We had a 2015 IS350 FSport AWD and now have a 2018 IS300 FSport AWD, so I can safely say we enjoy the IS model.

However, I am disappointed that Lexus did not do more with the 2021 IS. It would have been great if more powerful engine options were available.

I get it that Lexus probably does not sell enough of them to justify the investment. With that said, when our lease is up in a year we will likely look at BMW.

 

Yeah it's just hard for Lexus since the IS doesn't sell as well as the germans, and cars/sedans in general are shrinking in the marketplace, AND people are not buying cars due to covid. So that's a triple-whammy to Lexus coming out with a whole new IS model, or even ones with drastic powertrain changes

 

My two contenders are the new IS and the CT4-V, both will be decently discounted and I know Lexus will be better built and more reliable, but the caddy has 325hp and 380tq for the same price so it ain't no slouch either

 

The 2021 refresh really makes my 2020 look outdated. More so than the refresh in 2017 did to the prior years...

 

10:25 I was like oh crap he's going to lose control of the car...ha
This is one of the better reviews so far on the new IS, too bad he couldn't talk about the driving dynamics. The back up cam looks like pretty good resolution. He mentions it has a 6 speed trans so he must have the AWD version. I wonder how the 8 speed trans in the RWD version will differ in driving dynamics?

 

The exterior imo is more than a refresh, greatly improved imo. The interior is literally a refresh.

 

Ironically the IS model is Lexus' #2 best selling sedan in the USA. It did see an approx. -35% sales decline from 2018 to 2019... I would still expect another decline for 2020 total sales in general. (covid 19 no help here)

It can't be called a full redesign as the 2021 will still site on the same N chassis from 2013 debut... And will still carry over existing drivetrain and HP..

Maybe Lexus feels they are not in the HP game but more the reliability side of things..??

I don't know, we will have to wait and see how many they plan to produce and see the end of 2021 YTD sales data to see if the refresh brought in the numbers they are targeting for..

In Europe, Lexus IS model final year of sale will the 2020 units.

^^ That's a pretty interesting fact for the European class / segment.


Jan 3rd 2020 report data.




Joe Z

 

Does anyone know if the keyfob carries the latest Lexus look or is still that old Toyota-esque one?

 

don't know forsure, but I absolutely do know that the dynamic handling package comes with a lexus card key

 

The sad part is we probably won’t see any cars with this option on dealer lots they will come bare bones with little options, no ML either.

 

ML was never available in any lot here in Los Angeles. Not even at Longo Lexus in El Monte, which is supposedly the largest on the West Coast. I had asked dealers a year or so ago and they all said ML was hard to find. If you're lucky, there'll be like 2 IS's in all of SoCal at a given time with it optioned out. No idea why dealers hardly to never ordered it for the IS's in inventory. Meanwhile, it is easier to find in the Midwest and East Coast if you just search. Never made sense to me.

 

OOOOOHHHH @E46CT Have a read of this fanboy: https://www.carscoops.com/2020/09/th...sales-figures/

Maybe BMW didn't outsell Lexus like you feel the need to remind us constantly.
And yes, I am relishing every minute of this!!!! LMAO!!!
I'll admit it, this was a completely petty post...i'm not denying it.

 

Didn't mention this before, but I like the changes to the gauge cluster in the 350 Fsport

 

Right...I had the same experience. They shouldn't push it so much in press releases and car reviews if there not going to equip the cars with this option. Who wants to wait 4-5 months for a special order from Japan. Every salesman I've ever asked always says it's a special order. I got lucky with my 2007 IS 350 as the dealer saw cars coming into the port of Jax and found one with ML and they tagged it for me.

 

I can't believe I watched/listened for 14 mins from a car stereo to his recording device then to you tube then to my PC speakers LOL (I bet it's better in person)
I have to say I'm impressed with the new more powerful ML system. It was hard to see the screen sometimes, maybe it was the angle or his polarized glasses?
Another great review and this one much different but appreciated.