Lexus IS 2021 review

No, this is not a brand new car. It may look like this, but the 2021 Lexus IS is actually a major facelift to an existing model that originally went on sale back in 2013.

The exterior of the new Lexus IS has undergone significant changes, including a redesigned front and rear, while the company has widened the track and made "significant chassis changes" to make it more manageable. In addition, there are a number of newly added safety features and automotive technology, despite the cabin being largely carried over.

Suffice it to say that the new 2021 Lexus IS model, which the brand describes as "reimagined", has some of the strengths and weaknesses of its predecessor. But does this luxury Japanese sedan have enough qualities to compete with its main rivals - the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Let's find out.

Lexus IS 2021: Luxurious IS300
Safety Rating
engine's type	2.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	8.2l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$45,500

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

The refreshed 2021 Lexus IS lineup has seen a number of price changes as well as reduced options. There are now five IS models available, up from seven prior to this update, as the Sports Luxury model has been dropped and you can now only get the IS350 in F Sport trim. However, the company has expanded its "Enhancement Pack" strategy into various options.

The refreshed 2021 Lexus IS lineup has seen a number of price changes as well as reduced options.

Opens the IS300 Luxury range, which is priced at $61,500 (all prices are MSRP, excluding travel expenses, and correct at time of publication). It has the same equipment as the IS300h Luxury model, which costs $64,500, and the "h" stands for hybrid, which will be detailed in the engines section. 

The Luxury trim features eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and driver memory (pictured: IS300h Luxury).

The Luxury trim comes equipped with items such as LED headlights and daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with start button, 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav (including real-time traffic updates) and Apple CarPlay and Technology. Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as a 10-speaker audio system, eight-way power front seats with heating and driver memory, and dual-zone climate control. There are also automatic headlights with automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, power steering and adaptive cruise control.

Indeed, it includes a lot of security technologies - more on that below - as well as a number of Enhancement Pack options.

Luxury models can be equipped with a choice of two expansion packages: the $2000 expansion package adds a sunroof (or sunroof, as Lexus says); or Enhancement Pack 2 (or EP2 - $5500) additionally adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, cooled front seats, premium leather interior trim, and a power rear sun visor.

The IS F Sport trim line is available for the IS300 ($70,000), IS300h ($73,000) or IS6 with a V350 ($75,000) engine, and it adds a number of additional features over the Luxury class.

The IS F Sport trim line adds a number of additional features over the Luxury trim (pictured: IS350 F Sport).

As you've probably noticed, the F Sport models look sportier, with a body kit, 19-inch alloy wheels, standard adaptive suspension, cooled sports front seats, sport pedals and a choice of five driving modes (Eco, Normal). , Sport S, Sport S+ and Custom). The F Sport trim also includes a digital instrument cluster with an 8.0-inch display, as well as leather trim and door sills.

Buying the F Sport class allows customers to add additional benefits in the form of an Enhancement Pack for the class, which costs $3100 and includes a sunroof, a 17-speaker sound system, and a rear sun visor.

What is missing? Well, wireless phone charging isn't in any class, and neither is USB-C connectivity. Note: The spare tire saves space in the IS300 and IS350, but the IS300h only has a repair kit as there are batteries instead of a spare tire.

There's no fast IS F sitting on top of a tree, and no plug-in hybrid to rival the $85 BMW 330e and Mercedes C300e. But the fact that all IS models are under $75k means it's a pretty decent deal.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

You either get the Lexus look or you don't, and I think this latest version is arguably nicer than the IS in years past.

The latest version of the Lexus IS is arguably more enjoyable than previous years.

That's partly because the brand is finally doing away with the weird two-piece spider-shaped headlights and daytime running lights - there are now more traditional headlight clusters that look a lot sharper than before.

The front end still has a bold grille that is treated differently depending on the class, and the front end looks better than before in my opinion, but is still heavily stuck in its path. 

The front end features a bold grille (pictured: IS350 F Sport).

On the side, you'll notice the window line hasn't changed despite the chrome trim line being widened as part of this facelift, but you can tell the hips have been tightened up a bit: the new IS is now 30mm wider overall, and wheel sizes are either 18 or 19 , depending on the class.

The rear accentuates that width, and the L-shaped light signature now spans the entire redesigned trunk lid, giving the IS a pretty neat rear end design.

The IS measures 4710mm in length, making it 30mm longer from nose to tail (with the same wheelbase of 2800mm), while it is now 1840mm wide (+30mm) and 1435mm high (+ 5 mm).

The IS is 4710mm long, 1840mm wide and 1435mm high (pictured: IS300).

The exterior changes are really impressive - I think it's more purposeful, but also a nicer-looking car than ever in this generation. 

Interior? Well, in terms of design changes, there isn't much to talk about other than a redesigned and enlarged media screen that sits 150mm closer to the driver because it's now a touchscreen with the latest smartphone mirroring technology. Otherwise, it's a matter of transfer, as you can see from the photos of the interior.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

As mentioned, the IS's interior design hasn't changed much, and it's starting to look old compared to some of its contemporaries.

It's still a nice place to be, with comfortable front seats that are electrically adjustable and heated in all classes, and cooled in many variants. 

The new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a nice device, and it means you can essentially get rid of the silly trackpad system that's still right next to the gear selector so you can still accidentally hit it. And the fact that the IS now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (although neither supports wireless connectivity) makes it even more attractive on the multimedia front, as does Pioneer's standard 10-speaker stereo, though Mark Levinson's 17-speaker unit is absolute blindness. !

The new 10.3-inch touchscreen media system is a good device.

In the center console under the multimedia screen, a CD player has been preserved, as well as sliders for electromagnetic temperature control. This part of the design is dated as well as the transmission tunnel console area, which looks a bit dated by today's standards, although it still includes a pair of cup holders and a reasonably large center console drawer with padded armrests.

There are also grooves in the front doors with bottle holders, and there is still no space for storing drinks in the rear doors, a nuisance left over from the pre-facelift model. However, the middle seat in the back serves as an armrest with retractable cup holders, and there are also rear air vents.

Speaking of that middle seat, you wouldn't want to sit in it for long as it has a raised base and uncomfortable back, plus there's huge transmission tunnel penetration eating up leg and foot space.

Outside passengers also miss out on legroom, which is a problem for my size 12. And it's just about the most spacious second row in this class for both knee and headroom, as my 182cm build was a little flattened by my own driving position.

The rear seat has two ISOFIX mounts (pictured: IS350 F Sport).

Children will be better served from the rear, and there are two ISOFIX anchorages and three top tether attachment points for child seats.

Trunk capacity depends on the model you buy. Choose the IS300 or IS350 and you get 480 liters (VDA) of cargo capacity, while the IS300h has a battery pack that robs it of an available 450 liters of trunk space. 

Trunk volume depends on the model you buy, the IS350 gives you 480 liters (VDA) (pictured: IS350 F Sport).

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10

Engine specifications depend on the power plant you choose. And at first glance, there is no difference between the earlier version of the IS and the 2021 facelift.

This means that the IS300 is still equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 180kW (at 5800rpm) and 350Nm of torque (at 1650-4400rpm). It has an eight-speed automatic transmission and, like all IS models, it's rear-wheel drive (RWD/2WD) - there's no all-wheel drive (AWD/4WD) model here.

Next up is the IS300h, which is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine coupled with an electric motor and a nickel-metal hydride battery. The petrol engine is good for 133kW (at 6000rpm) and 221Nm (at 4200-5400rpm) and the electric motor puts out 105kW/300Nm - but the total max power output is 164kW and the Lexus doesn't deliver the max. torque. . The 300h model works with a CVT automatic transmission.

Offered here is the IS350, which is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine with 232 kW (at 6600 rpm) and 380 Nm of torque (at 4800-4900 rpm). It works with an eight-speed automatic.

The IS350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine (pictured: IS350 F Sport).

All models have paddle shifters, while the two non-hybrid models have received changes to the transmission software, which is said to "assess driver intent" for greater enjoyment. 

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

There is still no diesel model, no plug-in hybrid, and no all-electric (EV) model - meaning that while Lexus has been at the forefront of electrification with its so-called "self-charging" hybrids, it is behind the times. You can get plug-in versions of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class, and the Tesla Model 3 plays into this space in an all-electric guise.

As for the fuel protagonist of this trio of powertrains, the IS300h is said to use 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle fuel test. In fact, our test car's dashboard read 6.1 l/100 km in various driving modes.

The IS300, with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, ranks second in terms of fuel consumption, claiming a fuel consumption of 8.2 l/100 km. During our short run of this model, we saw 9.6 l / 100 km on the dashboard.

And the IS350 V6 full-fat gasoline claims 9.5 l / 100 km, while on the test we saw 13.4 l / 100 km.

Emissions for the three models are 191g/km (IS300), 217g/km (IS350) and 116g/km (IS300h). All three comply with the Euro 6B standard. 

The fuel tank capacity is 66 liters for all models, which means that the mileage of a hybrid model can be significantly higher.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

Safety equipment and technology has been upgraded for the 2021 IS range, although it is expected to retain its existing five-star ANCAP crash test rating from 2016.

The upgraded version supports automatic emergency braking (AEB) with day and night pedestrian detection, daytime cyclist detection (10 km/h to 80 km/h) and vehicle detection (10 km/h to 180 km/h) . There is also adaptive cruise control for all speeds with low speed tracking.

The IS also has lane keeping assist with lane departure warning, lane following assist, a new system called Intersection Turning Assist that will brake the vehicle if the system thinks the gap in traffic is not large enough, and it also has lane recognition. road signs.

In addition, IS has blind-spot monitoring at all levels, as well as rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking (below 15 km/h).

In addition, Lexus has added new Connected Services features, including an SOS call button, automatic collision notification in the event of an airbag deployment, and stolen vehicle tracking. 

Where is the Lexus IS made? Japan is the answer.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

4 years / 100,000 km


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

On paper, the Lexus ownership offer isn't as enticing as some other luxury car brands, but it has a solid reputation as a happy owner.

Lexus Australia's warranty period is four years/100,000 km, which is better than Audi and BMW (both three years/unlimited mileage), but not as convenient as Mercedes-Benz or Genesis, which each offer five years /unlimited mileage. warranty.

The warranty period for Lexus Australia is four years/100,000 km (pictured: IS300h).

The company has a three-year fixed price service plan, with service every 12 months or 15,000 km. The first three visits cost $495 each. That's fine, but Lexus doesn't offer free service like the Genesis, nor does it offer prepaid service plans - like three to five years for the C-Class and five years for the Audi A4/5.

Free roadside assistance is also provided for the first three years.

However, the company has an Encore Ownership Benefit Program that allows you to receive a range of offers and deals, and the service team will pick up your car and return it, leaving you with a loan car if you need it.

What is it like to drive? 8/10

With a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive engine, it has the ingredients for a driver-only car, and Lexus has put a lot of effort into making the IS's new look more focused with chassis adjustments and improved track width - and it does feel like a pretty nimble and tethered car in a twisty material. 

It sews a number of corners expertly, and the F Sport models are especially good. The adaptive suspension in these models incorporates both dive and squat protection technology, which is designed to make the car feel stable and level on the road - and it thankfully doesn't cause twitch or discomfort, with good compliance. suspension even in the most aggressive Sport S+ driving mode.

The 19-inch wheels on the F Sport models are fitted with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires (235/40 front, 265/35 rear) and offer plenty of grip on tarmac.

With a front engine and rear wheel drive, the Lexus IS has all the ingredients of a driver-only car.

The grip of the luxury models on the 18-inch wheels could have been better, as the Bridgestone Turanza tires (235/45 all around) weren't the most exciting. 

Indeed, the IS300h Luxury I drove was very different in character from the F Sport IS300 and 350 models. It's amazing how much more luxurious the model feels in the Luxury class, and similarly it wasn't as impressive in dynamic driving due to grip. tires and a less enthusiastic driving mode system. The non-adaptive suspension is also a bit more twitchy, and while it doesn't feel uncomfortable, you can expect more from a car with an 18-inch engine.  

Steering is reasonably precise and direct across all models, with predictable response and decent hand feel for this electric power steering setup. The F Sport models have further retuned the steering for "even sportier driving", although I found it can feel a bit numb at times when changing direction quickly. 

The steering is reasonably precise and direct, with predictable response and decent hand feel for this electric power steering setup.

In terms of engines, the IS350 is still the best choice. It has the best flair and seems to be the most suitable transmission for this model. Sounds good too. The automatic transmission is pretty smart, there's plenty of pulling power, and it's likely to be the last non-turbo V6 in the Lexus lineup when this car's lifecycle ends.

Most frustrating was the IS300's turbocharged engine, which lacked traction and constantly felt bogged down by turbo lag, transmission confusion, or both. It felt underdeveloped when driving enthusiastically, though on dreary everyday commutes it felt more palatable, although the remapped transmission software in this app was much less impressive than in the IS350.

The IS300h was beautiful, quiet and refined in every way. This is what you should go for if you don't care about all that fast stuff. The powertrain has proven itself, it accelerates with good linearity and is so quiet at times that I found myself looking down at the instrument cluster to see if the car was in EV mode or if it was using the gas engine. 

Verdict

The new Lexus IS takes a few steps forward over its predecessor: it's safer, smarter, sharper looking, and still fairly well priced and equipped.

Inside, it feels its age, and the competition in terms of motors and technology for electric vehicles has changed. But even so, if I were buying a 2021 Lexus IS, it would have to be the IS350 F Sport, which is the most appropriate version of that car, although the IS300h Luxury has a lot to like for the money too.