Lexus IS 2021 review | Chasing Cars

[@YananoBere]

So refreshing to see a reviewer who's actually honest about what a stunning and extensive redesign this is. It's a very beautiful car.

[@SergCarReviews]

I've just reviewed and driven them and i thought the previous ones had a nice shape, this new one is absolutely stunning! :D

[@chrissorreda4982]

You can’t use ‘Honesty’ to measure something that’s subjective.

[@CesarClouds]

@@chrissorreda4982 You actually can as "subjective" is one's own personal view. Whether it's honest or dishonest is a completely different matter.

[@richardzedman1160]

one of the best looking cars ive ever seen look stunning on the road

[@mharro88]

Lol

[@jackdolah2031]

That front look is so fucking beautiful

[@ryanyuen7594]

Not exactly the same front is similar to LS model. They made the ugliest of 2021 model. I prefer the new 2021 Mercedes CLA 45 is much better than IS model.

[@plastiquemaraj8839]

FR

[@shivamarya5225]

@@ryanyuen7594 its an opinion, and i prefer the old cla45 to the 2021, new one looks too much like a catfish.

[@ryanyuen7594]

@@shivamarya5225 Why old CLA 45? But it’s ugly body shape of car.

[@shivamarya5225]

@@ryanyuen7594 it depends on person to person, i prefer this car to both those versions, you may not, its preference, this looks more mature, the 2021 cla looks playful especially with the curve they gave the side window lines,i dont like it but i see how people can , would you have said the body design of the old one was ugly before the refresh ?

[@koji.m4014]

Just love this design! Surprised how well this design has aged.

[@SergCarReviews]

I've just driven all 3 of them, the IS300, IS350 and IS300h and have to say they've done a proper job with them. They drive and sit so nice on the road. I have to say though the IS350 has the V6 engine with VVTi and that's why it gets it peak power in the later rev range and they are really built to take a beating. Awesome review and love the White Interior. The IS350 I drove was Infrared exterior with the White interior and was absolutely gorgeous!

[@angelg2638]

Which did you think is better, the turbo 4? or the V6. in power, and handling? Thanks.

[@SergCarReviews]

@@angelg2638 Definitely the V6! When testing purely performance they're almost different cars!

[@angelg2638]

@@SergCarReviews THANKS, I seewhat you mean. I agree. ! Lexus Australia is pulling the IS, RC and another model because of a new ANCAP requirement so I might secure one before they go the way of the dinosaur.

[@Michael_Mears]

Love it! Already getting ready to buy a second-hand one in 2025.

[@rahusphere]

😂

[@CraveThatCoin]

@@JustStarcraft2 Every new car depreciates, Lexus is no different. I bought a 2013 IS 300h for £10k, In 2013 that's a £30k car. Lost 66% of its value in 7 years.

[@marvvanghama8920]

😂😂😂

[@SirCentex]

Same haha it will still be running like brand new by then as well

[@benwilkinson7319]

Haha same

[@mingyuhuang8944]

The exterior looks so smooth and sleek. Absolutely gorgeous in that Grey/silver. The interior was probably intentionally left alone because Lexus interiors are simply timeless. The power is a bit disappointing but it sure is a looker!!

[@MercOne]

What? That's a terrible excuse for an outdated and feature lacking interior.

[@User-cb4jm]

Lexus interiors were never timeless, with buttons all over the place looking like an 80s Japanese DVD player. Not to mention some parts from a Toyota parts bin, including that ugly cruise control stalk. The old car looked great, would be better to keep that exterior and have a new interior. Oh well this car is dead anyway for failing the new ADR side impact standards.

[@91lilfrozone23]

@@User-cb4jm Lexus have real buttons because their engines will last decades so using dunb touch screen interfaces is something that would stop working or look extremely outdated in 10 years from now, so go buy your euro luxury cars with touch screen buttons that will stop working after their lease

[@umarrahman1882]

Looks very nice. I have the third gen 300h but we sadly don't get the new IS here in the UK.

[@jorjimaco5331]

Just bought one… is 300 ep2 package. 2021, all bells and whistles. Perfect car!!!

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great review NP - always loved the IS design and this looks like an impressive update - glad it exists alongside the RC :)

[@SergCarReviews]

They're such a fun drive! Have you driven them yet??

[@leftright8826]

Absolutely beautiful car! Way better looking than the new bmws with the hideous grill.

[@AlexSchwartzATV]

That thing is absolutely gorgeous inside and out. I do wish either the price was lower or the drivetrain was more updated

[@WiLmAn07]

Yessss! Pumping out the content!

[@dsinghr]

i always found that Lexus looks way better in person than pictures. They have fixed the split headlights and overall I find it more attractive than new 3 series.

[@alpadilla7343]

Beautiful car and I do love mine…now imagine this vehicle with panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, F Sport Stamped front seats, power rear view mirrors, HUD, Mark Levinson audio/Triple LED Headlights on all models, new infotainment (RX)….that would be a Lexurious launch for the IS 500/350 in 2022! Great review!

[@chasingcars]

Shame the IS has just been killed off for Australia

[@ZS-xi4xk]

i think the interior is really nice... and the exterior is amazing. i love the way the steering wheel and gauges look, the new screen is a big plus too. i love it!!

[@Harry-lq5jd]

The interior is cheap and nasty compared to it’s opposition. Is at in one yesterday after a 3 series and Giulia - didn’t bother test driving this.

[@SergCarReviews]

I also like the interior. It makes sense when you're sitting inside it especially :)

[@ZS-xi4xk]

@@Harry-lq5jd Giulia interiors are much worse quality than this.. 3 series isnt all that great either. all the plastics in this interior feel nice and high quality and their nuluxe is reallhy nice as well. youre just a lexus hater, if you want shitty interior test drive a c class.

[@Harry-lq5jd]

@@ZS-xi4xk lol. I’m a Lexus hater because I dared to point out the emperor has no clothes? I am in the market for a new, mid sized sport’s sedan and have been doing the rounds of dealerships over the last couple of weeks. I have test driven the Giulia and the 3 series and can tell you for a fact their interiors are light years ahead of the Lexus. I agree with you about the Merc.

[@ZS-xi4xk]

@@Harry-lq5jd no they arent, because ive test driven them too. the bmws materials are a little nicer, trim still squeaks if you put any prssure on it. the giulia is filled with cheap FCA plastic. doesn't compete at all. merc is surface level luxury. the lexus is screwed together amazingly, no squeaks or rattles. its a nice quality interior, just looks a bit dated. youre biased.

[@franka1621]

Ponch is great. Love the extra content, Tom - and also enjoy your other presenters as well. This channel is developing beautifully and we the audience are the winners. Thank you!

[@lforeman9467]

Excellent review on how gorgeous and how much of an update it received.

[@jaydee8553]

IS vs Audi. Design: Lexus wins interior and exterior. Technology Audi wins but most people use 50 percent of available features in their cars mostly the navigation and sound system. the sound system in the Lexus is better and as long as it have android auto or apple car play I'm fine with it.

[@nicholasriley3569]

New styling looks great. It a shame the reviewer omitted getting into Lexus’s new emphasis on road feel and handling with car being honed at the new, partly built, Shimoyama facility in Japan as this signals a new engineering priority for the brand.

[@SergCarReviews]

I'm actually releasing a new video in the next couple days and I compare the 2021 IS to the 2020 IS and I've got a graph from Lexus where it shows the gear changes on the track on both of them. From that you can really see the improvements they've made!

[@cloudypac]

@@SergCarReviews hi, I tried to search for that video, if you have made it please share, thanks.

[@tdmap2241]

I love the "traditional" looking interior.

[@trogman43988]

I’m torn on it. Everything talks badly about it on KZbin, but I went to a Lexus dealership last weekend and sat in one and thought the interior was nice. The track pad sucks though. But overall the ergonomics of the interior were super comfortable

[@aadi8568]

I like this a lot. But unfortunately, they are discontinuing the IS here in the UK, this refreshed model won't come here.

[@royvelasco473]

Great technical review about the upgrades that Lexus did. Thank you.

[@analysethis6061]

Looking forward to 2025 Lexus IS. If i am not wrong, Lexus might go down the NX path and do an interior overhaul. That would be awesome. The new design and fun to drive coupled with tech and enhancement packs makes it good value for money proposition than its European luxury cars.

[@ilmarsdzenisflorida]

finally Nathan is back! i love you dude!

[@cagf2013]

looks so much better than the previous IS. I would take one of these over an Audi or BMW

[@afgpielover]

Mate, Porsche also has a touch pad in their new electric car, Acura does as well, people complain about it but I found the mouse much easier to use than the German competitors. I don't much experience with the touch pad but it is pretty much using a mouse touch pad. Instead of clicking you can gently double tap and it will check it as if you clicked it. And I believe it vibrates and makes a sounds when you go over something to select it. The European competitors have wheels and that's just annoying. 4 directions and going in a circle seems very old fashioned and sometimes it's much harder to sue than the touch pad. You just hover to it and click.

[@Gazmeizster_Wongatron]

Beautiful man. 😍

[@jjrosaria]

We just need an isf v8 now

[@SergCarReviews]

Yes please!!

[@TheDoltonboy]

Just get the RCF. Why would you want a sedan?

[@angelg2638]

@@TheDoltonboy Supposedly, the RC F is more 'cruising' , like the old MB SL500 R129... than power. Certainly will not beat BMW M4 in a drag race.

[@mustangshelby5614]

Mate have got one coming next week IS F SPORTS 350 Blk n red interior. I hope they will put a twin turbo or 5.0 under the bonnet in the next one. Currently drive a Mustang 5.0 GT. Lexus really do need a 5.0

[@s.z.x.01]

Best exterior design from all Lexus current model, it’s a choice between sexy/sporty and elegance from IS and LC.

[@techyd8411]

I’m so annoyed this isn’t coming to the UK, just insane, I was waiting for this to buy it and it hasn’t come!!😡😡

[@umarrahman1882]

Yes, agreed. I have the 3rd gen 300h. Very frustrating not in thr UK, but suppose Lex just want to focus on SUVs over here as they've conceded that they cant compete with the german trio in the compact saloon market. Hence I am sadly leaving the brand!

[@mandyarnage2530]

Looking at importing one from Japan

[@VishalGupta-od5mf]

A great looking car. I don't know why Lexus don't have a swivel wheel for the infotainment system.

[@johnknox2303]

At last an objective review on the new IS ....tx!

[@Daytona53]

Awesome review. Gorgeous car😍

[@eugn86]

It's so beautiful. Tested the IS350 F Sport and it's a joy to drive - involving, fun, and still very comfortable. NA engines are a dying breed and I'm very appreciative it's still produced and available in this new car - immediate linear response with a beautiful raspy engine note are the perks. Though I wonder if Lexus will fit the twin turbo 3.5 litre engine and call it the ISF.

[@w00t777]

It's a good looking car for sure! Would be perfect if Lexus made a wagon version 🤤

[@SergCarReviews]

A 'shooting brake' edition would be amazing!! It's such a shame they don't even put that much resources into sedans anymore, they know how to make a good one!

[@martinliehs2513]

Something like the first gen IS Sportcross?

[@yousef.al-assaf]

It might be coming actually according to some leaks. Check Kirk's channel.

[@kieranmccann7823]

Does the 300 options torsen diff it ?????

[@fizzyboy08]

I'm disappointed with no seat cooling on non f sport models, the previous gen has cooling for non f sport models and taking it away especially for a hot market like Australia is a disappointment

[@SergCarReviews]

I agree! It was the one thing I was disappointed with when I reviewed them. So you can get it on a Luxury model but you have to get an Enhancement Pack 2 which adds about 6 or 7k on top of the price...

[@jethrohaha]

totally agree！

[@abdulelahalansari6485]

Really elegant car... Specialy is 300...4 cylinder turbo it's awesome... Economy and laxury........ Japan premium car

[@Techjunkiero]

Why not showing the gauges of the F sport version IS350 while reviewing the interior? The two gauges shown are from the IS300.

[@haithamalhawamdeh3134]

I am in love with this car

[@avaliacarros7739]

At 4:12 is reported that it has 17 cubic feet or 480 liters of trunk or boot space. This is not a TOP 500 SEDAN, which belongs to the select group of those whow have more than 500 liters of capacity in its trunk or boot, but it is bigger than the trunk of the MOST SELLING CAR IN THE WORLD for more than 10 years, the Toyota Corolla with 470 liters of capacity. I'm going to put this video on my decents sedans playlist.

[@skkh5108]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4mxeKZoecyMqpI .

[@avaliacarros7739]

@@skkh5108 ha ha ha What a smart boy, he can speak English! ha ha ha Where is he at the Miami seaside?

[@ProfessorPesca]

Not being sold in the UK - absolutely devastated.

[@matthewstevenson1415]

I wish Lexus had applied this design / update to the GS instead has way more room inside the IS is just a little to cramped :(

[@tdmap2241]

GS is dead.

[@thtupid]

Yeah. RIP GS. I do like the exterior dimensions of the IS. Being compact and all. The interior though have always lacked practicality and the update is no different unfortunately...

[@apb1441]

Nothing beats Lexus quality for its price segment

[@su8096]

So beautiful with sporty looking!

[@angelg2638]

Yeah, last gen was so.... "effete", he took the word right out of my mouth.

[@Mark-de4hj]

Seeing you in the rear seems VERY spacious to me, considering this is a small sport sedan!

[@maxmorris4562]

This car is gorgeous

[@kodessa]

Lexus did pull off the low slung front end really well. Unlike the front end of the 8th generation Golf; which looks frumpy.

[@Frank00]

Totally redesigned, they even moved the stearing wheel to the other side!

[@RtB68]

...you do know that Japan drives on the right side? So, in truth, the left-hand-drive market gets the change. This is stock.

[@heismyrefuge1027]

I love mine but this new one is growing on me.

[@Junior6502001]

Good review, I wasn’t aware this new model had been launched. I drove the second generation IS 250 for a few years and it never missed a bit. Not the most exciting car to drive but for day to day A to B it was more than adequate.

[@thtupid]

I think the excitement factor changed with the 3rd gen and its subsequent facelift. It really is a gem to drive and handles just so sweetly. This new facelift is just another level now. I do love the 2nd gen though. I remember really wanting one as a kid. Then one day when my brother went to the melbourne car show, he convinced a salesperson to give me a ring and offer me a test drive. But alas, i turned it down because i was only 18 and felt unworthy.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

Thank god not another SUV review. Well done Lexus for giving those of us that haven't given up on life a choice. Subjective but it looks good and less Grandad than before, bar the Chinese style front end. Need to take the V6 option unless you like slow. At $85K and 141 kW/t it has some strong competition tho...

[@iBlogGadget]

Lexus is Toyota's luxury brand, not Hyundai's...

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@iBlogGadget I had the Genesis G70 in mind when I typoed 🥴

[@Minimal444]

One of the most beautiful cars, but I I just can't believe they put 2013 steering wheel into 2021 car.

[@RtB68]

I have the IS350 and I have to say I quite like the steering wheel. Just individual choice I suppose. The car is amazing in all respects.

[@TexasRanchu]

Toyota/ Lexus doesn't change much. They need to innovate.

[@ManishKumar-pn1rd]

Car looks stunning 😍. Back looks like toyota supra which is a very welcome change.

[@ahmedmahjoob2558]

While i do like the exterior of this car, I'd prefer the older model than this for the rear more specifically.

[@SergCarReviews]

It's funny you say that Ahmed I was much like you because I loved the look of the previous gen and seeing the new one in photos I wasn't too impressed especially with the one piece rear tail light. But when I saw it in real life I changed my mind quite quickly... they look so much better in the flesh than the videos or photos make it out!

[@ahmedmahjoob2558]

@@SergCarReviewsi dont know if you’ll come back to this comment. I ironically now own it in this specific color and you are absolutely right! Its an upgrade from my 2019 IS 300

[@SergCarReviews]

@@ahmedmahjoob2558 Hahah love to hear it Ahmed! Which model did you get?

[@Hetzaraz]

Is that the cloudburst grey exterior?

[@IAMDC322]

This car is fantastic. I love my new car

[@edsamyang30]

The man who's talking in this video is handsome..

[@quadcoreQ]

Great explanation about torque curve thanks

[@skkh5108]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4mxeKZoecyMqpI ,

[@hugobas9694]

What do you think about the torque? I just tested it and I was expecting more... It’s supposed to produce 280 pound-feet, and it feels like half of that...

[@SergCarReviews]

They're a hard revving engine and really need to be pushed past 4000rpm and all the way to redline, that's where you feel the power. I've made a few reviews on them, feel free to check it out :)

[@Vanilla-ff5jk]

That grile looks perfect for the IS compare to other Lexus models.

[@angelg2638]

Sad news, just read today that Lexus Australia is dropping the IS and RC. :(

[@avialexandru3071]

Is that a Tissot PRX on your hand?

[@trance500r]

I will buy one absolute beautifull

[@aussie8114]

Lots of nice colours and it has 4 oh shit handles 👍🏼

[@hastensavoir7782]

Grey Exterior; White Interior= Best combination

[@dooovde]

Can you not get this car in the UK or Ireland?

[@barnzstorm2036]

Are the rear indicators not LED?

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

Odd that Holden couldn't sell the 2020 Commodore ZB RS-V AWD which is the same size and power at half the price.

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@berniesutton7277 Ahh yes the Bogans.. forgot about them. V8 Maaate! "Nigel, get off ya sista it's mah turn!"

[@AnyoneSeenMikeHunt]

@@berniesutton7277 Bwahahaha.. oh god yes!

[@goran2009]

Ok, yesterday I’ve driven new IS300, IS350 and new Benz C300. I was really disappointed with power delivery of IS300, it felt like 3cly running on nasty CVT... It was really underpowered. C300 had instant power without any problems. IS 350 was much , much better! One problem with IS compared to Benz is interior quality. Lexus is just using too much hard plastics... Benz felt way more luxurious. Lexus looks great, but in my honest opinion, Ill be spending $85k on Benz.

[@Llamafarmer423]

This upgrade should have been on the GS but Lexus are removing the GS from the line up ☹️

[@TheStigHCE09]

Unfortunately the ES and the GS kind of cannibalise each other's sales, but the ES is far, far more popular and, being that it's a Toyota Avalon underneath, cheaper to manufacture.

[@bozhidar-petrov]

What is this colour? Silver?

[@kazar777]

still using the same cruise control stork as my old 07 Aurion :(

[@JBOsurf]

IS500 has been trademarked by Lexus...it's coming...

[@SergCarReviews]

Fingers crossed :D

[@kubanskiloewe]

its the new V6 Hybrid becasue they cancelled their best Hybrid ...the GS450H ;-)

[@Blablablarandomguy]

Beautiful car!

[@MeasureOnce]

Good review thanks, I really don't like that track pad. In any car you want intuitive controls, but especially when spending this much. Other brands have superior interiors, infotainment, driver aids... Etc.

[@TeamAZ123]

The new exterior is extremely beautiful, it’s just a shame that the console is the same outdated design that would not surprise me in 2010. The materials look a little classier compared to the previous gen but still screams Toyota more than Lexus.

[@woodcutter2074]

I could swap my 2004 is200 for this and still say I have awesome looking car.love look of this new is...

[@ashrafdocrat8082]

Did Lexus hire Chris Bangle? Serious case of bangle-butt here

[@golfmother3141]

Yep pretty bad adaption of the Bangle butt , horrible .

[@trentosborneto]

revamped design is a step up from previous gen models

[@whirlooper]

shame the interior isn't up to scratch with the stunning exterior

[@MalaJios]

Unlucky me 🥺 in Europe wil not see that beauty lex what a shame...

[@jfloop77]

Thank Germany for promoting false eco crap, yet all the Mercs, BMWs, Audis, Porsches don't seem to have an issue selling V6 and V8 engines.

[@TheDoltonboy]

NuLuxe isn’t vinyl. I think it’s superior in every way over leather

[@chasingcars]

I’m afraid they are indeed a vinyl seat - and as Ponch mentioned, their breathability in hot weather is considerably worse than leather

[@davidperry3531]

Even though this is now the latest from Lexus, there are many areas where it does not compete with the G20 BMW 3 Series. Good try but just not good enough. Good review though!

[@valkyrie4644]

BMW vs Lexus reliability. Lexus all day mate.

[@davidperry3531]

@@valkyrie4644 If you think that's all Lexus has going for it, that doesn't say much. I have owned 5 BMWs and can attest to their reliability. Why would I keep buying them if that wasn't the case?

[@limpunsing224]

Beautiful but the new Audi A4 45 TFSI is more compelling

[@robertceroli3512]

Yeh until warranty runs out after 5y then it's not compelling it's risky as in the words of Scotty can turn into endless money pits were the Lexus will continue to be grief free motoring and better resale value .good luck trying to dispose of a Audi once it's 6+ yo as punters aren't prepared to take the gamble

[@golfmother3141]

As De Niro says " its only a Toyota "

[@omgitsme435]

@@robertceroli3512 That's cause they use 10+ year old stuff with no new innovative tech lol. You live once and want an appliance, why even get the IS when a Camry/Avalon does the same thing but 10k cheaper. Drive an A4 back to back with this IS, and the difference is night and day.

[@martintokinaga5261]

30kg is not a noticeable reduction in weight. The IS competitors are at least 100++kg lighter. That is one of the reason this IS cannot match its competitors performance on top of the power output. I own an IS. Performance is not up to par.

[@MrSyriaMoon]

They should make IS600h!

[@longb1913]

whyyy why is this not in the UK

[@Karyabs]

Car reviewers want a car maker to change a car design every year. Even toaster designs don't change that often

[@siquanwu3131]

The only car in current Lexus lineup that I won’t consider, although I do own a 2014 IS.

[@user-ls2jg7vl2h]

Which would you get

[@siquanwu3131]

@@user-ls2jg7vl2h RX or ES

[@NANGSGARAGE]

Nice 👍

[@y3alphawriting427]

trouble with flies?...

[@wafiykarim4277]

If I lay here If I just lay here Would you lie with me and just forget the world? Forget what we're told Before we get too old Show me a garden that's bursting into life Snow Patrol- Chasing Cars

[@alv4475]

Beautiful car

[@asifalimirza]

To me the IS350 is a timeless car, and I am glad they didn't drastically change it. I have a 2010 IS350 Sport I bought in September 2019 with only 52K on it, and a few F-Sport mods to improve steering and handling, RCF LCA bushings and an ISF Steering ECU she's a reliable and enjoyable companion I daily drive. Most likely the 3.5L V6 workhorse is going to go away, so I'm holding on to this baby. You can see my IS350 build here: www.clublexus.com/forums/build-threads/954624-2010-is350-sport-build-thread.html

[@vsboy2577]

Seems to be sturdy AF

[@motlalanenkoe4496]

looks great, has styling of the new Supra

[@wayneh1562]

very good looking car

[@chasingcars]

The facelift has been pretty effective visually speaking!