We don't know if this is fully accurate. As for the headlight integration, that's not surprising given that trend with other vehicles in the lineup. They look similar to the headlights that are on the UX.

 

another refresh would just be stupid on their part, and if they think that’s going to boost sales more than they’re also stupid for that. maybe the first year people would buy it like the refreshed RC, but then it’ll flop once again. i think the rendering is inaccurate too (copied UX front end with LF1 grille and wheels) and because there’s 0 spy shots and insider information on anything with the next gen IS. we really won’t know anything until 2021 or 2022. if there were to be an IS500, there would have been a trademark a while ago and i can’t see them throwing that in the current gen IS for one last hurrah. they need a full revamp and rework the IS to be competitive in the market again, hell they did it in 2014 when this generation came out (minus the carried over engines and lack of ISF) it even beat the pretty much new 3 series a couple times in reviews. to drop the IS and have just the ES and LS is going to lose a lot of customers and they also won’t be bringing in buyers from the germans like they did when this gen IS came out. i get toyota and lexus are going to put more effort into their best sellers but if you’re trying to become a “sporty fun brand” then the IS and RC need to stay and be heavily revamped. but that’s just my 2 cents on this.

 

Ya, many have similar sentimens, but the IS350 FSport RWD is still one of the MOST FUN cars to drive!! (In it's Class & Price Range).

 

I think they're doing this with plans to scrap the IS line in a few years. I'm guessing they will then replace it with a new sedan with a new moniker, completely replacing the IS badge. Probably something with more power + hybrid variant. They know that beyond the first year of the refresh it won't boost sales much long term, but I don't think they're invested long term to the IS.

 

i'm not quite so sure about killing off the IS moniker. lexus just killed off the iconic GS and i really doubt they'd also kill off the IS, which has a similar pedigree and is more well known within society as a whole, particularly in the US, than the GS which was a niche product.

 

Both ideas are stupid - why does Lexus think the GS sold so well since around what - mid-90s?

Millions love those cars and in fact I have both GS & IS. This manner of innovation & marketing is akin to Coke changing the flavor of Classic.

While Lexus is at it maybe Toyota should kill off the Corolla, Camry, BMW all 3-series, and Honda the Accord, Civic, etc.

 

i really don’t think they’ll scrap the IS. they know it’s capable of selling in high numbers to the point where it was even their 4th best seller in the line up, i do think they’ll completely revamp it and push out an all new model since toyota’s press conference was leaked and it said an all new IS was slated for 2021. i can’t imagine they’d go on with a huge gap between the ES and LS

 

It's easy to sit here and arm-chair corporate strategy and sales, but believe me Toyota (as any company does) has armies of trained professionals making these business decisions. They know where their bread and butter is. Even at peak sales, the GS and even IS never sold nearly as well as competitors from Germany. Even the Acura TLX smokes the IS in sales, even in 2018.

 

The reasoning here is more subjective/emotional based which often comes back to bite corporations in the ***, in which Lexus case hope it does. GS & IS subject only to used car sales and after market mentality is BLEGH...

 

https://carbuzz.com/news/greatest-le...brand-new-name

 

https://www.motor1.com/news/424474/l...ct-powertrain/

 

Basically I think Lexus is saying the US luxury market is a moving target and German brands are a thorn in their rear. Makes sense.

Lexus needs to give customers value compared to Germans. Right now people lease BMW 3/Mercedes C for cheap, but often with lack of equipment.

So if Lexus can offer some bold exciting new offerings with some gimmicks thrown in (like the Venza panoramic LED roof panel) I think they can attract some customers.

For me the immediate perception of very fine interior materials, quality, and design with a bit of arrogance and class always attracted me vs. the german brands. The sense of perfection and craftsmanship. It made me want to own it, and sit in it. So Lexus, do some more of that. Bold interiors. Classy rich quality. Style you want to buy, not lease.

 

 

Extremely disappointed the the UX-style brake lights. One of the ugliest designs, IMO.

 

Will the 2021 IS get the new Touchscreen Navigation system like the 2020 RX? Have they rolled this out to any other models?