Evolution Not Revolution: 2021 Lexus IS Revealed

By John Coyle - June 15, 2020

Lexus revealed the biggest updates to the IS sedan since 2014 at a Facebook Live event, but it’s still very familiar.

Thanks to the teaser pic circulated before the reveal, we knew to expect the 2021 Lexus IS to feature a taillight that stretches the length of the rear end. For other details about this solid performer in the compact luxury car class, we had to wait until today’s rescheduled debut.

Styling changes are evolutionary, not revolutionary. Exterior wise, the spindle grille is slightly smaller, headlights are slimmer, the flowing side skirts are more pronounced, the roofline has a coupe-type slope, and the wheel arches have a more aggressive flare. Overall, the presentation was heavy on marketing speak, and light on hard data. Here’s what we learned about the latest Lexus, designed to capture “the thrill of driving.”

The 2021 IS will arrive at dealers in late 2020.
Both rear- and all-wheel drive available.
Standard wheels have gone from 17 inches to 18 inches. F Sport models get unique 19-inch wheels.
New 10.5-inch touchscreen features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa compatibility.
Lexus Safety System 2.5 is standard on all versions of the IS.
New Circuit Red interior color.

Before the reveal, there were rumors about a possible V8 option. While the presentation acknowledged fans are curious about an IS F, the official stance from Lexus is, unsurprisingly, no comment. For now, there are three powertrain options. Base cars get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Four-cylinder models get an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Buyers who opt for all-wheel-drive will get an upgrade to a 3.5-liter V6 which pumps out 260 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. According to the press release, the drivetrain will default to a 30-percent front, 70-percent rear bias, which will change to an even 50/50 split if weather conditions necessitate the need for more grip at all four corners.

The most powerful engine option is the same 3.5-liter V6 tuned to output a robust 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. In rear-wheel-drive spec, the engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic, which all-wheel-drive versions come equipped with a six-speed gearbox. With the beefiest engine and rear-wheel drive, the new IS will make the sprint to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while all-wheel-drive models shave 1/10 off that time.

The cabin will be familiar to IS fans, but the biggest news is the adoption of a 10.5-inch touchscreen, which replaces the less-intuitive touchpad previously available in the IS. Audiophiles will appreciate that the optional Mark Levinson audio system packs significantly more power than the setup in outgoing models. There’s 1800 watts on tap now, as opposed to 835, and 17 speakers instead of the 15 available previously.

For safety, the Lexus Safety System+ will come standard across the line. This is an extremely comprehensive suite of driver aids, which includes a Pre-Collision System, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Detection, and Bicyclist Detection, Emergency Steering Assist, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Lane Tracing Assist.

Other helpful technology, like Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Intelligent High Beams are also standard.

We’ll be taking a deeper dive into all the updates to the 2021 Lexus IS over the next few weeks. Until then, take a look at the galleries below for all of the best shots of the sporty new sedan from Lexus!