Lexus Australia has revealed pricing and specifications for the heavily revised 2021 IS line-up, ahead of the medium sedan’s arrival in local showrooms from November 6.
Prices are up by around $1000-2000 across the range, but the Japanese marque argues the nominal increase is offset by more standard equipment – including several ‘firsts’ for the Lexus brand.
Three engine variants are available, across two key trim levels.
CarExpert is driving the Lexus IS this week. Stay tuned for a full review of the updated mid-sized sedan.
Pricing
IS300
- 2021 Lexus IS300 Luxury: $61,500 (+$1000)
- 2021 Lexus IS300 Luxury with Enhancement Pack: $63,500
- 2021 Lexus IS300 Luxury with Enhancement Pack 2: $67,000
- 2021 Lexus IS300 F Sport: $70,000 (+$1725)
- 2021 Lexus IS300 F Sport with Enhancement Pack: $73,100
IS300h
- 2021 Lexus IS300h Luxury: $64,500 (+$1000)
- 2021 Lexus IS300h Luxury with Enhancement Pack: $66,500
- 2021 Lexus IS300h Luxury with Enhancement Pack 2: $70,000
- 2021 Lexus IS300h F Sport: $73,000 ($1000)
- 2021 Lexus IS300h F Sport with Enhancement Pack $76,100
IS350
- 2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport: $75,000 (+$1364)
- 2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport with Enhancement Pack: $78,100
All prices exclude on-road costs
Engines
As with the previous model, the Lexus IS is available with the choice of three powertrains.
The IS300 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol developing 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque, now certified for the Euro 6 emissions standard.
Meanwhile, the IS300h runs a petrol-electric hybrid setup marrying a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol with an electric motor and battery pack.
The hybrid’s system output is quoted at 164kW, while combined torque remains unknown – Lexus and Toyota typically don’t quote system torque outputs. However, the petrol engine generates 221Nm and the e-motor puts out 300Nm.
Finally, the flagship IS350 gets a 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 making 232kW and 380Nm.
All models in Australia drive the rear wheels exclusively. IS300 and IS350 variants feature an eight-speed automatic, while the IS300h’s self-charging hybrid system features an e-CVT.
Lexus says the eight-speed auto in the IS300 has been retuned “for more intuitive response and engaging performance”.
Fuel Economy
The only fuel consumption figure quoted in the Lexus IS press kit is that of the IS300h hybrid, which claims to use just 5.1L/100km.
While Lexus hasn’t issued figures for the new IS300 and IS350, we can look to the previous model as a guide for these variants.
The outgoing IS300 claimed to use 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle, which is aided by idle stop/start technology, while the IS350 quotes 9.5L/100km.
As for minimum fuel requirements, all models demand 95RON premium unleaded.
Dimensions
The updated Lexus IS measures 4710mm long, 1840mm wide and 1435mm tall, with a 2800mm wheelbase.
Compared to the model it replaces, the new IS is 30mm longer, 30mm wider and 5mm taller, though the wheelbase remains the same.
Safety
We can expect the 2021 Lexus IS to carryover its predecessor’s 2016-stamped five-star ANCAP safety rating, given the shared underpinnings, though ANCAP or its Euro NCAP sister firm could decide to re-test the updated model.
The previous model achieved 35.00 out of 37.00 under the old scoring system, including 16/16 in the side impact test as well as 2/2 for the pole test.
Whiplash and pedestrian detection were both rated as good, and the outgoing model featured all the requisite airbags and safety systems to satisfy a five-star score at the time.
This latest ‘reimagined’ Lexus IS comes with a range of new safety technologies as standard equipment, including intersection turning assist (front cross-traffic AEB), emergency steering assist, automated collision notification, SOS call and stolen vehicle tracking.
Additionally, all models score autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist (daytime) detection, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking support brake and rear cross-traffic alert.
Standard Equipment
IS Luxury highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels (up from 17-inch)
- Electric park brake (formerly foot-operated)
- 10.3-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation
- SUNA live traffic updates
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Keyless entry and start
- Eight-way power adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
- Dual-zone climate control
- 10-speaker audio system
- DAB+ radio
- LED headlights with auto high-beam
IS Luxury with Enhancement Pack ($2000) adds:
- Power tilt/slide moonroof
IS Luxury with Enhancement Pack 2 ($5500) adds:
- Power tilt/slide moonroof
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- High-grade LED headlights
- Leather-accented upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Driver memory function
- 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
- Power rear sunshade
IS F Sport highlights:
- 19-inch alloy wheels (new)
- F Sport bodykit and spoiler
- F Sport scuff plates
- F Sport interior trim
- High-grade LED headlights
- Drive Select (five modes)
- Adaptive variable suspension
- F Sport leather-accented upholstery
- Sports seats
- Sports pedals
- Driver memory function
- Ventilated front seats
- 8.0-inch TFT driver’s display
IS F Sport with Enhancement Pack ($3300) adds:
- Power tilt/slide moonroof
- 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system
- Power rear sunshade
Servicing and Warranty
The Lexus range is covered by a four-year, 100,000-kilometre warranty.
Additionally, buyers of the IS get complementary access to the Lexus Encore owner benefits program for three years, which includes capped-price servicing, service loan cars, as well as partnerships with hotels and invitations to exclusive events.
Lexus owners also get 5c per-litre off premium fuel at selected Caltex dealerships with the Lexus smartphone app.
