2021 will not be seeing an all-new Lexus IS. However, the 2021 Lexus IS looks new and that’s an important attribute to luxury sports sedans. It needs to look new to maintain the status of buying or leasing the latest Lexus. The most noticeable exterior change is the new spindle grille that Lexus calls a “three dimensional, polyhedral structure”. The redesigned headlights now feature integrated LED daytime running lights. The rear end is redesigned and has a trunk lid flat top look. The overall exterior design is smoother, like an airbrushed photo. The dimensions of the 2021 Lexus IS are longer, wider, and taller but the wheelbase is the same as the previous model. New restyled side skirts and 18 inch alloy wheels finish off the look of this upscale sedan that is meant to offer luxurious performance.
At first glance the interior in the 2021 Lexus IS looks the same as the outgoing model. It takes a dedicated eye to spot the subtle differences. The air vents are circular, glove box trim has been deleted, and the infotainment touch screen is three inches closer to the driver now. A larger 10.3 touch screen is offered as an option.
The 2021 Lexus IS will still deliver 241 horsepower from a 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine with an 8-speed transmission. It will be able to hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. The all-wheel drive IS 300 features a 3.5 liter V6 making 260 horsepower using a 6-speed transmission. For safety, the 2021 IS gets an improved camera with millimeter-wave radar. This will allow the car to better detect and warn drivers of bicyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles. The 2021 Lexus IS will have nine other safety standard features that include Emergency Steering Assist, and Intelligent High Beams. Pricing has not been announced yet, but we expect the starting price to be in the mid to high 30’s. New 2021 Lexus IS models are set to arrive at dealerships in fall 2020.