Photo: Lexus
The smallest sedan from Lexus has been redesigned for 2021, and even though it looks different from the preceding model, the underpinnings are pretty much the same as ever. Still, there is a lot to like about the rear-wheel-drive luxury car.
First of all, $39,900 makes it more affordable than the usual suspects from German brands. Only the Genesis G70 comes close at $36,000 excluding destination charge, but nevertheless, the Lexus badge has a wider appeal. The base version is called IS 300, features a 2.0-liter turbo, and boasts an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Confusingly enough, the IS 300 AWD levels up to a 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic. Opting for the IS 350 F Sport unlocks more power from the free-breathing engine, and the number of gears in the transmission differs depending on the driven wheels. The top-of-the-line version kicks off at $44,900 excluding freight, which is pretty alright for 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet (380 Nm) of torque.
The options list, however, can easily add $5,000 to the sticker price of the compact executive sedan from Japan. The Dynamic Handling Package for the F Sport costs up to $4,200 for the all-wheel-drive option, the Navigation Package is $1,670, and triple-beam LED headlights will set you back $1,250. Even driver-assist features like Intuitive Parking with Pedestrian Detection add to the tally, but then again, Lexus plays second fiddle to BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of optional extras.
Except for the IS 300 RWD, all other versions are cheaper than the 2020 model year. $1,340 is the difference between the old and new IS 300 RWD while the IS 350 RWD Sport is $2,475 more affordable than before. One of the reasons the base specification is more expensive comes in the guise of Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a suite of safety features that includes Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection.
Customers looking for maximum straight-line perfomance should consider the IS 350 RWD because it's 0.1 seconds quicker to 60 mph than the IS 350 AWD (5.6 versus 5.7 seconds). On that note, look forward to the new IS arriving at U.S. dealerships by year's end.
Confusingly enough, the IS 300 AWD levels up to a 3.5-liter V6 and a six-speed automatic. Opting for the IS 350 F Sport unlocks more power from the free-breathing engine, and the number of gears in the transmission differs depending on the driven wheels. The top-of-the-line version kicks off at $44,900 excluding freight, which is pretty alright for 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet (380 Nm) of torque.
The options list, however, can easily add $5,000 to the sticker price of the compact executive sedan from Japan. The Dynamic Handling Package for the F Sport costs up to $4,200 for the all-wheel-drive option, the Navigation Package is $1,670, and triple-beam LED headlights will set you back $1,250. Even driver-assist features like Intuitive Parking with Pedestrian Detection add to the tally, but then again, Lexus plays second fiddle to BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of optional extras.
Except for the IS 300 RWD, all other versions are cheaper than the 2020 model year. $1,340 is the difference between the old and new IS 300 RWD while the IS 350 RWD Sport is $2,475 more affordable than before. One of the reasons the base specification is more expensive comes in the guise of Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a suite of safety features that includes Pedestrian Detection and Bicyclist Detection.
Customers looking for maximum straight-line perfomance should consider the IS 350 RWD because it's 0.1 seconds quicker to 60 mph than the IS 350 AWD (5.6 versus 5.7 seconds). On that note, look forward to the new IS arriving at U.S. dealerships by year's end.
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