Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

Lexus Outlines Changes Coming to its Models for 2021

The 2021 Lexus Black Editions | Photo: Lexus
Get the best interest rate
Daniel Rufiange
The IS sedan shows up fully transformed for the new year. We'll have the opportunity to discover it this November

ES

2021 Lexus ES
2021 Lexus ES | Photo: Lexus

The ES sedan also inherits, you guessed it, a Black Edition package, but in this case, the changes are more numerous. First of all, it's interesting to note that an all-wheel-drive version has been added to the lineup; it will be powered by a 4-cylinder engine offering 203 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque. An F Sport Package is also available with this new variant.

2021 Lexus ES, three-quarters rear
2021 Lexus ES, three-quarters rear | Photo: Lexus

See also: All-Wheel Drive and a Special Edition for the 2021 Lexus ES

IS

2021 Lexus IS F-Sport
2021 Lexus IS F-Sport | Photo: Lexus

The IS compact sedan is new for the year 2021. Lexus is referring to it as a new generation, but really it's more of a major refresh. The mechanics are the same, but there are some aesthetic changes that affect the model.
 
Beyond that, a wider track should translate into more poise on the road, especially since torsional rigidity has been improved as a bonus. The 3-Series F Sport Package includes an adaptive variable suspension, carbon-fibre elements in the mirror caps and rear spoiler area and 19-inch BBS wheels.

2021 Lexus IS F-Sport, profile
2021 Lexus IS F-Sport, profile | Photo: Lexus

There’s more: the new TSS+ 2.5 safety suite is included and it comes with more features, including a left-turn intersection assistance system (pedestrian, cyclist and vehicle recognition). IS sedans are equipped for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa applications. New 8-inch and 10.3-inch touchscreens (optional) are also offered and their location has been moved to be more accessible to the driver.

See also: The 2021 Lexus IS Makes its Debut... Online

RC

2021 Lexus RC Black Line Edition
2021 Lexus RC Black Line Edition | Photo: Lexus

A new Black Line edition is added to the catalog. It’s based on the RC 350 F Sport 3, and it features mirrors, exhaust tips, wheels and a grille in which black dominates. An electronic parking brake replaces the foot-activated brake previously used.

2021 Lexus RC Black Line Edition, three-quarters rear
2021 Lexus RC Black Line Edition, three-quarters rear | Photo: Lexus

Other small changes affect the equipment of some variants, but it's nothing major. New colours are also proposed for the bodywork.

LC

2021 Lexus LC convertible
2021 Lexus LC convertible | Photo: Lexus

This year we welcome the arrival of a convertible variant of the LC. This variant gets under its hood the 5.0L, 471-hp V8 engine of the regular version, which delivers a 0-96 km/h acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. The model also benefits from structural modifications to ensure that it offers the same rigidity as the coupe.

The roof is four layers thick and can be uncovered in 15 seconds (16 for closing).

With the regular version, the Android Auto application joins Apple CarPlay on the list of standard equipment. Modifications have also been made to the rear shocks in the Performance Package to improve comfort and handling.

2021 Lexus LC coupe
2021 Lexus LC coupe | Photo: Lexus

Lastly, let’s remove our hats in a moment of homage to the GS sedan, which sadly will not be back next year. Another quality vehicle bites the dust. As for the GX SUV, it remains unchanged for the 2021 model-year, hence its absence above.

Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists