Rendered: The Next-Generation Lexus IS Sedan


Renderings of the next-generation Lexus IS are a favorite of the Japanese automotive press — this attempt by (a currently unknown) magazine was posted yesterday by a Lexus fan on Instagram:

Lexus IS Rear Next-Generation

The differences between this photochop and the existing model are minimal — the only changes are with the front and rear bumpers, making this rendering seem more like a mid-cycle refresh. That said, the design of the current IS sedan has never been a weakness, and maintaining some consistency across generations would not be a bad move.

The magazine mentions a 2021 release along with some preliminary dimensions:

Lexus IS Dimensions Next-Generation

Compared to the current model, the next-generation IS length and wheelbase would grow by 4cm, with all other measurements staying the same. Also mentioned is a 2.5L engine with 181 horsepower, which makes absolutely no sense and I’m choosing to ignore.

FeaturesLexus IS: Third GenerationPhotochops
Comments
CT2IS
I'd take the RX vs X3 interior dbA measurements in that review with a grain of salt. Car and Driver tested both vehicles using a controlled method and got 67db @ 70mph for both vehicles. A tie. There's no way an X3 is twice as loud as an RX particularly since I can guarantee you the torsional rigidity of the X3 is a fair bit higher than the RX. The Audi SQ5 bested both the BMW and Lexus by 1db.

I can't link since my account is new. But look up Car and Driver's test. They do a very thorough job at testing various metrics such as interior db, sight line angles, etc.
What does torsional rigidity have to do with sound proofing, weight of the vehicle and saving a bit of money? X3 is also noticeably louder in that video, including very loud engine, and certainly reviewers liked it so I have no doubts about its authenticity - you can very well hear it.

And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.

p.s. i also found it interesting that RX got same mpg with 15 year old V6 than brand new 2.0t from BMW, despite lighter weight of the X3.
CT2IS
I'd take the RX vs X3 interior dbA measurements in that review with a grain of salt. Car and Driver tested both vehicles using a controlled method and got 67db @ 70mph for both vehicles. A tie. There's no way an X3 is twice as loud as an RX particularly since I can guarantee you the torsional rigidity of the X3 is a fair bit higher than the RX. The Audi SQ5 bested both the BMW and Lexus by 1db.

I can't link since my account is new. But look up Car and Driver's test. They do a very thorough job at testing various metrics such as interior db, sight line angles, etc.
What does torsional rigidity have to do with sound proofing, weight of the vehicle and saving a bit of money? X3 is also noticeably louder in that video, including very loud engine, and certainly reviewers liked it so I have no doubts about its authenticity - you can very well hear it.

And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.

p.s. i also found it interesting that RX got same mpg with 15 year old V6 than brand new 2.0t from BMW, despite lighter weight of the X3.
Ian Schmidt
For those who aren't aware, 6dB means the X3 is twice as loud as the RX. That's insane.
spwolf
And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.
As I understand it, each decibel is exponentially more powerful than the last so that every 10db is twice as loud. Going by that, each 1db works out to about 7.177% louder, compounding. So, 6db louder is about 51.5% louder. That's still a big difference.
Ian Schmidt
For those who aren't aware, 6dB means the X3 is twice as loud as the RX. That's insane.
spwolf
And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.
As I understand it, each decibel is exponentially more powerful than the last so that every 10db is twice as loud. Going by that, each 1db works out to about 7.177% louder, compounding. So, 6db louder is about 51.5% louder. That's still a big difference.
Ian Schmidt
For those who aren't aware, 6dB means the X3 is twice as loud as the RX. That's insane.
spwolf
And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.
As I understand it, each decibel is exponentially more powerful than the last so that every 10db is twice as loud. Going by that, each 1db works out to about 7.177% louder, compounding. So, 6db louder is about 51.5% louder. That's still a big difference.
Ian Schmidt
For those who aren't aware, 6dB means the X3 is twice as loud as the RX. That's insane.
spwolf
And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.
As I understand it, each decibel is exponentially more powerful than the last so that every 10db is twice as loud. Going by that, each 1db works out to about 7.177% louder, compounding. So, 6db louder is about 51.5% louder. That's still a big difference.
Ian Schmidt
For those who aren't aware, 6dB means the X3 is twice as loud as the RX. That's insane.
spwolf
And it is not 2x, it is 60% louder.
As I understand it, each decibel is exponentially more powerful than the last so that every 10db is twice as loud. Going by that, each 1db works out to about 7.177% louder, compounding. So, 6db louder is about 51.5% louder. That's still a big difference.
Perhaps the C&D difference is between German and US-built X3s?
Perhaps the C&D difference is between German and US-built X3s?
Perhaps the C&D difference is between German and US-built X3s?
Perhaps the C&D difference is between German and US-built X3s?
Perhaps the C&D difference is between German and US-built X3s?
Yes dB is a logarithmic metric. But keep in mind human ears are logarithmic as well. We don't really perceive a 6dB difference as strong as the mathematical value would suggest. But still, 6dB is notable in real life.

Anyway, why did we start a noise comparison under the IS thread?
Yes dB is a logarithmic metric. But keep in mind human ears are logarithmic as well. We don't really perceive a 6dB difference as strong as the mathematical value would suggest. But still, 6dB is notable in real life.

Anyway, why did we start a noise comparison under the IS thread?
Yes dB is a logarithmic metric. But keep in mind human ears are logarithmic as well. We don't really perceive a 6dB difference as strong as the mathematical value would suggest. But still, 6dB is notable in real life.

Anyway, why did we start a noise comparison under the IS thread?
Yes dB is a logarithmic metric. But keep in mind human ears are logarithmic as well. We don't really perceive a 6dB difference as strong as the mathematical value would suggest. But still, 6dB is notable in real life.

Anyway, why did we start a noise comparison under the IS thread?
Yes dB is a logarithmic metric. But keep in mind human ears are logarithmic as well. We don't really perceive a 6dB difference as strong as the mathematical value would suggest. But still, 6dB is notable in real life.

Anyway, why did we start a noise comparison under the IS thread?
spwolf
Sure it does, it is better handler than 740i. LS better handling vehicle than S and 7? Yes.

As to the weight, it always have to do a lot with luxury.

Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mph. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
X3 vs NX it is not a head on RX competitor. With the RX offering 3 rows it is clearly the X5 it competes with.

So tired of reviews and people missing this.
spwolf
Sure it does, it is better handler than 740i. LS better handling vehicle than S and 7? Yes.

As to the weight, it always have to do a lot with luxury.

Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mph. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
X3 vs NX it is not a head on RX competitor. With the RX offering 3 rows it is clearly the X5 it competes with.

So tired of reviews and people missing this.
spwolf
Sure it does, it is better handler than 740i. LS better handling vehicle than S and 7? Yes.

As to the weight, it always have to do a lot with luxury.

Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mph. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
X3 vs NX it is not a head on RX competitor. With the RX offering 3 rows it is clearly the X5 it competes with.

So tired of reviews and people missing this.
spwolf
Sure it does, it is better handler than 740i. LS better handling vehicle than S and 7? Yes.

As to the weight, it always have to do a lot with luxury.

Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mph. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
X3 vs NX it is not a head on RX competitor. With the RX offering 3 rows it is clearly the X5 it competes with.

So tired of reviews and people missing this.
spwolf
Sure it does, it is better handler than 740i. LS better handling vehicle than S and 7? Yes.

As to the weight, it always have to do a lot with luxury.

Just checked out video comparing X3 and RX350. While X3 was considerably faster vehicle, partially due to weight, it also was 6db louder at 70 mph. That is crazy difference between the vehicles, it is like Toyota vs Lexus
X3 vs NX it is not a head on RX competitor. With the RX offering 3 rows it is clearly the X5 it competes with.

So tired of reviews and people missing this.
Hey guys, lets get this back to 4IS discussion.

Thanks.
Hey guys, lets get this back to 4IS discussion.

Thanks.
Hey guys, lets get this back to 4IS discussion.

Thanks.
Hey guys, lets get this back to 4IS discussion.

Thanks.
Hey guys, lets get this back to 4IS discussion.

Thanks.
I think I've (we've) got our eyes set out for the 4IS hybrid model (likely with the smallest displacement because we are always budget conscious) especially if the F Sport model for that can come with AVS and variable steering.

I know the 3IS is a very competent vehicle but I prefer at least a hybrid (really want a sedan BEV) to justify the capital outlay, lol. We'll see once we find out more about the 4IS and whether it will have a lot more to offer compared to a used 3IS 350 F Sport with AVS/ variable steering since buying used will mean almost like 10 years of fuel savings (10-15k miles/year) as oppose to buying new.
I think I've (we've) got our eyes set out for the 4IS hybrid model (likely with the smallest displacement because we are always budget conscious) especially if the F Sport model for that can come with AVS and variable steering.

I know the 3IS is a very competent vehicle but I prefer at least a hybrid (really want a sedan BEV) to justify the capital outlay, lol. We'll see once we find out more about the 4IS and whether it will have a lot more to offer compared to a used 3IS 350 F Sport with AVS/ variable steering since buying used will mean almost like 10 years of fuel savings (10-15k miles/year) as oppose to buying new.
I think I've (we've) got our eyes set out for the 4IS hybrid model (likely with the smallest displacement because we are always budget conscious) especially if the F Sport model for that can come with AVS and variable steering.

I know the 3IS is a very competent vehicle but I prefer at least a hybrid (really want a sedan BEV) to justify the capital outlay, lol. We'll see once we find out more about the 4IS and whether it will have a lot more to offer compared to a used 3IS 350 F Sport with AVS/ variable steering since buying used will mean almost like 10 years of fuel savings (10-15k miles/year) as oppose to buying new.

I