Update [June 8, 2020]: Lexus has moved the launch of the 2021 IS sedan from the original June 9 debut due to the current racial injustice protests happening in the United States. In a statement, Toyota's luxury arm said that it “respectfully postponed the world premiere of the new IS” and that a new launch date will be announced soon." We have updated the title of this article and other related information in the body below.
If you’re a Lexus fan, then you’re definitely familiar with the Lexus IS. It was without a doubt, one of the hottest sedans of its time back when it was initially released in 1998. This is despite Lexus being primarily known for luxury cars. It was also the time when the first-generation Lexus IS practically placed the Lexus brand within the radar of younger car enthusiasts.
The 2021 Lexus IS sedan was set to make its debut on June 9. However, due to the current racial injustice protests happening in the U.S., Lexus has decided to postpone the launch.
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The Japanese luxury automaker has released a teaser of the vehicle which gives us a glimpse of the upcoming IS sedan. Lexus teased us by revealing a shadowy picture of the upcoming car’s rear end, which quite frankly reminds us of what Acura did with the 2020 TLX.
The teaser photo for the IS shows highlights its new tail ight design
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What we can expect from the new Lexus IS sedan
As shown on the picture above, the new IS luxury compact sedan has been given a taillight that stretches across the car’s width. The distinctive tail light design looks sharp and futuristic at the same time. Apart from that however, there isn’t much that we can glean from the picture.
We’re guessing however, that the new IS might still use the Toyota New N Platform that the 2nd-generation XE20 IS used. Other sources however are saying that it will be switching over to the Toyota New Global Architecture-L platform. If the latter is indeed the case, then the said sedan might finally get out of what some are calling its “senioritis stage.”
The current IS is a fast and cool looking car, but it isn't as agile as the old Lexus IS 200
As for engines, we’re guessing that the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 might make a return for the base variant, as well as the non-turbo 2AR-FSE inline-4 for the hybrid version although there aren’t any news of that yet.
It has also been alleged by many car journos, as well as some long time Lexus fans that the IS might be getting the 3.5-liter V6 currently available on the IS 500 grand tourer. If that is the case, then the new IS will indeed become a legitimate threat towards the 2020 Acura TLX, the 2020 BMW 3-Series, and the Hyundai Genesis G70.
For news about this exciting new Lexus, stay tuned here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Lexus IS 2024
The Lexus IS, which stands for Intelligent Support according to the Lexus car brand, is a compact and premium executive sedan. Locally, it has three variants. The 300h Executive is priced at Php 3,268,000, the 300h Premier is priced at Php 3,528,000, and the top-spec 350 F Sport can be had for 4,288,000.
Available engines for the Philippine-spec IS include a 3.5-liter V6 for the F Sport and a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid for the Premier and Executive trims. For the top-spec F Sport, its engine is capable of making up to 311 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It then uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox sending power to its rear. For the hybrid versions, it's 2.5-liter and electric motor can produce a combined output of 220 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. It then uses a continuously variable gearbox.
When it comes to size, the Lexus IS is 4,710mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,453mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,800mm and a ground clearance of 140mm.
>>> New and used Lexus IS 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Lexus IS Launch
The Lexus IS was originally offered under the name Toyota Altezza. After acquiring a new identity in 1998, Lexus made it available in the market as a shortened, midsize sedan that permits its Japanese customers to have an advantage of the imposed tax savings regulated by their government in buying larger vehicles.
In March 2005, its second-generation pre-production model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. In April of the same year, the production version was launched at the New York International Auto Show.
Its third-generation concept was revealed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and at the 2013 Auto Shanghai. Its final version was launched at the North American International Auto Show.
In June 2020, Lexus Philippines officially brought in an updated Lexus IS to our local shores.
Lexus IS Exterior
All variants of the new Lexus IS measure 4,710mm long, 1,840mm wide, and 1,435mm tall. Its front bears the company’s signature spindle grille with a three-dimensional effect, a pair of LED headlamps, and LED daytime running lights. Its body is made more athletic with a chiseled shoulder line. At the rear, a striking full-width LED taillight and LED fog lamps complement its nicely shaped bumpers. The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is upgraded with a power moonroof that provides natural lighting inside the cabin. Providing support for this premium sedan is a set of 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Lexus IS Interior
The trim of its interior is either wood or the car brand’s F sport aluminum depending on the variant. Standard features include leather-wrapped seats built with eight-way memory support, efficient seat ventilation, paddle shifters, dual-zone air condition system, rear armrest with cupholders, and rear-view window with electrochromic auto-dimming.
Technology & Safety Features
The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is fitted with a 10.3-inch Electro Multi-Vision that displays various information while other trims come with an 8-inch display.
In terms of safety, both variants are equipped with a generous number of SRS airbags, an anti-lock braking system, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, traction control, child lock protection, reverse sensors, and rain-sensing wipers. Also included is a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane trace assist, and lane departure assist, among others.
Platform & Chassis
All variants of the Lexus IS are fitted with a Double Wishbone front suspension and a multi-link suspension at the rear. Braking power is by ventilated disc brakes for all four wheels.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Philippine-spec IS uses a 3.5-liter V6 for the F Sport, and a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid for the Premier and Executive trims. On the top-spec F Sport, its V6 mill can generate 311 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It then uses an eight-speed automatic gearbox sending power to its rear. The hybrid versions meanwhile use a 2.5-liter and electric motor that can churn out a combined output of 220 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque. It then uses a continuously variable gearbox.
Lexus IS 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Lexus IS 300h Executive | ₱3,268,000 |
| Lexus IS 300h Premier | ₱3,528,000 |
| Lexus IS 350 F-Sport | ₱4,228,000 |
₱ 2,948,000 - ₱ 4,178,000
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