This is a very deep upgrade made to the third generation of the brand’s compact sedan.
If you are a video game fan, I am sure you know the Toyota Altezza very well, a Japanese sports sedan that was often called “the Japanese BMW” for its performance similar to that of the 3 Series. It is also likely that if you are a fan of the drift you have seen it in action. What are we going with this? Because this is the name by which the first generation Lexus IS was known in Japan.
The third generation of this model was introduced in 2013 and Lexus was expected to show a completely new fourth generation these days. After all, he had already shown a preview of it. The date was met, but to everyone’s surprise, the IS 2021 was not as new as we expected since it is actually a deep update.
Aesthetically, we find a new grill with a “three-dimensional polyhedral structure”, which is flanked by new luminaires that now have LED technology. This gives the car a much more modern and exclusive look. The bumpers (front and rear) are also newly designed.
The styling changes don’t end there, as the designers gave the IS a whole new silhouette, with redesigned side skirts and 18-inch alloy wheels. Back is where there are more news, highlighting the complete redesign of the trunk, as well as the rear lights, which are now long and cover the width of the vehicle.
In terms of size, the Lexus IS 2021 is slightly larger than its predecessor, being 30mm longer (4,705mm), 30mm wider (1,840mm), and 5mm taller (1,435mm) than before. The only dimension that does not change is the wheelbase that remains at 2.80 meters.
While the exterior styling changes are quite dramatic, the interior updates are barely noticeable. That said, there is a modestly revised dash with new circular air vents. Also worth mentioning is a noticeable improvement in finishes and materials, such as the new NuLuxe leather upholstery.
The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system travels 76mm closer to the driver for better touch access, while an optional 10.3-inch can be integrated with compatibility for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as the integration of Amazon Alexa. The Mark Levinson premium audio system was also improved.
In the mechanical section we have a varied offer. The entry step is the IS 300, which has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 241 Hp and 350 Nm of torque, and is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Next up is the IS 300 AWD, which not only adds all-wheel drive, but uses a 3.5-liter V6 with 260 Hp and 320 Nm of torque, and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Finally, the IS 350 has a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 311 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. The rear-drive variant has an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel drive works with a six-ratio automatic.
Although the IS 2021 is not completely new, that does not mean that the chassis has not received improvements since, in fact, it is the first car whose tuning corresponds to the new “Lexus driving signature”, a development carried out in the Toyota Shimoyama Technical Center, a test track inspired by the Nürburgring circuit.
The mark indicates that structural rigidity was improved and overall weight was lowered, while suspension schemes were redesigned. For example, the spirals are 20% lighter thanks to the use of forged aluminum, the same material for stabilizers. Also new are the shock absorbers equipped with ultra-low-speed valves on their pistons to manage oil flow in response to the smoothest irregularities in the road. New stops are also used to help control suspended weight more effectively for greater driving comfort.
Lastly, aesthetic F-Sport versions will be available only on IS 350 models, either RWD or AWD. They are distinguished from the rest of the range by a sportier aesthetic kit, including a unique grille and a rear spoiler. It also has a sports exhaust system, a diffuser and 19-inch alloy wheels.
Additionally, an optional Dynamic Steering Package can be ordered that includes an Adaptive Variable Suspension as well as BBS rims in a matte black finish. The package also adds carbon fiber mirror caps and spoiler. Inside doors, sports seats stand out, as well as leather everywhere and an aluminum pedalboard.
The new Lexus IS 2021 is expected to reach dealerships in the United States next fall, and from there begin its expansion to more than 40 markets worldwide.
