Lexus’s new IS 250 will have the world’s first dual chamber passenger airbag.

Unlike conventional airbags, which inflate in a single unit, the new dual-chamber version has twin vertical sections. This creates a central depression that effectively cradles the face while dispersing the physical impact of the inflated bag across other parts of the head, shoulders and upper body.

All versions of the IS 250 are equipped with the new airbag. It is also the first premium D segment model to feature driver and front passenger knee airbags. Further protection is provided by seat-mounted thorax-abdomen-pelvis (TAP) side airbags, with greater capacity to provide wider protection across the body.

Together with curtain shield airbags which run the length of each side of the vehicle cabin to protect both front and outer rear seat occupants, the IS carries a complement of eight airbags as standard on all models.

The Lexus IS 250 goes on sale in the UK on November 19, priced from £22,400 on the road.