2006 Lexus IS Preview

In the end, however, refinement and driving dynamics can only take a new model so far. The deciding factor among luxury car buyers

The deciding factor among luxury car buyers is often styling, and to that end the IS should do quite well. (Photo: Lexus)

is often styling, and to that end the IS should do quite well. It boasts what may be the best interpretation of Lexus' new L-Finesse design language in a production car to date, even more contemporary than the much admired GS that debuts this month.

The new IS will be important to Lexus' future growth in North America, but critical to its designs on Europe, as well as and other global markets where compact or C-segment cars are much more popular than mid- and full-size vehicles.