After releasing teasers, and subsequently making its global debut in June 2020, the Lexus finally introduces the latest iteration of the IS sedan to the Philippine market. The 2021 Lexus IS, however, is a facelift. Regardless, Lexus says that they have given the new IS a fresh new look, as well as new high-tech features inside and out.
Exterior
Starting off with its front, Lexus’ signature spindle grille replaced the horizontal slats found on the previous version. On either side of the said grille are sharper-looking LED headlamps, which come with sleeker integrated LED daytime running lamps. Down below, the facelifted IS has also been given a more angular looking bumper.
The all-new 2021 Lexus IS
Moving over towards the rear, the new Lexus IS was also provided with a new bumper. The blacked-out portions on the rear are also now more prominent. As was revealed in the earlier 2021 Lexus IS teasers, the rear tail lamps are now conjoined, forming a strip that crosses the length of the rear end.
From the side, the facelifted IS was also given a new set of 19-inch wheels, with several other designs available. The Lexus IS’s very recognizable character line is still there, but it appears that it’s less prominent now compared to the previous IS version.
Inside
Inside, the facelifted Lexus IS also gets several updates. There are the new piano black pieces, and the eight-inch touchscreen has been repositioned to sit on top of the dashboard for more visibility and easier reach. The said head unit has also been given a newer version of the Lexus Remote Touch interface.
Inside the Lexus IS 350 F Sport
There’s also a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen, and red-colored upholstery available to the IS F Sport variant. Other than those changes, the facelifted Lexus IS’ interior still retains the same interior layout and design as the previous version.
Powertrains
There are two powertrain options for the facelifted IS. If you want to sit in the lap of luxury while having access to more power when you want it, there’s the 3.5-liter V6 gasoline mill. The said engine is capable of making up to 310 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear through an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The V6 Lexus IS can also become fun to drive daily
If you want to use the IS as a fairly economical daily, then you might want to lean towards the 2.5-liter hybrid mill available on the 300h Premier variant. Its internal combustion component is capable of delivering up to 178 horsepower and 221 Nm of torque.
The said engine is then paired to an electric motor, which can produce up to 141 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. Combined, the said powerplant can produce 220 horsepower. Unlike the V6 variant, the hybrid version uses an electronic-continuously variable transmission (e-CVT). Power is also sent for the rear for the Lexus IS 300h Premier.
>>> Related: How Lexus designs are so influenced by Japanese cultures
Safety
For safety, the new IS gets significantly more than its predecessor. Case in point: the latest version of Lexus Safety System+2 that it comes with. For those who are not aware, this is Lexus’ proprietary array of driver-assist features. This includes automatic high beams, full-speed radar-guided dynamic cruise control, and lane tracing assist.
So, do you like the 2021 Lexus IS?
Price
The 2021 Lexus IS has two variants. The more affordable one is the IS 300h Hybrid, which starts at Php 3,328,000. The sportier one is the IS 350 F Sport, which starts at Php 3,808,000.
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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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