(By Tom Lohnes) – The new Lexus IS is out after a rather boring 7-year generation. The new IS coming early 2021, looks and feels the same as the old one and I don’t know if that’s a good thing.
Ok so starting off with the looks, the IS looks like a grown-up version of the last generation. Sporting a slimmer appearance, the IS has a lightbar spanning the entire rear end of the car, a slimmer spindle grille, and revised DRLs in the headlights. On the inside, the IS has not changed besides a new tablet-like screen on the dashboard and a touchpad instead of the famed Lexus mouse.
Powertrains remain the same: A base 2.0-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder and then a Naturally Aspirated D45 V6 for the upgrade. The V6 lets out a very nice engine note, and can send power to the rear or all-wheels if needed. Power goes through what seems to be the only new mechanical part in the entire car: a 10-speed automatic. Will it compete with the Genesis G70 and the new Acura TLX, who knows?
Pricing for the new IS Should start at about $40,000 and maybe go up into the $50,000 range, a breath of fresh air considering the current top of the line 3-series can be optioned to $80,000
