All-new 2021 Lexus IS 300h launched in Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: Lexus has launched the all-new IS hybrid sedan in Thailand. Here it is offered in three variants - base Luxury, mid-spec Premium, and range-topping F Sport.

How much the new Lexus IS facelift costs?

Starting with the base model, the Lexus IS Luxury retails for 2.69 million baht (approx. RM362,420). The Premium and F-Sport trim are priced at 3.37 million baht (approx. RM 454,035) and 3.89 million baht (RM 524,095), respectively.

Note, a 4-year/unlimited mileage warranty and a 10-year/unlimited warranty for 192-cell nickel hybrid battery are inclusive in the price.

What powers the 2021 Lexus IS facelift?

The Thai-spec IS is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol mill, making a maximum power of 181 PS at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 221 Nm from 4,200 to 5,400 rpm.

Paired with this mill is an electric motor that generates 143 PS and 300 Nm, thus the combined system output comes down to 223 PS. On the transmission front, there is an E-CVT unit that sends power to the rear wheels.

Helping the IS deliver enhanced performance are certain drive modes - three (Eco, Normal, and Sport) for the Luxury and Premium and four (Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+) for the F Sport.

All this allows the new IS hybrid to go from 0 to 100 kmph in 8.5 seconds and attain a top speed of 200 kmph. The average mileage and CO2 emission is rated at 19.23 kmpl and 122 g/km.

What are the improvements on the outside?

On the outside, the new IS looks very edgy, like it's holding a beast within. The Lexus design team has done a commendable job with the new spindle grille with 3D polyhedral structure, more sculpted sides and rear. Even the base Luxury trim is fitted with an amazing set of features. For instance, single-beam LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and 18-inch aluminium wheels with five-twin-spoke design wrapped in 235/45 tyres.

The Premium trim is slightly improved with its triple-beam LED headlights, electrochromic side mirrors, and large 19-inch multi-spoke aluminium wheels with 235/40 tyres.

As expected, the top-spec F-Sport trim improves over the mid-spec Premium trim with 19-inch five-twin-spoke wheels with 235/40 front and 265/35 rear tyres.

What's all present on the inside?

The revisions on the inside aren't as prominent as one would expect. However, a redesigned dashboard with the infotainment display more inclined towards the driver is a great move. Also, we see new air vents - rectangular in the middle and circular in the centre.

On the equipment front, the Luxury model that is covered in synthetic leather upholstery features electrically powered front seats, two-zone climate control with rear vents, a 4.2-inch Optirion TFT digital gauge cluster display, paddle shifters, keyless entry and start, and passive cruise control. Also, present is a Lexus Premium 10-speaker sound system and an 8-inch touch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay support.

The Premium trim, on the other hand, is wrapped in smooth leather upholstery and benefits from a 10.3-inch touch infotainment display with navigation, driver's seat with memory function, front seat with heating and ventilation function, powered rear sunshade.

The F-Sport as expected gets an F-Sport-specific steering wheel and gear lever. It also gets a sliding moonroof and an 8-inch TFT LCD digital instrument cluster.

New Lexus IS safety kit?

Part of the standard safety kit is - seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, Vehicle Stability Control, hill start assist, and traction control.

Exclusive to the Premium and F-Sport trims are - rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, panoramic view monitor, Lane Change Assist, Lexus Pre-Collision Safety System, and Lane Tracing Assist with Steering Wheel Vibration.

Also Read: All-new Lexus IS gets TRD & Modellista styling tweaks