Lexus IS 2013 - first official pictures

Meet the 2013 Lexus IS - Japan's latest challenger in the hotly contested executive saloon market, typified by the top-10 selling BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class as well as the Audi A4. The new IS is expected to go on sale in the UK during summer 2013.

The third-generation Lexus IS is a visual leap forward from the outgoing model, launched in 2005. The IS will initially be offered in the UK with the 2.5-litre V6, shared with the GS250 and a hybrid, which is expected to replace the diesel model in the current line-up.

Thankfully, the 2013 IS will be more accommodating than the outgoing car - it will both be wider and have a longer wheelbase. Rear seat passengers will be grateful for the additional leg and knee-room that Lexus promises that IS will have. Up front, the high centre console and LFA inspired seats point to a more sporting environment for the driver. Lexus also promises a high quality analogue clock and Jaguar XF-style electrostatic touch sensitive switches.

The exterior design is striking, with the IS adopting the now corporate spindle-shaped grille and the sharper-edged styling, which is an updating of the L-finesse style first revealed in the second-generation Lexus IS. The company also says that it is inspired by last year's LF-CC concept. Expect more details - including pricing and specifications to emerge at the Detroit unveil.