The third-generation Lexus IS was launched back in 2013 as a MY2014 car, looking capable of challenging the likes of the F30 BMW 3-Series and W205 Mercedes C-Class.

While an enjoyable ride with bold sheetmetal, the IS had its issues including a lack of powertrain diversity and comparatively cramped rear quarters. It also started showing its age in terms of active safety and convenience technology. These are the types of issues generally solved by next-gen models.

The thing is, the 2021 Lexus IS is not an all-new car. Calling it a facelift is a bit of an understatement too, sure, but what this is in a nutshell is a thoroughly updated version of the same third-gen model that’s been in production for the past seven years.

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Truth to be told, the redesign is easily noticeable – and successful, if you ask us. The front end looks sharper, with pointy headlights and a larger/more modern spindle grille. Meanwhile, the DRL graphics are now embedded in the light units and no longer reside underneath them.

Moving on to the profile, we can see that the body panels are actually brand new too, resulting in a different shoulder line than before, to go with brand new mirror casings and more sculpted rear panels. It almost had us going there for a moment, thinking this was a total redesign, although it kind of is as far as the exterior is concerned.

As for the rear, everything is new, from the taillights to the boot lid and the bumper. From certain angles, the new IS almost looks more like a notchback than a sedan, similar in a way to the 2020 Cadillac CT5.

While the wheelbase is the same between the two cars (110.2 inches / 2,800 mm) – meaning, don’t expect any meaningful changes to rear passenger space, the new IS is 1.18 inches (30 mm) longer, 1.18 inches (30 mm) wider and 0.19 inches (5 mm) taller than its predecessor.

Better infotainment system and not much else

We’re pretty surprised that Lexus didn’t overhaul the interior here, since it’s arguably even more important that the exterior given how far this segment has come in terms of on-board tech. The dashboard is now flanked by circular air vents instead of rectangular ones like in the middle, and there’s a newly available 10.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

The center tunnel is a little different too, now featuring a rotary dial to the right of the shifter instead of behind, with that spot being taken by a touchpad. Other than that, it’s basically the same layout as before, with the same steering wheel model, same center console and the same door panel design. Even the gauge cluster graphics appear identical.

So while the exterior does look remarkably different for a facelift, the interior does not. We could argue that there are non-premium midsize saloons out there with interiors that look more modern than that of the 2021 Lexus IS – let alone something like the G20 BMW 3-Series. And there’s a brand new Mercedes C-Class coming with a display-laden interior. Enough said.

It’s not all bad, is it?

Probably not. The car does arguably look better, or at least more modern, and Lexus did put an emphasis on making the new IS quieter, more comfortable and more enjoyable to drive, and we see no reason not to believe them. Also, yes, the IS was in dire need of a smoother and more composed ride.

There’s also new safety gear, like the upgraded Lexus Safety System+ which can see bicyclists, pedestrians and other vehicles – definitely a solid addition.

As for the engine range, it’s the same as before with a 241 HP 2.0-liter turbo-4 in the IS 300 RWD, a 260 HP 3.5-liter V6 in the IS 300 AWD and a 311 HP 3.5-liter V6 in the IS 350.

When can I make the switch?

This fall, when the 2021 IS arrives in U.S. dealerships. However, we’re not sure how much business it’s going to generate, seen as how the Japanese carmaker only sold 8,362 units of the current model last year in America. That’s worse than what Volvo did with the all-new S60, as per Carsalesbase, and not-so-large Volvos have proven unpopular in the States.

Money in hand, would you trade in your old IS for this new one?