Lexus South Africa has confirmed the new Lexus IS sedan is scheduled to touch down early in 2021, with the local range set to comprise three derivatives at launch.
The Toyota-backed firm has also confirmed a seven-year warranty and maintenance plan will ship standard in South Africa.
Measuring 4 710 mm nose to tail, the new rear-driven sedan is 30 mm longer than its predecessor, while its width has also increased 30 mm, to 1 840 mm. The wheelbase, meanwhile, is unchanged at 2 800 mm.
From what we understand, the IS has not moved to the Japanese firm’s latest platform, instead riding on a heavily modified version of the outgoing model’s underpinnings. So, despite the fact we referred to is as the fourth-gen model after seeing an earlier teaser video, it’d likely be more accurate to describe this as a heavy facelift.
While the local engine range has yet to be confirmed, it seems powertrains will carry over, too. This suggests we’ll again see a turbocharged 2,0-litre petrol engine (in the IS300), a naturally aspirated 2,5-litre hybrid arrangement (in the IS300h) and a similarly free-breathing 3,5-litre V6 (in the IS350).
There will again be an F Sport version with a model-specific grille mesh pattern as well as a different lower air intake, special 19-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler.
Inside, the new IS gains a fresh infotainment system with an upgraded 10,3-inch touchscreen plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. In addition, the company says it has “further evolved” its range of advanced safety technologies.
