The 2021 Lexus IS just made its official debut as the luxury brand’s latest sports sedan.
The new IS makes its presence known thanks to revised styling highlighted by sharp headlamps and a large spindle grille treatment. Five new paint colors join the lineup. Extra visual punch can be had with the F Sport, which adopts new bumpers and functional aero.
The 2021 Lexus IS also equips 18-inch wheels as standard, but 19s are optional. The latest 2021 model year sedan is physically larger than the previous model year in terms of overall length, width, and height, though only slightly. The wheelbase remains the same at 110.2 inches.
The 2021 Lexus IS equips the same powertrain and drivetrain as the outgoing model, albeit with a few updates. Buyers can select between a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder, which produces 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.5L V6 engine, which produces 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Both RWD and AWD or available, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission and six-speed automatic transmission. The quickest configuration yields a sprint to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
Under the skin is revised suspension and a more rigid body, with the optional Dynamic Handling Package and Adaptive Variable Suspension adding even more punch in the corners.
The 2021 Lexus IS cabin gets a standard 10-way adjustable power driver seat, as well as standard dual-zone automatic climate control and touch-sensitive inputs. An 8-inch infotainment screen is also standard, while a 10.3-inch touchscreen is optional. Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 is standard, adding a bevy of safety tech features.
The 2021 Lexus IS will arrive in dealers later this fall. When it does, it’ll square off against the Cadillac CT5 in terms of pricing. However, while the D segment has gotten bigger over time, the IS remains relatively small, slotting more comfortably into the C segment that’s the domain of the Cadillac CT4.
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Comments
Doesn’t look all that new.
Did they change the interior at all?
Exterior design is decent but otherwise It’s a big ol’ Meh!
I haven’t researched it yet but It comes across as though Toyota took a play out of GM’s book. Like the ATS, I’d bet it’s the same platform underneath as the current model but the exterior has been massaged and electronic architecture updated.
That interior looks dated already. And like the CT4, this vehicle hasn’t kept pace with its original target D segment so it’s in ‘tweener land.
It’s smaller than a CT4, with higher than a CT5 price.
probably better than both though I’ve never been a fan…
I do not like that interior at all!
While the new Lexus IS is designed to compete with Cadillac’s CT5, it’s physical dimensions make the Lexus IS more a competitor for the Cadillac CT4 and it’ll be interesting to see the Lexus IS in head-to-head test with Cadillac’s CT4-V with it’s 2.7L DOHC-4V 4-cyl turbo making 320 hp.
That car looks like it’s from 2014.
Well thank God Lexus still makes worse cars than Cadillac.
Seriously…. Lexus are bullet proof with smooth power-trains and reliability. GM cannot hold a candle to Toyota’s reliability. The finest most technologically advance mill in GM’s stable was just killed, the Blackwing… Lexus is also committed to the full sized sedan market, specialty coupe market and some insane legacy products in the LX SUV…. Who would have thought when Lexus arrived in the late 80’s THEY would have a full sized Luxury Sedan but GM wouldn’t. At the time GM still had Cadillac’s, Olds 98’s and Buick Park Avenues. Toyota’s and Lexus are as exciting to look at as Miss Jane on Beverly Hillbillies but they last…
Except did you know GS is dead?
How many times do you need to be asked “Why are you here” ? You clearly have less than no love for GM, why not go to another forum for a brand you actually like?
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 send me some of weed man
@xjug
Lexus got rid of the GS but Cadillac got rid of the CT6
But if you can believe this, Lexus would Die for the CUV/SUV lineup Cadillac has and it isn’t even that good compared to the Germans.
Lexus is scrambling and have lost their so called MoJo
They are basically the RX Division now. And some (not a lot) still like buying the LS Sedan for some reason (mostly money) over the Big Three Germans.
And then they also sell a lot of Toyota Avalons errrr I am sorry Lexus ES Sedans.
Trust me I am not the one that is here saying that Cadillac is the Best….Far from it.
But Lexus is not in a much better situation either though.
But Cadillac will be in the lead in the Future because Toyota foolishly thinks Hydrogen is the Future instead of EV’s
I like the new looks on it but the CT5 is larger.. my friends 2016 IS is nice but its super cramped and the interior is boring. the updated screen looks nice though. the Ct4 stands no chance in looks, maybe price as the ct4 is probably the ugliest car Cadillac has made in a while.
I would debate your statement as it relates to looks.
The IS has a charm of its own, and so does the CT4. They’re different in so many ways, with the CT4 being more elegant and not screaming for attention.
The CT4 is definitely a looker in its own right, so to call it ugly represents a certain disconnect from reality.
Alex first said, “ I would debate your statement as it relates to looks“.
Then, Alex ends with, “ The CT4 is definitely a looker in its own right, so to call it ugly represents a certain disconnect from reality.”
Alex. Do you not understand the contradiction in your statements? Looks. Looker?
Ego should be put aside, and other opinions observed with reverence, respect, and allowing them to have an opinion that differs from yours. Especially when…see above ^^^
Literally haven’t heard anyone minus you call the CT4 ugly.
The Cadillac CT5 runs all over this in nearly every way. Although this is faster, it’s smaller and cost just as much. I’m comfortable with both Toyota and GM’s reliability so that’s not much of a factor. The exterior design is much better than previous generation but that interior almost made me throw up. Ok Infiniti, your turn!
hideous.
I hate giant black grilles, but I like the overall shape, especially in the bottom pic. Much better than the other Toyota sedans.
They pulled off the Escala C pillar better than the CT5 by far. GM should be ashamed.
To me the front end “look” of the current Lexus line is funny looking at best. Interior on this one is simply awful.
The exterior is descent, interior is that even different? The engine is very archaic and I get it it’s for reliability. But the fact that ES has a newer engine it makes this kinda obsolete.
So where are all of the comments comparing this beautiful interior with the ugly and cheap looking one from the CT5? I’m being facetious of course. This interior looks ten years old to me.
Whatever, the Lexus interior came out of a 60’s AMC ..
And where oh where the hell is the upscale BUICK REGAL to compete in this market Mary B???? Get some younger blood in the Buick GMC Dealerships. Oh yeah, you sent all the Buick SEDANS to the grave yard. What a clueless corporate move typical of the mechanistic GM Corporate playbook. BTW Consumer Reports gave the ostentatious $100k+ 2021 Lexus LS the “Luxury Letdown” moniker and a score of 52 one of the lowest scores I’ve ever seen. If this Lexus is comparable it’s the ultimate “status mobile” for the clueless millions in our society that love to waste their $$ on crappy products just to impress the neighbors.
Buick? Does anyone actually aspire to own a Buick? A Buick is what Enterprise upgrades you to when they run out of the normal midsize car they have lol.
Lexus is a on a whole different reliability level.
I bought a Buick Regal GS fully loaded Sportback and for a $44,900 sticker it is quite nice – you would be surprised if you drove it – a “sleeper” car.
I wish the CT4 in the States would utilize the more Modern Headlights from the model sold in China.
Makes it look much more Modern.