For nearly two decades, the Lexus Is has been a cornerstone of the luxury sports sedan segment, captivating enthusiasts with its rear-wheel-drive dynamics and engaging performance. The 2021 Lexus IS marks a significant evolution, building upon this legacy with enhanced driving characteristics and a host of new features. Developed at the cutting-edge Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, this latest iteration of the Lexus IS aims to deepen the connection between driver and machine, promising an exhilarating experience behind the wheel. Akio Toyoda himself, Toyota President and a passionate advocate for the IS, has credited this model as sparking his love affair with Lexus, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping the brand’s performance identity. The global appeal of the Lexus IS is undeniable, with availability spanning approximately 40 countries, including the United States, Japan, and key markets across Asia. Anticipation is high for the 2021 Lexus IS arrival at dealerships in late fall, as it sets a new benchmark in the competitive compact luxury sports car arena.
Lexus Driving Signature and Shimoyama: The Birthplace of Enhanced Performance
From its inception, the Lexus IS has been synonymous with dynamic capability, a critical attribute in the luxury sports sedan category. The 2021 Lexus IS elevates this reputation, striving for a more profound driver-vehicle synergy through refined linear driving dynamics and direct feedback. This ambitious goal necessitated an exceptional development environment, leading Lexus engineers to the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. More than just a testing facility, Shimoyama embodies a paradigm shift in Lexus’ product development philosophy, emphasizing a human-centric approach to vehicle engineering.
Lexus’ commitment to crafting vehicles with distinct tactile feel and performance characteristics, guided by the Chief Engineer’s vision, is now amplified by Shimoyama. Under the leadership of Lexus International President Koji Sato and Chief Branding Officer Akio Toyoda, the focus is on achieving a new echelon of performance and handling across the Lexus lineup. The 2021 Lexus IS is the vanguard of this new generation, promising enhanced balance, refined control, and unwavering confidence. Linear steering and braking responses, coupled with optimized handling and exceptional ride quality, are the tangible outcomes of meticulous chassis tuning and control surface interaction evaluations conducted at this unique testing ground. The establishment of a consistent Lexus Driving Signature across all models is intended to propel brand evolution and solidify its standing in the luxury market. This cultural shift leverages insights from the F brand performance models and flagship vehicles like the LC, LS, and LX, adopting an “Always On” continuous improvement philosophy. For three decades, Lexus has been defined by its meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful engineering. The latest Lexus IS represents the first stride on a path forged at Shimoyama, a dedicated Lexus testbed that will influence the trajectory of every future Lexus vehicle.
“Our primary objective in developing the new Lexus IS was to create a car that excels in communication with the driver, irrespective of road conditions or driving scenarios,” stated Chief Engineer Naoki Kobayashi of Lexus International. “We aimed to make the new Lexus IS a Lexus compact sports sedan that delivers superior ride comfort while providing an elevated level of vehicle control.”
Opened in 2019 near Lexus’s global headquarters in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama is more than just a test track. Its country road course is inspired by the rigorous conditions of Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife, a track deeply ingrained in Akio Toyoda’s personal journey to master driving. The 3.3-mile Shimoyama course mirrors Nürburgring’s demanding nature, featuring significant elevation changes, diverse corners, and varied road surfaces. Developing the 2021 Lexus IS within this challenging environment was crucial in imbuing it with a heightened dimension of driving performance.
Enhanced Driving Performance: Rigidity and Refinement
Equipped with the advanced Shimoyama facility, Chief Engineer Kobayashi’s team embarked on a relentless pursuit to make the 2021 Lexus IS the most accomplished to date. Embracing the Lexus philosophy of continuous improvement, no aspect was overlooked. Extensive testing at Shimoyama and other facilities, across diverse road surfaces and conditions, was conducted to optimize responsiveness and minimize unsprung mass movement. This dedication aligns with the brand’s “relentless pursuit of perfection” and the mission to establish a unified Lexus Driving Signature, a journey that commences with the new Lexus IS.
A key focus area was enhancing body rigidity. Engineers strategically reinforced radiator side supports, increased front-side-member weld points, and optimized reinforcement structures from the C-pillars to the roof sides. This increased rigidity not only reduces unwanted noise and vibration, but also significantly improves ride comfort and driving performance by enhancing responsiveness to steering inputs.
The 2021 Lexus IS also introduces larger 19-inch wheels for the first time, boosting cornering force and increasing road contact. To accommodate these larger wheels and tires, engineers revised the suspension layout and front pickup points. Two distinct 19-inch wheel designs are available on F SPORT models, including unique BBS wheels exclusive to F SPORTs equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package. Standard models now feature 18-inch wheels, replacing the previous 17-inch size.
Alt Text: Side view of a red 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT showcasing its 19-inch alloy wheels and sporty design.
Drawing inspiration from the Lexus LFA supercar, engineers further enhanced rigidity by adopting lighter hub bolts to secure the wheels on the new Lexus IS. Hub bolts offer improved fastening strength, contributing to increased rigidity and enhanced braking and handling performance. This change also results in a reduction of approximately 2 pounds in total unsprung weight. The new bolts are finished with a black coating, maintaining focus on the wheel designs.
Complementing the body rigidity enhancements, the suspension setup underwent multiple refinements. Engineers prioritized reducing unsprung weight, implementing coil springs that are 20 percent lighter than the previous model. New A-arms, crafted from forged aluminum instead of steel, achieve an 18 percent weight reduction. A new material for the suspension stabilizer bar optimizes diameter and thickness, resulting in a 17 percent weight reduction.
With reduced unsprung weight, the Lexus IS is equipped with new swing-valve shock absorbers featuring ultralow-velocity valves within their pistons. These valves precisely manage oil flow in response to even the smallest road irregularities. This advanced system ensures consistent responsiveness and damping force across various road surfaces, resulting in remarkably even ride quality. New bound stoppers are also incorporated to effectively manage sprung weight, further enhancing ride comfort.
Lexus IS F SPORT: Performance and Design Elevated
For the 2021 model year, the Lexus IS F SPORT lineup is streamlined, exclusively offered on the IS 350 powered by the potent 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. The F SPORT trim distinguishes itself with a suite of visual and performance enhancements, including a unique front bumper with functional aerodynamic elements, rear bumper, grille surround, rear lip spoiler, and rocker molding. Along with distinctive 19-inch F SPORT wheels, a unique center cap, and wider rear tires (265/35R19) for improved performance, F SPORT models feature a cool air intake with sound generator and an F SPORT exhaust and diffuser. Unique F SPORT badging adorns the sides and rear, further emphasizing its sporty character.
Inside the Lexus IS F SPORT, stainless-steel scuff plates grace the door sills. The eye-catching F SPORT front seats, particularly in the available Circuit Red option, are a focal point. These seats offer standard heated and ventilated functions. A heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with a unique center ornament, perforated leather-wrapped shifter, and F SPORT combination instrumentation meter await the driver, along with unique F SPORT accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and footrest. The distinctive front seats offer available two-way power adjustable lumbar support and four-way adjustable headrests. Unique F SPORT door accents are highlighted by black geometric film window switch surrounds. Active Sound Control is refined to amplify the exhilarating V6 engine notes while minimizing unwanted sounds.
Alt Text: Interior view of a 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT showcasing its Circuit Red seats, sporty steering wheel, and dashboard.
The F SPORT experience can be further enriched with the Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), which includes Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). For 2021, engineers have fine-tuned the AVS damping force for optimized performance. The DHP also features lightweight 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels in matte black. These visually striking BBS wheels are approximately 4 pounds lighter per wheel compared to the standard 19-inch F SPORT wheels.
RWD F SPORT models with the DHP are equipped with a Torsen® limited slip differential (LSD), enhancing handling and performance through improved traction during cornering and exiting turns. The LSD also contributes to straight-line stability. DHP-equipped F SPORT models also feature Sport S+ drive select mode, providing advanced engine and transmission mapping for heightened performance. Sport S+ mode also adjusts EPS steering assist and damping force for sportier handling, complementing the powertrain settings. Custom Mode, available on DHP models, allows for personalized combinations of powertrain (Normal/Eco/Power), chassis (Normal/Sport), and air conditioner (Normal/Eco) settings. F SPORT models with the DHP receive a unique carbon-fiber rear spoiler and side-view mirror caps, a center console knee pad with contrast stitching, and a Lexus Card Key.
Striking Exterior and Interior Design: Athleticism and Luxury
The 2021 Lexus IS boasts a bold new exterior design that is both provocative and athletic, reflecting the dynamic enhancements beneath the surface. The overall silhouette of the Lexus IS is lower and wider, with muscular fenders that accommodate the available 19-inch wheels and wider tires. This wide, low stance hints at the inherent driving performance, while sleek lines and aggressive character lines along the sides and shoulders add a sharp edge.
2021 Lexus IS Specifications
The front of the Lexus IS is defined by a newly designed spindle grille with a three-dimensional, polyhedral structure that projects a strong sense of presence. F SPORT models feature block forms based on a spindle motif combined with a mesh pattern for a sporty aesthetic. The F SPORT grille also incorporates a lower air intake for brake cooling, inspired by the RC F. Standard Lexus IS models feature a new grille with mini spindles within its design, an intricate pattern requiring six different cutting tools to create the mold.
New slender headlamps with sharp L-shaped daytime running lights sit above compact, lightweight lamp units. These headlamps contribute to the low center of gravity appearance, complemented by lowered side character lines extending to the rear trunk. Redesigned triple-beam LED headlights are also available, enhancing the low-profile hood.
New rocker panels emphasize the side profile, kicking up towards the rear and flowing into muscular rear shoulders above the wheel wells. Gently sloped rear-quarter pillars create a firm cabin silhouette, contrasting with the rear fenders for a more aggressive look. The rear fenders seamlessly merge into the extended, lowered rear deck, enhancing the wide stance. The three-dimensional rear deck design is achieved using press-in mold construction. The L-shaped blade-style lightbar spanning the rear commands immediate attention.
Five new exterior colors are introduced for the 2021 Lexus IS: Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Matador Red Mica, Infrared*, and Grecian Water. These join existing popular options including Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, Caviar, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0*.
*Colors unique to F SPORT models, includes a premium paint charge of $595
Inside, the Lexus IS seamlessly blends luxury and performance. Standard NuLuxe®-trimmed seating, 10-way power driver and 8-way power adjustable front passenger seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with touch-sensitive controls, an available power moonroof, and SmartAccess with push-button start offer premium comfort and convenience.
New trim on F SPORT models features an embossed intersecting line graphic pattern, a new expression of Lexus decorative artistry and Takumi craftsmanship. Decorative ornamentation is finished in Black Metallic paint, Black Geometric Film, or unique Ash ornamentation exclusive to F SPORT models with the Dynamic Handling Package. Piano Black accents further enhance the cabin’s dignified yet sporty atmosphere. Standard NuLuxe interior color options include Black, Glazed Caramel, and Rioja Red. F SPORT packages offer Black, Circuit Red, and two-tone White/Black, while the F SPORT Dynamic Handling Package is available in Black or Circuit Red interior.
Alt Text: Close up of the 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT dashboard showcasing the 10.3-inch touchscreen display.
The Lexus IS features a standard 8-inch touchscreen, positioned nearly 3 inches closer to the driver for easy access. A larger 10.3-inch touchscreen is available with navigation or the Mark Levinson sound system with navigation. The new multimedia system features Apple CarPlay® compatibility, Android Auto™ compatibility, and Amazon Alexa integration, providing seamless smartphone integration and voice control. The available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System is upgraded to a 17-speaker system with a new amplifier delivering 1,800 watts, enhancing sound quality and creating an immersive 7.1 surround sound experience.
Powertrain Options and Performance: Tailored to Driving Needs
The 2021 Lexus IS caters to diverse driving preferences and climates, offering both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations with three distinct powertrain options. The RWD Lexus IS 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, updated for 2021 with adaptive transmission control for linear response. This engine delivers 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque across a broad range, and features Variable Valve Timing intelligent – Wide (VVTi-W) for optimized efficiency. It is paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission with G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) for optimal gear selection.
The Lexus IS 300 AWD utilizes a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, distributed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The electronically controlled AWD system dynamically adjusts front-to-rear torque distribution for enhanced traction and grip, maintaining a 30:70 split in dry conditions and capable of sending up to 50 percent of power to the front wheels when needed.
For maximum power, the Lexus IS 350, available in both RWD and AWD, features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 311 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. The RWD model uses the eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, while the AWD version employs a six-speed automatic. The Lexus IS 350 RWD achieves 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while the AWD version reaches it in 5.7 seconds, highlighting their performance-oriented nature.
Advanced Safety with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5
The 2021 Lexus IS elevates safety with the inclusion of Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5), an enhanced suite of active safety features. The Pre-Collision System (PCS) now features improved single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar, expanding its detection range to include preceding bicyclists in daytime and pedestrians in both daytime and low-light conditions. At intersections, the system better recognizes oncoming vehicles or pedestrians during left turns and may activate PCS functions if necessary. Emergency Steering Assist (ESA) is also included, providing steering support within the vehicle’s lane when driver-initiated.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), active above 30 mph, now includes a smooth overtaking feature. When overtaking a slower vehicle after turn signal activation, the system provides initial acceleration in preparation for lane change and continues accelerating to the preset speed after the lane change is complete.
Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Intelligent High Beams, and Road Sign Assist are also part of LSS+ 2.5, further enhancing driver assistance and safety. Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are standard, providing added awareness of surrounding vehicles.
Alt Text: Front three-quarter view of a blue 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT driving on a road, highlighting its safety and driving assistance features.
Immersive Experience with Lexus AR Play App
To complement the launch of the 2021 Lexus IS, Lexus introduced the Lexus AR Play app, an augmented reality experience allowing users to explore the vehicle via their smartphones or tablets. The app offers interactive previews, enabling users to virtually walk around the Lexus IS, zoom, and explore 360-degree views of the exterior and interior. Users can personalize the Lexus IS with eight colors, open doors and trunk, explore features, and even virtually drive the car in augmented reality. The Lexus AR Play app is available for download on iOS and Android devices.
Lexus Enform for Safety and Convenience Lexus Enform Safety Connect offers a three-year trial with 24/7 access to Lexus Enform response centers. Lexus Enform Service Connect, complimentary for the first 10 years, provides maintenance alerts and connects with preferred Lexus dealers. The Lexus App enables remote vehicle starting, service appointment scheduling, and access to vehicle health reports and connected services.
The 2021 Lexus IS represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the luxury sports sedan. With its enhanced driving dynamics, striking design, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety features, the Lexus IS reaffirms its position as a compelling choice for discerning drivers seeking a thrilling and refined driving experience.
