What is the IS350 called in Japan?
In Japan, the IS350 is marketed as the Lexus IS 350.
The IS line in Japan follows Lexus branding, using the same model designation as many other markets. While Japan’s early generations used the Altezza badge, the contemporary IS 350 designation appears in Japanese catalogs and dealerships as part of the Lexus IS lineup, with variations in equipment and trim by year.
Branding and market placement in Japan
Below are key points about how the IS350 is presented in the Japanese market.
- Naming: The model is listed as Lexus IS 350, aligning with international naming conventions.
- Engine and drivetrain: The IS 350 designation denotes a 3.5-liter V6 (2GR-FSE) with variations in transmission and drive layout over different model years.
- Market history: Earlier generations in Japan used the Altezza badge, but newer IS models—including the IS 350—are sold under the Lexus IS brand.
In short, Japanese buyers recognize the vehicle as the Lexus IS 350, with the Altezza badge reserved for older generations and legacy heritage.
Historical context
From Altezza to IS
The earliest IS-style models in Japan carried the Altezza name. As Lexus consolidated its branding, later generations adopted the Lexus IS branding, and the 3.5-liter IS 350 designation was used across markets, including Japan. This reflects Lexus’ global approach to model naming while accommodating regional variations in trim and equipment.
Summary
The IS350 is called Lexus IS 350 in Japan, mirroring the international naming for this model. The Altezza badge applies to older generations, but the modern IS lineup—including the IS 350—uses the Lexus IS designation within the Japanese market.
