COMING SOON: 2021 Lexus IS

More safety kit than the flagship LS limousine and a chassis developed on Lexus’ own mini-Nurburgring.

They are just two of the calling cards of the all-new Lexis IS sedan range that officially launches in Australia in December.

Although early cars are already in dealerships, we’ll drive the almost all-new car in a few weeks. We’re expecting a much sportier drive and some key tech upgrades – not the least of which is a new touch-screen infotainment unit.

The new 2021 Lexus IS range is targeting Australia’s top-selling mid-size luxury car, the BMW 3 Series, with its wider, lower, new-look new generation.

The range now starts at $61,500 plus on-road costs before topping out at $75,000. The sweet-spot model may well be the IS 300h petrol-electric hybrid.

All models are fitted with a number of other firsts for a Lexus vehicle in Australia, including stolen vehicle tracking, emergency steering assist, intersection turning assist, automated collision notification and SOS call.

Safety systems have been boosted further with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) that detects other cars and pedestrians both day and night, and cyclists during the day only. It works between speeds of 10 and 80km/h for pedestrians/cyclists and 10-180km/h for other vehicles.

Smart entry and engine start together with heated and eight-way power-adjustable front seats and dual-zone climate control are designed to make daily driving duties more convenient and are standard on all models, as is a 10-speaker audio system with digital radio, plus sat-nav with live traffic updates and improved voice control.

F Sport models add 19-inch alloy wheels surrounded by an F Sport body kit (front and rear aprons, side skirts, spoiler) and adaptive suspension, the latter adding a five-mode drive select system with eco, normal, sport S, sport S+ and custom settings.

Lexus has simplified the range from nine variants to five, which continue with the familiar powertrain line-up comprising turbo and hybrid four-cylinder and V6 petrol engines.

The new Lexus IS gets a new body in white which is wider but lighter and stiffer. Front and rear tracks are wider for a more planted stance.

The double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension also now features lighter and stronger components, which were fine-tuned at Lexus’ brand-new technical centre in Shimoyama, Japan.

Featuring a new test track claimed to replicate many elements of the Nurburgring road course in Germany, the facility was key element to improving the car’s driving dynamics, say Lexus.

How much does the 2021 Lexus IS cost?
300 Luxury – $61,500 (+$1500)
300 Sport – $70,000 (+$1725)
300h Luxury – $64,500 (+$1000)
300h F Sport – $73,000 (+$1000)
350 F Sport – $75,000 (+$1364)

*Prices exclude on-road costs