Japanese firm Lexus has officially revealed its 2021 Lexus IS as an extensively updated version of today's compact executive saloon.
The BMW 3 Series rival will now only be sold in the US, Japan and other Asian markets, with no European or UK debut on the cards. The brand claims the newer and larger Lexus ES saloon outsells the IS by two to one, while 80% of the firm's European sales are of SUVs.
The new IS features an exterior redesign inspired by the look of the ES. It's 30mm longer and 30mm wider than its predecessor, with extended wheel arches to accommodate bigger 19in wheel options.
Lexus claims the widened and lowered stance "nods to the inherently high level of driving performance the IS possesses", while additional styling lines aim to enhance visual aggression. F-Sport models feature a unique version of the car's 3D spindle grille, using a mesh pattern and adding a lower air intake.
New triple-beam LED headlights are available, sitting inside redesigned clusters, while a sloping rear quarter pillar and lowered rear deck join a new "blade-style" light bar that extends the full width of the tailgate. Five new paint colours also feature.
The interior layout will be familiar to drivers of current Lexus models, but the technology has been updated in the new IS. Base models feature a new 8.0in infotainment touchscreen that has been moved 3.0in closer to the driver, while models with navigation feature a 10.3in touchscreen. Both now feature Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa integration as standard.
The Mark Levinson sound system is also improved to feature 17 speakers and a total output of 1800 watts. Safety assistance technology is also boosted, with a raft of new features bringing it into line with the class standard. A new augmented-reality smartphone app also allows you to interact with the car in multiple ways.
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Oh :(
My first car was a Lexus IS, and I would love for my second to be another IS. Lexus really did improve the 3rd gen in so many ways even though most people won't notice. Kinda upset they're not bringing the revised car to the UK. Would have loved to have jumped into the turbo 4 cylinder, as technically speaking it's a well designed and well built motor, sitting beneath a striking body. The ES sells 2-to-1 compared to the IS, but I'd rather have this beautiful car over any other in the current Lexus range :(
Competing with the present
Competing with the present Honda civic for title of ugliest car
The boot lid design is very
The boot lid design is very much Bangle-esque