2021 Lexus IS First Look
video description
Date: 2020-06-16
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 10
HellKitty
Lexus has just out-GM'd, GM(interestingly so, because the CT5 is all-new): Put on a new suit over a tired old lady. Sure, the IS is still dynamically capable. but people in this class want the new, bright shiny object. Acura just called Lexus' bluff and the TLX will likely be highly sought, much more over the IS. Spare me the reliability argument, as if people cared about that, no way would the 3er or C-Class sell in the sheer numbers they do.
Not to be too harsh, as I actually think this is one of the best looking cars in this class(the other, ironically, being the new TLX Type-S. This is a serious reskin. But Toyota/Lexus has too much in the way of R&D at their disposal to allow this to be the end result. But with them letting the ancient GX soldier on, the RX-L and its 3rd Row with zero legroom, the awful telematics and graphics in the LS/LC, things don't appear to be going too well with Lexus. and this is before Genesis really comes for their marketshare.
reply
Lexus has just out-GM'd, GM(interestingly so, because the CT5 is all-new): Put on a new suit over a tired old lady. Sure, the IS is still dynamically capable. but people in this class want the new, bright shiny object. Acura just called Lexus' bluff and the TLX will likely be highly sought, much more over the IS. Spare me the reliability argument, as if people cared about that, no way would the 3er or C-Class sell in the sheer numbers they do.
Not to be too harsh, as I actually think this is one of the best looking cars in this class(the other, ironically, being the new TLX Type-S. This is a serious reskin. But Toyota/Lexus has too much in the way of R&D at their disposal to allow this to be the end result. But with them letting the ancient GX soldier on, the RX-L and its 3rd Row with zero legroom, the awful telematics and graphics in the LS/LC, things don't appear to be going too well with Lexus. and this is before Genesis really comes for their marketshare.
reply
YasumotoUS
Totally fine with iterative mechanical improvements, with the safety improvements and the reliability. Rate of speed does not matter at all relative to the German competitors when reliability and 'good enough' performance is available. Not keen on touch screens due to the problems with driver distraction and safety. Give me physical controls to interact with my vehicles systems and features. I'm an IT worker who uses screens all the effing time. I don't want screen distractions when I'm operating my luxury motor vehicle. Please.
reply
Totally fine with iterative mechanical improvements, with the safety improvements and the reliability. Rate of speed does not matter at all relative to the German competitors when reliability and 'good enough' performance is available. Not keen on touch screens due to the problems with driver distraction and safety. Give me physical controls to interact with my vehicles systems and features. I'm an IT worker who uses screens all the effing time. I don't want screen distractions when I'm operating my luxury motor vehicle. Please.
reply
Trades46
This is coming from someone working at Lexus - I'm coming away disappointed. Sure the new upgrades like Carplay & Android Auto are great, as are LSS 2. 0 and the touchscreen infotainment, but the biggest downer is the carryover powertrains.
Yes the IS is not a huge seller, but when you have even Acura coming out with the TLX Type S with a 3. 0 twin turbo and upstarts like the Genesis G70 3. 3T. what was Lexus thinking? Heck, if the V8 is rather out of touch with the times, at least use the LS 500 engine here.
reply
This is coming from someone working at Lexus - I'm coming away disappointed. Sure the new upgrades like Carplay & Android Auto are great, as are LSS 2. 0 and the touchscreen infotainment, but the biggest downer is the carryover powertrains.
Yes the IS is not a huge seller, but when you have even Acura coming out with the TLX Type S with a 3. 0 twin turbo and upstarts like the Genesis G70 3. 3T. what was Lexus thinking? Heck, if the V8 is rather out of touch with the times, at least use the LS 500 engine here.
reply
V. A.
The powertrain is pathetic. I keep waiting for IS to offer something decent and it keeps disappointing. Went with q50 3. 0 first which with all issues has always been able to put a smile on my face with that engine, no regrets. Then leased a 330 recently hoping that in 3 years IS will update the powertrain so I can actually buy one. But it seems like by the time that happens, I would be able to afford AMGs and Ms. Either shut down IS line or do it properly to compete. What the hell are they doing?
reply
The powertrain is pathetic. I keep waiting for IS to offer something decent and it keeps disappointing. Went with q50 3. 0 first which with all issues has always been able to put a smile on my face with that engine, no regrets. Then leased a 330 recently hoping that in 3 years IS will update the powertrain so I can actually buy one. But it seems like by the time that happens, I would be able to afford AMGs and Ms. Either shut down IS line or do it properly to compete. What the hell are they doing?
reply
FlSal27
-Body: the exterior is a needed improvement over the previous one. -Interior: not sure about the interior: looked to be one generation behind compared to the competition. But, by converting the infotainment to a touch screen, they partially got rid of the unusable mouse like interface, that is a big plus. -Engines/transmissions: ok with the propositions but only 6 speeds with AWD and no hybrid! This combination better be less expensive than their german rivals to be competitive.
reply
-Body: the exterior is a needed improvement over the previous one. -Interior: not sure about the interior: looked to be one generation behind compared to the competition. But, by converting the infotainment to a touch screen, they partially got rid of the unusable mouse like interface, that is a big plus. -Engines/transmissions: ok with the propositions but only 6 speeds with AWD and no hybrid! This combination better be less expensive than their german rivals to be competitive.
reply
Penny
Does Lexus have any designers anymore? Seems like the let everyone go a number of years ago and let their accounting department take on the role as their night job. It's as if they just don't care about competing any longer. Pretty sad as they used to have a decent reputation. I'm surprised they even held a press event for this - I'd be embarrassed to present - I'd probably put myself to sleep.
reply
Does Lexus have any designers anymore? Seems like the let everyone go a number of years ago and let their accounting department take on the role as their night job. It's as if they just don't care about competing any longer. Pretty sad as they used to have a decent reputation. I'm surprised they even held a press event for this - I'd be embarrassed to present - I'd probably put myself to sleep.
reply
Elliott
Does anyone remember when Chrysler had the super bowl ad with Eminem when they debuted the all new 200 sedan, when it was just a refresh of the old Sebring? This feels the same way. But I guess we shouldn't be that surprised. The Asian brands consistently hold on to their old stuff forever, and Toyota knows that this is a somewhat stagnant segment right now, so why change anything?
reply
Does anyone remember when Chrysler had the super bowl ad with Eminem when they debuted the all new 200 sedan, when it was just a refresh of the old Sebring? This feels the same way. But I guess we shouldn't be that surprised. The Asian brands consistently hold on to their old stuff forever, and Toyota knows that this is a somewhat stagnant segment right now, so why change anything?
reply
Jay
I hope Lexus fully redesigns this in the next couple years or it ll be joining the GS. The LS and ES have excellent interiors, but most other things seem to be lagging behind. Furthermore, a platform change should allow them to incorporate the 10 speed as well as AWD without having to use a smaller transmission. The 416 horsepower TTV6 or a hybrid version wouldn t hurt either
reply
I hope Lexus fully redesigns this in the next couple years or it ll be joining the GS. The LS and ES have excellent interiors, but most other things seem to be lagging behind. Furthermore, a platform change should allow them to incorporate the 10 speed as well as AWD without having to use a smaller transmission. The 416 horsepower TTV6 or a hybrid version wouldn t hurt either
reply
Javier
This is it, I am done with Lexus. The exterior looks cool but the interior is so, so disappointing. No new powertrains.
The worst thing is that if this IS doesn't sell (which will likely be the case, Lexus will kill it like they did with the GS. The IS needed a full redesign instead of a refresh with the same engines, just like the GS needed a redesign back in 2016.
reply
This is it, I am done with Lexus. The exterior looks cool but the interior is so, so disappointing. No new powertrains.
The worst thing is that if this IS doesn't sell (which will likely be the case, Lexus will kill it like they did with the GS. The IS needed a full redesign instead of a refresh with the same engines, just like the GS needed a redesign back in 2016.
reply
Sia
2: 30 you can see the old school toyota/lexus cruise control stalk, as well as the terrible touch pad for the center screen. At least its now touchscreen, which means that touch pad space could have been used better.
Also 3. 5L V6 with 6 speed auto transmission? sure it's bullet proof reliable but man that is dated compared to competition.
reply
2: 30 you can see the old school toyota/lexus cruise control stalk, as well as the terrible touch pad for the center screen. At least its now touchscreen, which means that touch pad space could have been used better.
Also 3. 5L V6 with 6 speed auto transmission? sure it's bullet proof reliable but man that is dated compared to competition.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
