After several teasers that made their rounds on the internet, Lexus has finally unveiled the refreshed 2021 IS sedan and rightfully so, as the third-generation model which dates back to 2013 was finding it harder and harder to stay relevant amongst newer competitors in the segment.
Radically restyled, the refresh brings with a new spindle grille that is flanked by LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights integrated into them. Along the length of the vehicle, there are restyled side skirts and a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels, while the rear is embellished with a curvier trunk, a new bumper, and restyled taillights that are now connected by a thin illuminated strip.
While the exterior has been restyled quite drastically, the same cannot be said for the interior. A modestly revised dashboard features circular air vents at the outside edges and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen that is now integrated with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa. The legendary Mark Levinson sound system remains but has also been upgraded to boast 17 speakers around the cabin and produce a thumping 1,800 watts of power.
Utilizing the same engines since its 2013 launch, the IS continues to be sold as the IS 300 and IS 350 with the larger insignia denoting a 3.5-liter V6 powerplant that produces 311 horsepower and 379 Nm of torque. Although an IS-F variant has been ruled out, the IS-F Sport will be available for those customers who wish to drive a slightly sportier looking IS model.
