South African line-up for new 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan has been unveiled

The South African line-up for the re-imagined new 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan has been unveiled, delivering a new level of luxury as standard in addition to a core focus on evocative design, imaginative technology and leading driving dynamics.

What’s new for South Africa is that for the very first time, Lexus has decided to launch IS as a hybrid-only model. The hybrid market has shown immense growth on a global scale in the past five years and the shift from diesel to alternative-propulsion vehicles is expected to keep growing at rapid rate. It is with this information in mind that Lexus South Africa plans to leverage its existing dominance in the hybrid-electric market to enlarge its share even more.

Starting from R841 300,00 with the IS 300h EX grade and available to pre-order as early as week one of April from Lexus dealerships, the new IS will surely garner the attention of enthusiasts. Along with the IS 300h EX, Lexus will also launch an additional two model grades in hybrid: IS 300h SE and IS 300 F Sport in the coming months.

Features that become standard on the Lexus IS for the first time include:

-18-inch alloy wheels for the EX and SE (19-inch for the F Sport)

– An electric park brake (replacing foot-operated),

– New 10.3-inch touch-display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,

– A pre-collision system for the SE grade and F Sport featuring daytime/night-time pedestrian detection plus daytime cyclist detection,

– all-speed active cruise control (SE and F Sport),

-Lane tracing assist (SE and F Sport),

-Blind-spot monitor (SE and F Sport),

– Rear cross-traffic alert+brake,

–  Panoramic view monitor for the SE and F Sport when reversing.

The significant expansion of leading luxury- and driver-assist technology found in the new Lexus IS is further leveraged by enhanced body rigidity, lighter suspension components and a wider front and rear track.

The IS 300h SE model achieves a total system output of 164kW. The IS has a combined-cycle fuel consumption from as low as 5.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The 0-100 sprint is dispatched in 8.7 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h. The IS boasts a petrol-hybrid 2.5 litre CVT engine that achieves a maximum power of 133kW @ 6000rpm and maximum torque of 221Nm @ 4200-5400rpm.

Lexus South Africa Vice President of Sale and Marketing, Glenn Crompton says the new Lexus IS will re-invigorate the medium sedan class with its stunning focus on three key attributes: “An intense focus on evocative design, imaginative technology and leading driving dynamics, will help ensure a new generation of Lexus customers are welcomed into IS sports sedan ownership.

The Lexus IS models retail from R841 300 for the EX grade, R899 800 for the SE grade and R916 100 for the F Sport. The entire IS range boasts a best-in-class 7-year/105 000km Warranty and Full Maintenance Plan. The vehicle service intervals are pegged at every 15 000km, alternatively once a year.

Picture: Lexus Media Centre