Lexus IS

The interior of the 2021 Lexus IS is a familiar design, pretty reminiscent of the ongoing Lexus IS. However, it now boasts a 10.3-inch EMV touchscreen media interface (connected to a massive 1,800-watt Mark Levinson hi-fi) as compared to the non-touch interface on the ongoing version. The interior is luxuriously crafted with high-quality material. The horizontal sweep from the instrumental panel to the upper door trim conveys a feeling of sporty luxury, while the dark metallic colour of the ornamentation panel creates unity with the interior. The self-illuminating 2-eye Optitron meters provide all vital driving information at a glance. A high-resolution premium sound system, with ten speakers, treats occupants to an exceptional audio experience.

The exterior design has received some tweaks. The lines are cleaner, crisper than before dropping all the fuss. At the front, you get a large spindle grille, which is quite a highlight, along with the arrow-shaped 3-eye, Bi-beam LED headlamps, which are now integrated into the headlight housing as one cohesive unit. The side air intakes alongside the spindle grille are another excellent example of how the lines are simplified and more elegant now. The rear end still flaunts the signature upward sweep line bisecting the rear wheels, which now connects to a full-width taillight section. The design of the exhaust pipe tips shows attention to detail to create a sporty sound. The 2021 Lexus IS is built on the same platform as the outgoing model but is larger than its predecessor. It is 4,705mm long, 1,840 mm wide, and has a wheelbase of 2,800 mm.

The Lexus IS is built to offer smooth ride quality while cruising through the city or manoeuvring through hilly roads. Suspension duties are performed by double wishbone at the front and multi-link at the rear. The suspension setup has been optimized by refining and tuning of individual components to provide excellent turning performance, steering response and feel, and overall refined ride comfort. The adoption of swing valve shock absorbers on both the front and rear suspension dampens even minimal body movement, contributing to smooth driving experience at different speeds and conditions.

Powering the base model, the IS 300, is a 1,998cc, 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine that makes 241 hp of max power and 350 Nm of peak torque, while the 350 F Sport model is powered by a 1,998 cc, 4-cylinder, 3.5- litre, V6, turbocharged petrol engine that churns 311 hp max power and 380 Nm peak torque. Power is transmitted to the wheels using an eight-speed automatic transmission on both the variants. Additionally, the 350 F SPORT model comes equipped with Active Sound Control (ASC), which generates an exhilarating linear and natural sound (a distinctive sporty engine note) from low to high RPMs.

The Lexus IS comes fitted with ventilated disc brakes at both the ends with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Additionally, the company has provided the Lexus Saftey System, as standard, that consists of a Pre-collision system, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and Automatic High Beam (AHB). Other safety features include Parking Support Brake, 10 SRS airbags, Hill Start Assist Control, Electric Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Auto-location Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and Blind Spot Monitor (BSM).

The 2021 Lexus IS is improved and offers much more features than the outgoing model. It looks stylish and has received substantial improvements in terms of ride quality and driving experience. The V6 engine is not that powerful as it should be but is still capable of delivering a decent show.