After several teasers, the wraps have come off the wider, lower, more aggressive fourth- generations Lexus IS medium luxury sedan. Compared to the outgoing IS, this model sports a more pronounced shoulder line and features a unique rare lighting signature, with a light strip that spans across the lower edge of the boot lid. The pictured model also features F sport badges on the front fenders and it wears the IS 350 emblem at the back. The new 2021 Lexus IS sedan created a trend as a lot of car enthusiasts compared it with its BMW 3 series. The Lexus is using the same platform as before, and not the Toyota New Global Architecture- Luxury platform. Regardless of being a second facelift, the mid-generational refresh to the sedan is extensive and Lexus has gone to town to make the new IS a more driver-focused car. Lexus IS gets a new revised look, all the latest technology and more importantly, a revised suspension set-up which is one of the key components, Lexus claims to have made the IS more sporty.
Upgrades
The demands placed on the new IS in order for it to deliver those qualities required a specific environment, which was the reason the Shimoyama test course was used as its development track. Response, accuracy and linearity of control as well as predictable steering feel were the developmental goals, along with the elimination of any noise and vibration that interfered with that driver-machine dialogue. Across the Pacific from Lexus homeland, the IS is presented in a walk-around that observes its exterior design and its details. At its front end, function dovetails with form, where the lower corners of the spindle grille house air inlets that help cool the front brakes. Beyond the exterior design, the new-design dampers with ultra-low-velocity valves which help the setup respond to even the smallest road bumps. The new Lexus IS is nearly identical to the model it replaces, with an inch added to the overall length and width. The wheelbase is the same as the 2020 version, which doesn’t bode well for interior comfort; the IS was already on the small side for passenger room among competitors.
Features
- The new Lexus IS is nearly identical to the model it replaces with an inch added to the overall length and width.
- From the side, the 2021 Lexus IS has been given a more sculpted aggressive shoulder line.
- The IS also gets a new set of wheels as the F- Sport model gets 19- inch wheels, while 18-inch wheels are standard.
- The rear features a brand new LED tail lamp, which is pure Lexus Fashion features a sharp-edged look and runs across the width of the car.
- Under the bonnet, the Lexus IS uses the same powertrain line up as before and all of them offer the same amount of power as before.
- The rear-wheel-drive models are equipped with an 8-speed automatic, while the AWD versions use a 6-speed automatic box.
- This version comes with the same V6 engine but generates 311hp.
- The cosmetic updates make the new IS longer, wider and shorter in height than its predecessor.
- The cabin remains largely the same, but it does get a much needed new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system to welcome it into the 21st century.
- The higher-spec cars will get the option of a larger 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and are enabled with Amazon’s Alexa.
- The interior is shod with synthetic leather upholstery as standard equipment and power-adjustable front seats
Safety
The latest version of the Lexus Safety System plus will be standard equipment on all trims of the updated IS. Features include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and bicyclist detection, emergency steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and all-speed adaptive cruise control. The system uses a single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar — both have been enhanced for the 2021 Lexus IS. Lane departure alert and lane-tracing assist have also been improved.
Depending on our viewpoint, it’s either a gross case of overcompensation; or it inspires you to get your throttle on every time you walk up to the car. We’ll leave it up to you which gets triggered inside your medulla.
