with Intuitive Park Assist, the display can show a car icon with the location and distance of objects detected near the bumpers. A multi-function switch allows the driver to set an adjustable speed warning and an adjustable-RPM shift light in the tachometer.

The SmartAccess keyless entry and push-to-start ignition allows the driver to keep the access fob in a pocket or purse. The standard HomeLink programmable garage door opener also operates home security devices and other systems.


The Security of a Lexus

Passive-safety technology in the Lexus IS begins with a reinforced passenger compartment that helps protect the occupants with front-and rear-crush structures. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and force limiters are used for the front and outboard rear seats. In addition to the dual-front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, the Lexus Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes side-curtain airbags that extend from A-pillar to C-pillar, as well as a knee airbag for both the driver and the front passenger.

Advanced dual-stage front airbags are designed to deploy at one of two speeds, according to impact force. The driver's front airbag also includes an extra low stage designed to deploy based, in part, on the seat's position on its track. The front passenger's airbag features two chambers, creating an indentation in the center impact area that helps to disperse the force of the bag.

First introduced on the previous-generation LS flagship model, the Pre-Collision System (PCS) can help reduce collision damage and is now available on all Lexus sedan model lines. The package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and maintain a set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. PCS relies on the radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car, and a PCS computer with sensor inputs from vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate is designed to determine whether a collision is unavoidable.

In such a situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.


Increased Visibility

Visibility plays a major role in the Lexus safety portfolio. The available High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) helps to illuminate a curve as the driver steers into it. The rear back-up camera, included with the optional navigation system, automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the car onto the navigation screen when the transmission is in reverse gear.

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