The 2021 Lexus Is marks a significant evolution in the realm of compact luxury sports sedans, embodying the brand’s relentless pursuit of perfection and a heightened focus on driver engagement. Unveiled through an innovative virtual event, this latest iteration of the IS builds upon two decades of heritage, solidifying its position as a benchmark for exhilarating performance and sophisticated craftsmanship. Born from rigorous testing and development at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, the 2021 IS introduces the “Lexus Driving Signature,” a philosophy aimed at creating a deeper connection between driver and machine.
This global model, available in approximately 40 countries including the United States and Japan, represents a pivotal moment for Lexus. Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota, has openly expressed his personal affinity for the IS, recognizing it as the vehicle that ignited his passion for performance driving and his enduring relationship with the Lexus brand. The 2021 IS is poised to captivate a new generation of drivers while honoring the legacy that has garnered worldwide acclaim.
Shimoyama’s Influence: Crafting the Lexus Driving Signature
The heart of the 2021 Lexus IS development lies within the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama. This state-of-the-art facility is more than just a test track; it symbolizes a fundamental shift in Lexus’s approach to product development. Shimoyama embodies the brand’s commitment to a human-centered philosophy, where engineering is meticulously tailored to enhance the driving experience.
Traditionally, Lexus models have been shaped by the vision of individual Chief Engineers. Moving forward, this role expands to encompass the “Lexus Driving Signature,” a unified standard of performance and handling championed by Lexus International President Koji Sato and Chief Branding Officer Akio Toyoda. The ambition is to forge a new generation of Lexus vehicles characterized by superior balance, refined control, and unwavering confidence. This signature is defined by linear steering responses, precise braking, optimized handling, and exceptional ride quality – all meticulously honed at Shimoyama.
Image alt text: Front three-quarter view of a vibrant blue 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT driving dynamically on a winding road, showcasing its sporty design and handling capabilities.
The Lexus Driving Signature represents a cultural evolution, drawing inspiration from the performance prowess of the F brand vehicles and the continuous improvement philosophy evident in flagship models like the LC, LS, and LX. For three decades, Lexus has been synonymous with meticulous detail and thoughtful engineering. The 2021 IS is the inaugural model to emerge from this new era, shaped by the unique and challenging environment of Shimoyama, setting the course for all future Lexus vehicles.
Chief Engineer Naoki Kobayashi of Lexus International emphasizes the core objective: “What we had foremost in mind in developing the new IS was to make it a car that excelled in communicating with the driver regardless of the road conditions or driving situation. We aimed to make the new IS a Lexus compact sports sedan that provides high-quality riding comfort while offering a high level of vehicle control.”
Opened in 2019 and situated near Lexus’s global headquarters in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama’s country road test course is inspired by the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. This demanding track, deeply admired by Akio Toyoda, played a crucial role in his development as a master driver. The 3.3-mile Shimoyama course mirrors the Nürburgring’s challenging nature, featuring significant elevation changes of nearly 250 feet, a diverse array of curves and corners, and varied road surfaces. This rigorous testing environment has been instrumental in elevating the 2021 IS’s performance to unprecedented levels.
Enhanced Driving Performance: Rigidity, Suspension, and Responsiveness
Driven by the philosophy of continuous improvement, Chief Engineer Kobayashi and his team meticulously refined every aspect of the 2021 IS’s driving dynamics. Extensive testing at Shimoyama and other facilities, across diverse road conditions, was conducted to enhance responsiveness and minimize unwanted movement from unsprung mass. This dedication is central to Lexus’s pursuit of perfection and the establishment of the Lexus Driving Signature, which debuts with the 2021 IS.
A primary focus was enhancing body rigidity. Engineers reinforced key areas, including radiator side supports, increased front-side-member weld points, and optimized reinforcement structures extending from the C-pillars to the roof sides. This enhanced rigidity contributes to reduced noise and vibration, improved ride comfort, and more precise steering response, directly translating to a more engaging driving experience.
The 2021 IS introduces available 19-inch wheels for the first time, enhancing cornering grip and increasing the tire contact patch. To accommodate these larger wheels, engineers revised the suspension layout and front pickup points. F SPORT models offer two distinct 19-inch wheel designs, including a unique BBS wheel exclusive to models equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package. Standard models now feature 18-inch wheels, replacing the previous 17-inch size.
Image alt text: Close-up of the detailed 19-inch alloy wheels on a 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT, highlighting their intricate design and performance-oriented features.
Inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar, engineers further enhanced rigidity by adopting lighter-weight hub bolts to secure the wheels. These hub bolts improve fastening strength, further increasing rigidity for enhanced braking and handling. This change also reduces unsprung weight by approximately 2 pounds. The black coating on the new bolts maintains visual focus on the wheel designs.
Complementing the body rigidity enhancements, the suspension system underwent significant refinement. Engineers targeted a reduction in unsprung weight, utilizing coil springs that are 20 percent lighter than the previous model. New A-arms made from forged aluminum, replacing steel, contribute to an 18 percent weight reduction. The suspension stabilizer bar now uses a new material, optimizing diameter and thickness for a 17 percent weight reduction.
With reduced unsprung weight, the 2021 IS features new swing-valve shock absorbers equipped with ultra-low-velocity valves. These valves precisely manage oil flow in response to even minor road imperfections. This advanced system ensures consistent and even ride quality across various road surfaces by providing excellent responsiveness and applying appropriate damping force, even at low shock absorber stroke speeds. New bound stoppers further enhance ride comfort by effectively managing sprung weight.
F SPORT: Amplifying the Thrill
The 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT lineup is now exclusively offered on the IS 350, powered by a potent 311-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. F SPORT models are visually and functionally distinct, featuring a unique front bumper with aerodynamic enhancements, rear bumper, grille surround, rear lip spoiler, and rocker molding. Performance enhancements include F SPORT 19-inch wheels, larger rear tires (265/35R19), a cool air intake with sound generator, and an F SPORT exhaust and diffuser. Unique F SPORT badges further distinguish these models.
Inside, stainless-steel scuff plates adorn the door sills, leading to stylish F SPORT front seats, available in a striking Circuit Red option. These seats offer standard heating and ventilation. A heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with a unique center ornament, perforated leather-wrapped shifter, and F SPORT instrumentation await the driver. Unique F SPORT accelerator, brake pedals, and footrest add to the sporty ambiance. The front seats offer available two-way power adjustable lumbar support and four-way adjustable headrests. Black geometric film window switch surrounds highlight the F SPORT door accents. Active Sound Control has been refined to enhance the V6 engine’s exhilarating notes while minimizing undesirable sounds.
F SPORT models can be further enhanced with the Dynamic Handling Package (DHP), including Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). For 2021, the AVS damping force is optimized for improved performance. The DHP also includes lighter 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels in matte black. These wheels are not only visually striking but also reduce weight by approximately 4 pounds per wheel compared to the standard 19-inch F SPORT wheel.
Image alt text: Side profile of a red 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT showcasing its aggressive styling, sporty stance, and the distinctive F SPORT badging.
Rear-wheel-drive F SPORT models with the DHP feature a Torsen® limited-slip differential (LSD), enhancing handling and performance through improved traction during cornering and turn exits, while also maintaining straight-line stability. DHP-equipped F SPORT models also include Sport S+ drive mode, which optimizes engine and transmission mapping for enhanced performance. Sport S+ mode also adjusts EPS steering assist and damping force for sportier handling, complementing the powertrain settings. Custom Mode allows for personalized combinations of powertrain (Normal/Eco/Power), chassis (Normal/Sport), and air conditioner (Normal/Eco) settings.
Additional DHP features for F SPORT models include a unique carbon-fiber rear spoiler and side-view mirror caps, a center console knee pad with contrast stitching, and a Lexus Card Key.
Athletic Design: Bold Exterior and Refined Interior
The 2021 IS boasts a bold new exterior design that is both provocative and athletic, reflecting the dynamic improvements beneath the surface. The overall silhouette is lower and wider, with muscular fenders accommodating the larger 19-inch wheels and tires. This wide and low stance conveys the IS’s inherent performance capabilities, while sleek lines and sharp character lines along the sides and shoulders add aggressive sophistication.
The newly designed spindle grille features a three-dimensional, polyhedral structure that originates from the grille’s foremost tip, creating a strong sense of presence. F SPORT models feature block forms based on a spindle motif combined with a mesh pattern for a sporty impression. An F SPORT grille-bottom air intake aids brake cooling, inspired by the RC F. Standard IS models feature a new grille with mini spindles, requiring six different cutting tools for mold creation.
Slender new headlamps with sharp L-shaped daytime running lights run laterally above compact, lightweight lamp units, contributing to a low center of gravity appearance. These headlamps are complemented by lowered side character lines extending to the trunk’s rear. Redesigned triple-beam LED headlights are available, further enhancing the low-profile hood.
New rocker panels accentuate the side profile with a rearward kick-up and sharper contours that flow into muscular rear shoulders above the wheel wells. Gently sloped rear-quarter pillars create a firm cabin silhouette contrasting with the rear fenders, further enhancing the aggressive aesthetic.
At the rear, fender lines merge into the extended, lowered rear deck, creating a wide stance. The rear deck’s three-dimensional form is achieved using press-in mold construction stamping technology. The L-shaped blade-style lightbar spanning the vehicle’s rear is a striking visual signature.
Five new exterior colors debut on the 2021 IS: Iridium, Cloudburst Gray, Matador Red Mica, Infrared, and Grecian Water. These join existing popular colors including Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, Caviar, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0.
*F SPORT exclusive colors include a premium paint charge of $595.
The interior of the 2021 IS seamlessly blends luxury and performance. Standard NuLuxe®-trimmed seating, 10-way power driver and 8-way power passenger seats, dual-zone automatic climate control with touch-sensitive controls, an available power moonroof, and SmartAccess with push-button start provide premium comfort and convenience.
New trim adorns F SPORT doors with embossed intersecting lines, representing a new form of Lexus decorative expression and Takumi craftsmanship. Decorative ornamentation is finished in Black Metallic paint, Black Geometric Film, or unique Ash ornamentation exclusive to F SPORT models with the Dynamic Handling Package. Piano Black accents further enhance the dignified and sporty cabin atmosphere. Standard NuLuxe interior color options include Black, Glazed Caramel, and Rioja Red. F SPORT packages offer Black, Circuit Red, and two-tone White/Black, while the F SPORT Dynamic Handling Package is available in Black or Circuit Red interiors.
Image alt text: Interior shot of a 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT showcasing the Circuit Red seats, sporty steering wheel, and the updated infotainment system.
The 2021 IS features a standard 8-inch touchscreen, positioned nearly 3 inches closer to the driver for enhanced accessibility. A new, expansive 10.3-inch touchscreen is available with navigation or the Mark Levinson sound system with navigation. The new multimedia system offers Apple CarPlay® compatibility, Android Auto™ compatibility, and Amazon Alexa integration.
Apple CarPlay compatibility allows seamless iPhone integration, providing access to navigation, calls, messages via Siri®, and favorite apps like Spotify and Audible®. Android Auto enables Android users to project their device interface onto the multimedia display, accessing music apps like Spotify® and Pandora®, messaging apps like WhatsApp®, Google Maps™, and Google Assistant voice control. Lexus+Alexa integration brings Amazon Alexa’s convenience to the vehicle, providing access to information, music, lists, weather updates, news, and smart home device control. Alexa also syncs with the navigation system for on-the-go recommendations.
The available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System is significantly enhanced, expanding from 15 speakers with 835 watts to 17 speakers with an impressive 1,800 watts and a new amplifier. This system aims to minimize interference, improve output, and enhance sound quality with new EQ tuning. Rear surround speakers are now tweeter/mid-range combination Unity speakers. The amplifier features enhanced Quantum Logic Surround for compressed sound source playback and a 7.1 surround sound experience.
Powertrain Options: RWD and AWD Performance
The 2021 Lexus IS offers both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations, catering to diverse driving preferences and climates. Three distinct powertrain options are available across the IS range.
The rear-wheel-drive IS 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline four-cylinder engine, updated for 2021 with adaptive transmission control for optimized gear selection based on driver input. This engine delivers 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque across a broad 1,650-4,400 rpm range. Its Variable Valve Timing intelligent – Wide (VVTi-W) system allows switching between Otto and Atkinson combustion cycles for maximized efficiency. An eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) automatic transmission with G-force Artificial Intelligence (G-AI) system ensures optimal gear selection based on driving conditions.
For enhanced traction in challenging weather, the IS 300 AWD features a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, distributed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system dynamically adjusts front-to-rear torque distribution, maintaining a 30:70 split in dry conditions for optimal performance and capable of sending up to 50 percent of power to the front wheels when needed.
The IS 350, available in both RWD and AWD, offers maximum power with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 311 hp and 280 lb.-ft. of torque. The RWD model uses the eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission, while the AWD version utilizes a six-speed automatic. The IS 350 RWD accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, and the IS 350 AWD achieves it in 5.7 seconds, highlighting their performance-oriented nature.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.5: Advanced Safety Technology
The 2021 IS elevates safety with the standard Lexus Safety System+ (LSS+) now upgraded to LSS+ 2.5. This enhanced suite includes several key improvements and new features.
The Pre-Collision System (PCS), including Frontal Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Pedestrian Detection, and Bicyclist Detection, features expanded response ranges thanks to enhancements to the single-lens camera and millimeter-wave radar. The system can now detect a preceding bicyclist in daytime and pedestrians in both daytime and low-light conditions. At intersections, improved recognition of oncoming vehicles or pedestrians during left-hand turns can trigger PCS functions. Emergency Steering Assist (ESA) provides steering support within the vehicle’s lane when initiated by the driver.
All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), active above 30 mph, maintains vehicle-to-vehicle distance down to 0 mph and can resume from a stop. A new overtaking feature smoothly accelerates when the turn signal is engaged to pass slower vehicles, returning to the preset speed after lane changes.
Image alt text: Front view of a silver 2021 Lexus IS F SPORT highlighting its sharp headlight design and the Lexus Safety System+ sensor integration.
Lane Departure Alert (LDA) vibrates the steering wheel or sounds an alert if lane departure is detected without turn signal activation. Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), when DRCC is engaged, provides slight steering force to keep the vehicle centered in the lane, using lane markers or a preceding vehicle. LTA performance is enhanced with improved lane and road edge recognition, lateral G performance, and stability after lane changes.
Additional LSS+ 2.5 features include Intelligent High Beams and Road Sign Assist (RSA), which displays road sign information on the multi-information display (MID). Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are also standard, enhancing driver awareness during lane changes and while reversing.
Lexus AR Play App: Explore the 2021 IS in Augmented Reality
To complement the launch of the 2021 IS, Lexus introduced the Lexus AR Play app, an immersive augmented reality experience allowing users to explore the vehicle on smartphones or tablets.
The app offers interactive previews, enabling users to virtually walk around the IS, zoom, and explore 360-degree exterior and interior views. Users can personalize the IS with eight colors, open doors and trunk, explore design and features, and even virtually drive the IS in augmented reality.
The Lexus AR Play app is available for download on iOS and Android devices via the App Store and Google Play.
Lexus Enform: Connected Services for Safety and Convenience
Lexus Enform Safety Connect includes a three-year trial providing 24/7/365 access to Lexus Enform response centers. Lexus Enform Service Connect, complimentary for the first 10 years, sends maintenance alerts and vehicle health reports to preferred Lexus dealers. The Lexus App enables remote vehicle starting, dealer service appointment scheduling, and more. An active subscription provides a personalized dashboard view of vehicle and connected service information, including Vehicle Health Reports, scheduled maintenance, and vehicle health alerts, with subscription management directly through the app.
