Lexus introduced the 2021 IS this summer and now the company has announced pricing will start at US$ 39,000 when it arrives at U.S. dealerships next month. Benefiting from an extensive facelift, the 2021 IS 300 comes nicely equipped with LED lighting units, rain-sensing wipers and 18-inch wheels alloy wheels. The model also has auto-dimming mirrors, a rearview camera with dynamic grid lines and a passive entry system with a push-button ignition.
Moving into the cabin, buyers will find
perforated Nuluxe upholstery, a dual-zone automatic climate control system and
an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
compatibility. Other highlights include a 10-speaker Pioneer audio system, a
HomeLink garage door opener and a 4.2-inch multi-information display.
An assortment of options will be available
including heated / ventilated front seats, a power moonroof and a 17-speaker
Mark Levinson premium audio system. Customers can also order a Navigation
package which includes a larger 10.3-inch infotainment system. A turbocharged
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine resides under the hood where it produces 241 hp and 349 Nm of torque. It’s connected to an
eight-speed automatic transmission enables the rear-wheel drive sedan to run
from 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 230 km/h.
Customers can also get the IS 300 AWD
which starts at US$ 41,000 and comes equipped with heated front seats. Despite
wearing the 300 moniker, the model has a six-speed automatic transmission and a
3.5-liter V6 engine developing 260 hp and 320 Nm of torque. Thanks to the extra power and all-wheel drive, the dash to 96 km/h is cut to 6.1 seconds. Moving up the trim ladder is the IS 350 F
Sport which begins at US$ 42,900. The performance-oriented model is distinguished
by aggressive bumpers, a rear spoiler and a sportier dual exhaust system. The
car also has a sport-tuned suspension and larger 19-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, there’s additional standard equipment including a heated sport steering wheel and an LFA-inspired digital instrument cluster. Buyers will also find heated / ventilated sport seats and black geometric trim. More meaningful upgrades occur under the hood as the IS 350 F Sport has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 311 hp and 379 Nm of torque. The rear-wheel drive variant has an eight-speed automatic transmission and can run from 0-96 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The all-wheel drive variant – which starts at US$ 44,900 – has a six-speed automatic and a 96 km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
If that isn’t impressive enough, there’s
an F Sport Dynamic Handling Package that adds an adaptive suspension, a limited
slip differential (RWD only), a carbon fiber rear spoiler and 19-inch BBS
wheels with a matte black finish. The package also spruces up the cabin with
ash wood trim.
