Overall pleased. Exterior is really subjective so neither '16 or '17 bothers me. The interior is night and day, and I would be furious if I had a 2014-2016. And that's not to knock to anyone with a 2014-2016, that is my own opinion, and to each their own.

When the 2014 came out, I voiced my displeasure at the sea of plastic and 'cheap' feel the cabin left me with. The 2017 refresh fixed much of what was wrong though there are still a few areas that can be improved. That said, the center stack on the 2014 climate controls looks bloated and extends cheap rough plastic making it look tacked on. Compare to the '17 which is taught and tailored. The Remote touch on the 2014 looks like an afterthought. 2017 improved the design, flows with the center console, the stitching and different colors add contrast and refinement. The Remote Touch itself is better with additional 'ENTER' buttons, and a 'back/return' button as well. The navigation is faster and does not lag near as bad as the Gen8 system on '14-16. The larger 10.3" screen of the '17 finally utilizes empty real-estate (black bezel on '14-16 infotainment screen). Lexus Safety System+ is also standard with PCS, IHB, DRCC, and LDA.

2014-2016



2017 (x2)

 

I really like the interior of the '17; however, I do not like the exterior changes. As an owner of a 2014 350 F Sport with Navi, ML, BSM & VGRS, I really don't feel that I'm missing much. Sure the infotainment system is better and the screen is awesome, but I use voice commands for most things (& mine works well). My car will be paid off in a couple of months and if I replace my current car with a new one, it won't be a new IS, specifically because I don't like the exterior. Honestly, almost 4 years later, I still love my car.

 

Same, my ideal car would be a LEXUS ISF with the new LS500 motor in it. Hopefully, by 2019 they make this a reality.

 

2020/2021 seems more plausible. The 4th generation IS is slated to be a MY20. They're more likely to save the hiatus F variant for after the IS300 (2.0T) and ISXXX (350 replacement) debut.

 

I wonder if the bigger 10.3" screen from the facelifted models would be a straight swap to replace the smaller pre-facelift screen? Or is there more stuff that has to be changed as well as the screen?

I really like the palmrest and the controller on the facelift. But I prefer the older steering wheel, the round buttons remind me of LFA

 

I like the 14-16 look more, however I'm loving the larger 10" screen. To each their own. Either way both are good picks.

 

the palmrest/cup holder piece is a direct swap out, but you'll need the mouse controller box as well, because it's a different shape and supports the additional buttons.
NOT sure about the screen. At the very least I'm guessing you will need the correct mouse control box, and update the software to a version meant for the larger screen. I'm waiting for someone else to do it and do a write up so I know what I'm getting into before I mess with it

 

Since my 2014 is still under extended warranty, I was thinking that perhaps instead of getting the nav screen glass replaced (TSB), I could pay a little extra and get the bigger screen installed. But if it's extensive work, the dealership would charge too much for it to be reasonable.

 

There seems to be a trend happening with Japanese cars namely Toyota, Lexus and Honda. The integration of exterior plastic components and metal seem to be a big design trend, today. If it serves function then I'm down with it. If it is just aesthetic then I frown upon it.

I have the 2017 F sport model and despite what I think about this trend being applied to the lower front bumper, I think it is being used tastefully. Been seeing this on some newer Hondas and that I feel is being overly used, I mean overly used. This being said, I do miss fog lights but man the new headlights are super bright so who needs them.

 

Please let us know what they say. If you're able to pull this off, I can guarantee there will be a chain reaction

 

I think the '17 update was a great one in that it gave us a new front end without making the previous one look dated. I still think the '14 front fascia is fresh and fantastic. So I would be happy with either, but the interior updates would absolutely push me to a '17+, especially now that I've gotten used to a larger screen (12.3") in my GS. It would be hard to go back to the 8".

It will be ridiculously expensive. It's not just a new screen, it's a whole new nav system and I do not believe your current hardware will support it. You're talking dash revisions, replacing the screen, remote touch, and most likely the entire nav unit. Between the parts and the labor, I'd bet the cost to do so at a dealer is in the thousands.

 

Can I order an exterior 2016 with the interior of the 2017? Seriously, I miss the look with the fog lights. The 2017 just looks weird without the fog lights, like its missing something in those areas where they should be. I bet Lexus took the fogs away just so they can add them back in a few years, like the Navi screen making it smaller only to make it larger later...also single projector lights make the front end look weak.

 

I'm in the market for a sport coupe or sedan and I would love to stick lexus but they can't compete with the Germans. I am leaning to BMW M cars (2,3, or 4) unless Lexus can deliver on a TTV6 or V8 in light car (the RCF was too heavy).

 

I was afraid of that, but thanks for the answer. I was sort of hoping that the nav unit and other modules would be smart enough to recognize the connected screen and the controller and would adapt.

 

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/kia/sti...-s-2017-review