Next-Generation Lexus IS Sedan to Grow in Size?

Posted by Kevin on July 23rd, 2018

According to Japanese magazine Mag-X, the next-generation Lexus IS will debut in 2020 as a much larger sedan, with dimensions closer to the GS than the current IS model.

Using the numbers from the article, let’s make a comparison table with the IS old & new, the GS sedan, and the LC coupe for good measure:

Model Wheelbase Length Width Height
New IS 2870 mm (113 in) 4730 mm (186.2 in) 1815 mm (71.5 in) 1425 mm (56.1 in)
Current IS 2,800 mm (110.2 in) 4,681 mm (184.3 in) 1,810 mm (71.3 in) 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Current GS 2,850 mm (112.2 in) 4,879 mm (192.1 in) 1,840 mm (72.4 in) 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Current LC 2,870 mm (113.0 in) 4,760 mm (187.4 in) 1,920 mm (75.6 in) 1,345 mm (53.0 in)

If the Mag-X dimensions are correct, the next-gen IS could have a longer wheelbase and shorter overall length than the GS sedan. This discrepancy could mean shorter front & rear overhangs due to the adoption of the GA-L platform from the LC & LS.

The article suggests a new 2.4L four-cylinder turbo and a 2.5L hybrid as engine options, but there’s no mention of the 400+ horsepower IS 450 that was rumored a couple weeks back. Mag-X also throws in an IS F with the same 4.0L twin-turbo V8 that’s supposed to power the LC F coupe.

Here’s the full page from Mag-X, if anyone wants to translate the article in the comments:

Lexus IS Mag-X Full Page

JapanLexus IS: Third GenerationRumors
Popular Stories

Sorry. No data so far.

Comments
S
Levi
GS4 has a 5cm longer wheelbase than IS3, yet is almost 20cm longer overall. It means the remaining 15cm happen at the overhangs. Overhangs are what make a car huge and difficult to drive in tight spaces, because it is harder to estimate the overhangs, that to feel the wheelbase. If the new IS gets a slightly longer wheelbase, where all to added space goes to rear seats, but overhangs remain short, it would remain a 'compact' sporty sedan, with rear seats good for long trips.
This is why the LWB 3-series gets much more rear space than SWB 5-series despite being much shorter; in fact the sub-4.8m 3-Series L has more legroom than full-size SUVs like the GLS or Range Rover. It's ridiculously space efficient.
However, for the IS a lot of wheelbase stretch will be used to allow a FMR layout (if they keep doing it for the IS). I'm expecting at most 50mm/2in longer interior cabin to make the rear usable but definitley not spacious. But usable is all they need.
To me a 4GS with 50mm shorter overhangs and front axle moving forward by 20mm is a perfect size for 4IS. The side profile of the 4GS looks very compact for its actual size. I don't think maneuvrability is a concern for sedan shoppers since they are already sacrificing maneuvrability by choosing a sedan in the first place. The only place where a 4800mm IS could have major difficulty moving is Japan, but the compact-size 3IS is a whale on Japanese roads already.
S
Levi
GS4 has a 5cm longer wheelbase than IS3, yet is almost 20cm longer overall. It means the remaining 15cm happen at the overhangs. Overhangs are what make a car huge and difficult to drive in tight spaces, because it is harder to estimate the overhangs, that to feel the wheelbase. If the new IS gets a slightly longer wheelbase, where all to added space goes to rear seats, but overhangs remain short, it would remain a 'compact' sporty sedan, with rear seats good for long trips.
This is why the LWB 3-series gets much more rear space than SWB 5-series despite being much shorter; in fact the sub-4.8m 3-Series L has more legroom than full-size SUVs like the GLS or Range Rover. It's ridiculously space efficient.
However, for the IS a lot of wheelbase stretch will be used to allow a FMR layout (if they keep doing it for the IS). I'm expecting at most 50mm/2in longer interior cabin to make the rear usable but definitley not spacious. But usable is all they need.
To me a 4GS with 50mm shorter overhangs and front axle moving forward by 20mm is a perfect size for 4IS. The side profile of the 4GS looks very compact for its actual size. I don't think maneuvrability is a concern for sedan shoppers since they are already sacrificing maneuvrability by choosing a sedan in the first place. The only place where a 4800mm IS could have major difficulty moving is Japan, but the compact-size 3IS is a whale on Japanese roads already.
S
ssun30
This is why the LWB 3-series gets much more rear space than SWB 5-series despite being much shorter; in fact the sub-4.8m 3-Series L has more legroom than full-size SUVs like the GLS or Range Rover. It's ridiculously space efficient.
However, for the IS a lot of wheelbase stretch will be used to allow a FMR layout (if they keep doing it for the IS). I'm expecting at most 50mm/2in longer interior cabin to make the rear usable but definitley not spacious. But usable is all they need.
To me a 4GS with 50mm shorter overhangs and front axle moving forward by 20mm is a perfect size for 4IS. The side profile of the 4GS looks very compact for its actual size. I don't think maneuvrability is a concern for sedan shoppers since they are already sacrificing maneuvrability by choosing a sedan in the first place. The only place where a 4800mm IS could have major difficulty moving is Japan, but the compact-size 3IS is a whale on Japanese roads already.
They are not going to make IS 4.8m... doesnt make much sense. They will make it similar size with larger wheelbase, like many of TNGA vehicles.
S
ssun30
This is why the LWB 3-series gets much more rear space than SWB 5-series despite being much shorter; in fact the sub-4.8m 3-Series L has more legroom than full-size SUVs like the GLS or Range Rover. It's ridiculously space efficient.
However, for the IS a lot of wheelbase stretch will be used to allow a FMR layout (if they keep doing it for the IS). I'm expecting at most 50mm/2in longer interior cabin to make the rear usable but definitley not spacious. But usable is all they need.
To me a 4GS with 50mm shorter overhangs and front axle moving forward by 20mm is a perfect size for 4IS. The side profile of the 4GS looks very compact for its actual size. I don't think maneuvrability is a concern for sedan shoppers since they are already sacrificing maneuvrability by choosing a sedan in the first place. The only place where a 4800mm IS could have major difficulty moving is Japan, but the compact-size 3IS is a whale on Japanese roads already.
They are not going to make IS 4.8m... doesnt make much sense. They will make it similar size with larger wheelbase, like many of TNGA vehicles.
S
ssun30
This is why the LWB 3-series gets much more rear space than SWB 5-series despite being much shorter; in fact the sub-4.8m 3-Series L has more legroom than full-size SUVs like the GLS or Range Rover. It's ridiculously space efficient.
However, for the IS a lot of wheelbase stretch will be used to allow a FMR layout (if they keep doing it for the IS). I'm expecting at most 50mm/2in longer interior cabin to make the rear usable but definitley not spacious. But usable is all they need.
To me a 4GS with 50mm shorter overhangs and front axle moving forward by 20mm is a perfect size for 4IS. The side profile of the 4GS looks very compact for its actual size. I don't think maneuvrability is a concern for sedan shoppers since they are already sacrificing maneuvrability by choosing a sedan in the first place. The only place where a 4800mm IS could have major difficulty moving is Japan, but the compact-size 3IS is a whale on Japanese roads already.
They are not going to make IS 4.8m... doesnt make much sense. They will make it similar size with larger wheelbase, like many of TNGA vehicles.
L
The Infiniti Q50 is in the same class as IS, it is compared to A4, C Class and 3 Series. Yet is has the same wheelbase of 2.8m and an overall length of4.81m (4cm shorter than GS4). While the Q50 has no low powered hybrid, it has a high powered hybrid version, equivalent to GS 450h, hypothetical IS 450h, that I see being replaced by the 500h used in LS and LC. New IS should have a more powerful hybrid. Just as you can choose from different power ICE, so you should be able to chose from different poyer HEV and BEV.
L
The Infiniti Q50 is in the same class as IS, it is compared to A4, C Class and 3 Series. Yet is has the same wheelbase of 2.8m and an overall length of4.81m (4cm shorter than GS4). While the Q50 has no low powered hybrid, it has a high powered hybrid version, equivalent to GS 450h, hypothetical IS 450h, that I see being replaced by the 500h used in LS and LC. New IS should have a more powerful hybrid. Just as you can choose from different power ICE, so you should be able to chose from different poyer HEV and BEV.
L
The Infiniti Q50 is in the same class as IS, it is compared to A4, C Class and 3 Series. Yet is has the same wheelbase of 2.8m and an overall length of4.81m (4cm shorter than GS4). While the Q50 has no low powered hybrid, it has a high powered hybrid version, equivalent to GS 450h, hypothetical IS 450h, that I see being replaced by the 500h used in LS and LC. New IS should have a more powerful hybrid. Just as you can choose from different power ICE, so you should be able to chose from different poyer HEV and BEV.
S
Levi
The Infiniti Q50 is in the same class as IS, it is compared to A4, C Class and 3 Series. Yet is has the same wheelbase of 2.8m and an overall length of4.81m (4cm shorter than GS4). While the Q50 has no low powered hybrid, it has a high powered hybrid version, equivalent to GS 450h, hypothetical IS 450h, that I see being replaced by the 500h used in LS and LC. New IS should have a more powerful hybrid. Just as you can choose from different power ICE, so you should be able to chose from different poyer HEV and BEV.
sure, but Lexus will not have 3 large sedans... IS needs to be small sporty sedan, or else whats the point?

Q50 is not a great vehicle, it should not be what Lexus IS targets.
S
Levi
The Infiniti Q50 is in the same class as IS, it is compared to A4, C Class and 3 Series. Yet is has the same wheelbase of 2.8m and an overall length of4.81m (4cm shorter than GS4). While the Q50 has no low powered hybrid, it has a high powered hybrid version, equivalent to GS 450h, hypothetical IS 450h, that I see being replaced by the 500h used in LS and LC. New IS should have a more powerful hybrid. Just as you can choose from different power ICE, so you should be able to chose from different poyer HEV and BEV.
sure, but Lexus will not have 3 large sedans... IS needs to be small sporty sedan, or else whats the point?

Q50 is not a great vehicle, it should not be what Lexus IS targets.
S
Levi
The Infiniti Q50 is in the same class as IS, it is compared to A4, C Class and 3 Series. Yet is has the same wheelbase of 2.8m and an overall length of4.81m (4cm shorter than GS4). While the Q50 has no low powered hybrid, it has a high powered hybrid version, equivalent to GS 450h, hypothetical IS 450h, that I see being replaced by the 500h used in LS and LC. New IS should have a more powerful hybrid. Just as you can choose from different power ICE, so you should be able to chose from different poyer HEV and BEV.
sure, but Lexus will not have 3 large sedans... IS needs to be small sporty sedan, or else whats the point?

Q50 is not a great vehicle, it should not be what Lexus IS targets.
S
spwolf
or else whats the point?
Hint: 7ES is huge. It's not mid-size; it's full-size.

4800mm was the upper bound I assumed for the 4IS, of course they can build it smaller, but anything smaller than the Mark X would be a problem.
S
spwolf
or else whats the point?
Hint: 7ES is huge. It's not mid-size; it's full-size.

4800mm was the upper bound I assumed for the 4IS, of course they can build it smaller, but anything smaller than the Mark X would be a problem.
S
spwolf
or else whats the point?
Hint: 7ES is huge. It's not mid-size; it's full-size.

4800mm was the upper bound I assumed for the 4IS, of course they can build it smaller, but anything smaller than the Mark X would be a problem.
MichaelL
spwolf
sure, but Lexus will not have 3 large sedans... IS needs to be small sporty sedan, or else whats the point?

Q50 is not a great vehicle, it should not be what Lexus IS targets.
Amen!
MichaelL
spwolf
sure, but Lexus will not have 3 large sedans... IS needs to be small sporty sedan, or else whats the point?

Q50 is not a great vehicle, it should not be what Lexus IS targets.
Amen!
MichaelL
spwolf
sure, but Lexus will not have 3 large sedans... IS needs to be small sporty sedan, or else whats the point?

Q50 is not a great vehicle, it should not be what Lexus IS targets.
Amen!
L
Lexus GS3 and GS4 wheelbase remained the same at 2850 mm. The IS3 wheelbase grew by 70 mm to 2800 mm from the IS2 wheelbase of 2730 mm.

Lexus IS is the smallest in this class, and as Lexus does not have any compact FWD sedan (Toyota takes care of that space), and the ES takes care of the entry (real) luxury space, the IS will likely remain in the compact sport space.
L
Lexus GS3 and GS4 wheelbase remained the same at 2850 mm. The IS3 wheelbase grew by 70 mm to 2800 mm from the IS2 wheelbase of 2730 mm.

Lexus IS is the smallest in this class, and as Lexus does not have any compact FWD sedan (Toyota takes care of that space), and the ES takes care of the entry (real) luxury space, the IS will likely remain in the compact sport space.
L
Lexus GS3 and GS4 wheelbase remained the same at 2850 mm. The IS3 wheelbase grew by 70 mm to 2800 mm from the IS2 wheelbase of 2730 mm.

Lexus IS is the smallest in this class, and as Lexus does not have any compact FWD sedan (Toyota takes care of that space), and the ES takes care of the entry (real) luxury space, the IS will likely remain in the compact sport space.
CIF
Japanese publication Mag X has a rough sketch of the 4IS:



https://www.mag-x.com/shop/products/detail.php?product_id=109

It looks as though styling will be fairly evolutionary. Also something is mentioned about an "expansion" of the IS body along with demand of GS disappearing. I can only assume this means the 4IS will get bigger, but I don't speak Japanese so cannot confirm. It matches some rumors though that the GS may disappear, and the IS may grow physically/get an expanded lineup. A new 2.4L turbo engine is also mentioned for the IS.
CIF
Japanese publication Mag X has a rough sketch of the 4IS:



https://www.mag-x.com/shop/products/detail.php?product_id=109

It looks as though styling will be fairly evolutionary. Also something is mentioned about an "expansion" of the IS body along with demand of GS disappearing. I can only assume this means the 4IS will get bigger, but I don't speak Japanese so cannot confirm. It matches some rumors though that the GS may disappear, and the IS may grow physically/get an expanded lineup. A new 2.4L turbo engine is also mentioned for the IS.
CIF
Japanese publication Mag X has a rough sketch of the 4IS:



https://www.mag-x.com/shop/products/detail.php?product_id=109

It looks as though styling will be fairly evolutionary. Also something is mentioned about an "expansion" of the IS body along with demand of GS disappearing. I can only assume this means the 4IS will get bigger, but I don't speak Japanese so cannot confirm. It matches some rumors though that the GS may disappear, and the IS may grow physically/get an expanded lineup. A new 2.4L turbo engine is also mentioned for the IS.
bogglo
Maybe the IS might be the first to get the 2.4L TT in the TS050 (who knows...)
bogglo
Maybe the IS might be the first to get the 2.4L TT in the TS050 (who knows...)
bogglo
Maybe the IS might be the first to get the 2.4L TT in the TS050 (who knows...)
S
bogglo
Maybe the IS might be the first to get the 2.4L TT in the TS050 (who knows...)
The 2.4L turbo will be Inline-4 not a 90-degree V6.
S
bogglo
Maybe the IS might be the first to get the 2.4L TT in the TS050 (who knows...)
The 2.4L turbo will be Inline-4 not a 90-degree V6.
S
bogglo
Maybe the IS might be the first to get the 2.4L TT in the TS050 (who knows...)
The 2.4L turbo will be Inline-4 not a 90-degree V6.
Joaquin Ruhi
ssun30
The 2.4L turbo will be Inline-4 not a 90-degree V6.
If I remember correctly, a number of engines in the past (Audi comes to mind) have reduced their displacement via thicker cylinder walls/linings when boosting their engines. Could this rumored 2.4-liter turbo be nothing more than a turbocharged version of the latest Camry's 2.5-liter A25A-FKS 4-cylinder engine? Under this theory, thicker cylinder walls/linings would reduce cylinder displacement slightly to create an A24A-FTS engine.

J