IS/RC 2020 Lexus IS

[Rolf]

As per AMS the new Lexus IS will be launched on 9 June 2020. It apparently will not be sold in Europe, probably due to slow sales.

LEXUS IS (2020)
New edition for the middle class

Lexus is relaunching its mid-range IS model. The new generation will be unveiled on June 9, 2020. However, it should no longer come to Europe. Now there is a first teaser.

Since 1998, Lexus has sent three model generations of the luxury model I S against competitors such as the Mercedes C-Class or the BMW 3 Series to the middle class. In June 2020, the fourth generation of the Lexus IS will start, of which the Japanese have now published the first teaser.

It only shows an LED light strip running across the entire width with L-shaped side ends. Lexus also promises a spectacular design. However, Lexus does not provide further information about the upcoming sedan. The current IS is available with petrol engines with four and six cylinders and a performance range from 208 to 310 hp. There is also a hybrid variant with 223 hp. Rumors of the new IS speak of a V8 variant as a top model - quasi as an opponent for the M3 / M4 and C 63 AMG. The new Japanese biturbo engine could be used here.

Either way, European customers will not enjoy the new IS because the Japanese no longer want to offer the new generation in Europe. The demand is simply too low.

 

[Centurion]

How long before Lexus discontinue the CT and LS in Europe. The latter is one of the lowest selling cars in the UK. Two years ago a friend of mine was in the market for a 6-12 month old one but could barely find any inventory.

The appeal of Lexus cars will dwindle as other manufacturers introduce electric cars and plugin hybrid.

 

[mini_cooper4]

Give it a more compact version of the LS interior and it will be the car to have in this class.
This one is my last hope in this class. Please Lexus don't F' it up.

 

[Rolf]

I think Lexus have poor marketing in all countries except US. How come Volvo is selling more cars and probably Jaguar also than Lexus? Lexus have the potential as their cars are not that bad, the LC500 is a beauty and the ES/LS and LCF coupe have excellent interiors.

 

[Centurion]

I think Lexus have poor marketing in all countries except U...

For some model Lexus simply lacked the engines that Europeans want. Although hybrids were a unique selling point, it was also limiting the the brand's potential customers.

Hatchbacks are the best gateway drug to Europeans but the CT has been uncompetitive while the latecomer, the A-Class hatchback, has succeeded by following a tried and tested recipe.

 

[J.E]

In Brazil, Lexus is rarer than a cod's head or hen's teeth. You're more likely to see a Ferrari than a Lexus on the street.

 

[J.E]

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[Centurion]

Exciting. So far so good. Fingers crossed it won't have a monstrous grille.

 

[J.E]

Exciting. So far so good. Fingers crossed it won't have a...

I hate to rain on your parade, but it will most definitely have a HUGE grille.

 

[Rolf]

Its going to be the most talked about cars in its class from a styling point of view. Lexus lately is starting to stand out from its rivals. I like it that they are treading a line between excitement and been extreme.

 

[J.E]

It's just a refresh of a 6 year old car. Same old interior with a larger infotainment system. No twin-turbo V6 and no V8. Same old engines.

 

[martinbo]

The pace of progress at Lexus is glacial.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

LOL they're delusional if they think this interior is going to cut it against the W205.

Nice ass though from what I've seen.

 

[martinbo]

LOL they're delusional if they think this interior is...

Let alone G20 and W206! Man, they're really taking their sweet time in getting up-to-par with their rivals.

 

[Ozy]

Exterior is pretty nice in my opinion, even though I never really liked Lexus, but that interior is pathetic, if not for the larger screen I would put it against a w204 facelift best case, they are so late for the show I’m not wondering that sales are bad in Europe.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Let alone G20 and W206! Man, they're really taking their s...

I don't understand the lack of progress and innovation at Lexus considering the BILLIONS Toyota has at it's disposal. It's as if the Japanese lack complete confidence and vision in their own brand and product.

 

[Merc1]

It's really simple. Toyota is NOT a luxury car manufacturer. Lexus is a side business for them, a luxury "brand" not a true manufacturer. The segment is shrinking and Toyota doesn't see the point of investing billions to create a new IS that is truly competitive. It isn't worth it to them anymore. The next IS is rumored to be a shared effort with Mazda using their RWD platform and I6. Think BMW/Supra again. This isn't Toyota's bread and butter and the willingness to invest isn't there. Same thing with the GS. Even the previous LS went 10 years and they did this same thing, kept warming over the same car until the new one finally arrived.

The Japanese luxury brands are in a retreat of sorts, and they've totally abandoned the E-Class/5-Series segment now with the departure of the RLX/Legend, GS and Q70. Infiniti is in serious trouble now and Acura remains a virtual nothing outside of North America. The road is open for Genesis.

M

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

It's really simple. Toyota is NOT a luxury car manufacturer....

Individual segments may be shrinking, but the overall luxury market is expanding rapidly. No ones told BMW and MB they can't increase sales year on year. Or at least they just haven't got the memo.

Lexus just seem to lack the ability to address booming individual segments successfully, let alone coming up with a cohesive, consistent and innovative strategy across the portfolio even when some categories may be on the decline.

They will never cut it as a Luxury Brand if they continue to offer questionable product just because they can't make a business case stack up for coming up with anything better.

The original LS was such a revelation because it unapologetically gunned for class benchmarks in multiple respects. And it delivered. Everything they do these days is so half baked. No conviction. No vision. No innovation.

 

[SKY]

A pitty, this is probably the best looking Lexus exterior wise since the 2005 IS.

Which is not saying much, I know.

 

[Merc1]

Individual segments may be shrinking, but the overall...

Well I mean the sedan market is shrinking. I gave you the reasons why they're half-assing it now lol. Now Lexus has big plans on the SUV side. The LX is being redone in the vein of the Range Rover and this new 7-seat LQ is going to be all new. Toyota has the money and the know, but they can't do it across the board to match the Germans because Toyota has more important family/bread and butter products that take priority.

M