Brevis rides on the same rear-drive platform as Lexus IS, with wheelbase extended to 2,780mm (109.4in) to better all its European rivals. In terms of size and weight, it stand between a BMW 3-series and 5-series, so cabin space is plenty. However, dynamically speaking it can hardly match the European rivals (that role is left for Lexus to fulfill), although rides on double-wishbones suspensions. Suspension is set softer than the Lexus, steering is less direct, and its 1,550kg (3,417lb) kerb weight also hurt handling agility.
There are two choices of power plant: 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre straight-six both front mounted, pumping out 200hp (150kW) and 220hp (160kW) respectively. Both are equipped with VVT-i and D-4 direct injection. It comes this with 5-speed AT (2WD car) or 4-speed AT (4WD car) options, in which the 4WD option is only available for the 2.5 litre model.
Other options includes power adjustable pedal, in which pedal positions can be adjusted to suit the drivers' driving posture, the position of pedal, steering wheel and driver’s seat are memorized. There is also an electric rear sunshade and a radar guided cruise control system to ensure a safe following distance to the car ahead in correspondence to the traveling speed. All these are standard equipments. Also included are the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, ABS, and high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps.
The later models was improved in April 2004 as the prestigious mesh grille design was adopted for the front grille. The models after December 2005 comes with EMV (with color backing guide monitor & window shade corner monitor) and also a DVD voice navigation system for G-BOOK and NAVI.AI-SHIFT (not applicable for 4WD models.)