At the first-ever, Lexus digital event, Saud Bahwan Automotive, unveiled the all-new 2021 Lexus IS, recently. This event offered viewers the convenience of getting closer to their favourite luxury automotive brand by tuning in to the exciting unveil of the all-new 2021 Lexus IS, at the comfort of their home. Keeping in line with the priorities surrounding the unique situation that the world is currently facing, the digital event encouraged enthusiasts to experience and enjoy the benefits of digital technology and stay up-to-date with all the happenings at their favourite brand. While staying safe and comfortable, wherever they are. The event premiered on all the Lexus Oman social media pages on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Joining the event and sharing his views via a special video message was Mr. Koji Sato, President, Lexus International. He said, “The driving character of the new IS, was inspired by the passion of the Chief Branding Officer, Akio Toyoda. He asked me to develop performance that everyone can feel passionate about. Steering response, acceleration and braking must be linear and predictable for driver performance. We used our newest Shimoyama test track to push the limit of dynamic performance for the new IS. Looking forward every Lexus will follow this same development approach. This is our future. Balance, linear and confidence. This is the new Lexus Driving Signature. I really hope you enjoy the new IS.”

One of the first things that Lexus’ engineers targeted was to enhance the IS’s body rigidity. This not only helps to reduce unwanted noise and vibration, but also improves ride comfort and contributes to dynamic driving performance through enhanced steering response. To complement these enhancements, multiple refinements were made to the suspension setup. The new IS features coil springs that are 20 percent lighter than the outgoing model, as well as new forged aluminium A-arms that offer an 18 percent weight reduction. The suspension stabilizer bar has also been optimized using a new material to provide a 17 percent weight reduction.

The new bold exterior styling and athletic silhouette of the 2021 IS signifies the agile changes that have taken place below the surface. The new IS evokes lower, wider proportions with muscular fenders, reflecting the vehicle’s high performance. The sleek lines are also complemented with aggressive sharpness carved into the side and shoulder character lines.

The 2021 IS’s newly designed spindle grille features an intricate pattern that emphasizes a sense of presence, while the slender headlamps and daytime running lights with a sharp L-shape signature have been redesigned to complement the low-profile hood. New rocker panels accent a side profile that features a sharper contour and carries into the muscular shoulders over the rear wheel wells. At the back of the vehicle, the rear fenders blend into the extended, lowered rear deck, creating a low stance and emphasizing the L-shaped full-width rear light.

The new model’s distinct personality is completed by its exquisite interior, which invites drivers and passengers to enjoy a range of advanced features for a refined cabin experience. These include a new 10.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system featuring Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, a 4.2-inch colour multi-information display (MID), and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with touch-sensitive controls. The vehicle also offers SmartAccess with push-button start, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, a power moonroof, 8-way adjustable power and ventilated front seats, as well as ample luggage space thanks to the 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

The Lexus IS has attractive looks, which are complemented by its balanced, linear and confident driving signature. Owners can choose from two engine options; an updated 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled inline four-cylinder engine delivering 241 hp and 350 Nm of torque, and a sophisticated 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 312 hp and 378 Nm of torque. The two engines paired with an eight-speed sport direct-shift automatic transmission that offers superb drivability, together with outstanding fuel efficiency and quietness even at high speed.

As with any Lexus vehicle, safety is a top priority for the new Lexus IS. Drivers can enjoy complete peace of mind thanks to the Lexus Safety System+, an advanced safety technology package that includes Pre-Collision System (PCS) which include Emergency Steering Assist (ESA), Daytime Pedestrian Detection (DPD), all-speed range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Lane Tracing Alert (LTA), and Automatic High-beam System (AHB). The vehicle also includes comprehensive safety features designed to protect its occupants, such as 8 SRS airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Parking Support Alert (PKSA), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), among many others.

Further adding to its stylish visual appeal, the 2021 Lexus IS comes in a refined range of colour options that allow discerning owners to customize their vehicles according to their tastes. Customers can choose from seven distinctive exterior colours, including the newly developed Sonic Chrome and Sonic Iridium options. Meanwhile, the interior comes in three elegant colours; Ochre, Dark Rose, and the universal Black, which evokes a sense of calm within a gorgeous atmosphere. Two newly developed wheel designs have also been introduced in 18-inch and 19-inch sizes to further express the driving feel pursued by the Lexus brand.

For those seeking to experience the ultimate in thrilling responsiveness, the all-new IS, is also available in an F Sport version. Engineered for exhilaration, the F brand DNA has trickled down from the legendary LFA, which represents the pinnacle of refined performance. The IS F Sport model boasts exclusive interior and exterior features, including a distinctive ‘F’ mesh pattern, a grille-bottom air intake, rear spoiler, and 19-inch alloy wheels. It comes equipped with an F Sport exhaust and diffuser, as well as improved Active Sound Control to enhance the performance notes of the V6 engine. Inside the cabin, the 8-inch colour TFT LCD meter features a movable meter ring that enables a dual display using a single meter. Owners can choose from a range of eight exterior colours that emphasize the vehicle’s sportiness, including three colours exclusive for the IS F Sport model; Radiant Red contrast layering, Heat Blue contrast layering or White Nova GF, while the interior is available in White, Black and Flare Red.

The Lexus IS with its attractive design, advanced features and technology is inspired to thrill. Those wishing to catch up on the most happening digital launch event, that they missed, can view the event on Lexus Oman social media channels.

The All-New Lexus IS vehicle is now on display at the Lexus showrooms.