The 2021 Lexus IS compact luxurious sedan is new—and in addition very acquainted—to start its third decade on sale within the U.S.
Since 2000, the Lexus IS has competed in opposition to stalwarts from Europe and the U.S., however at instances has struggled to carve a distinct segment amongst its opponents. It has been supplied as a small wagon, a high-performance sedan, and as a hardtop convertible in earlier iterations. The 2021 Lexus IS is a four-door sedan, accessible with one in all three engine selections, in rear- or all-wheel drive. All the above are just like the outgoing model, proper all the way down to the facility figures and wheelbase. The 2021 model will get a brand new look, however we’ll have to attend to see if it will get a brand new really feel.
It goes on sale in late 2020, however Lexus hasn’t but stated how a lot it prices.
Overview continues beneath
Model and efficiency
The brand new Lexus IS isn’t a dramatic departure from the final model, full with a well-recognized hourglass grille, boomerang LED working lights, sculpted physique sides, and tapered rear finish.
On the again is the place the brand new IS is most recognizably completely different from the mannequin it replaces. A large strip of LED taillights spans the trunk backward and forward, beneath a stamped “shelf” that serves as a tall tail. The mishmash of creases, lights, upright panels, tall decklid, and fats rear bumper above comparatively tiny rear exhausts has our brows furrowed—however our ultimate judgment must wait till we see it in particular person.
Inside, not a lot has modified for the brand new Lexus IS in comparison with the outdated sedan. Many of the middle stack and console stay, together with a big touchscreen perched on high of local weather controls, gear shifter, and infotainment touchpad controller. Drivers get a digital instrument cluster borrowed from the LFA supercar (Ed’s observe: If anybody remembers what that’s anymore.) and the identical steering wheel and controls because the outgoing automotive. The largest change inside could also be gimballed vents on the corners of the sprint, for higher or worse.
Beneath the hood of the 2021 IS is a well-recognized trio of powertrains, largely an identical to the outgoing automotive. The bottom IS300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-Four that makes 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is identical because the 2020 model. It’s paired to an 8-speed automated transmission and rear-wheel drive.
The IS300 with all-wheel drive substitutes in a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 260 hp and 236 lb-ft and a 6-speed automated. The all-wheel-drive system is biased towards the rear, however can ship as much as 50 p.c of its accessible energy to the entrance wheels.
The 2021 Lexus IS350 is the highest of the hill for now and makes use of a 3.5-liter V-6 that makes 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. With rear-wheel drive, it’s mated to an 8-speed automated; with all-wheel drive, it will get a 6-speed automated. Lexus estimates that the IS350 will speed up as much as 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with rear-wheel drive, which is identical time it takes a BMW 330i with its base turbo-Four engine.
The IS350 might be outfitted with extra efficiency {hardware} when optioned with an F Sport package deal, which is just accessible on the highest engine this yr. It will get 19-inch wheels which are wider within the rear for higher traction, and an accessible dealing with package deal that features adaptive dampers and a rear limited-slip differential (rear-wheel-drive fashions solely.) We haven’t but pushed the 2021 IS350 however the story of the tape isn’t encouraging; Lexus’ high fashions evaluate to many base fashions from German opponents.
Nonetheless, Lexus says it nipped and tucked elements of the 2021 IS to drive higher than the 2020 model, together with stiffer springs and suspension elements, lighter-weight wheels and mounts.
Consolation, security, and options
The brand new Lexus IS is almost an identical to the mannequin it replaces, with an inch added to the general size and width. The wheelbase is identical because the 2020 model, which doesn’t bode properly for inside consolation; the IS was already on the small aspect for passenger room amongst opponents.
The inside is shod with artificial leather-based upholstery as commonplace tools and power-adjustable entrance seats. F Sport fashions get their very own remedy with two-tone interiors or purple artificial leather-based. Lexus hasn’t stated if actual leather-based will probably be accessible within the IS.
Each IS is provided with a set of energetic security gear that features automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, energetic lane management, adaptive cruise management, blind-spot displays with rear cross-traffic alert, and automated excessive beams.
Lexus isn’t displaying its hand with all of the accessible options within the IS, however an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is commonplace on all sedans. A 10.3-inch touchscreen is accessible. Premium audio will probably be on the choices record, together with unique paint shades that value additional.
The 2021 Lexus IS will go on sale in late 2020.
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