Lexus pushes ahead with IS
Lexus has always been about innovative development, whether that entails developing a totally unique drivetrain or reworking a car with good potential into one that is exquisite on the road.
Witness the compact IS sedan. It started life as the IS 300 in the year 2000, in order to give Lexus a rival to the BMW 3 Series sedans (much in the same way it targeted Mercedes with its large LS sedan), with its inline 6-cylinder engine sending power to the rear wheels. In 2003, it introduced the SportCross (basically the same car, but with a hatchback bodystyle), which was truly unique in the segment.
Introduced for the 2006 model year, the second generation IS switched to V6 power, and offered up two models: the IS 250 and the IS 350. The previous generation also came with a choice of engines, but North Americans never got the original IS 200.
The styling for the new generation (dubbed L-finesse) was derived from a Lexus concept coupe, and true to the concept, the profile is very coupe-like with a fast roofline and upswept belt line. There is a certain aggressiveness to the design, with the headlights appearing as slit-eyes protecting themselves from the rush of wind.
The IS 350 interior bears all the hallmarks of Lexus design -- good isolation from the engine and the road, controls that are easy to understand and operate, tasteful use of natural materials, and a layout that is functional and uncluttered.
The seating position is comfortable and supportive, with both occupants housed in a cocoon-like cockpit. The foot wells are tight, but very much like what you'd find in a typical race car.
In the rear, though, short cushions and steep thigh to calf angles don't make for a comfortable foot experience. The seat aims to duplicate the front's dual cockpit like surroundings, which means the center position is virtually useless due to the intrusion of the driveshaft tunnel and the already-tight foot wells left and right.
That said, it is not at all unlike most sport sedans and like most sport sedans, the true beauty of the IS is in driving it, not in being driven around in it.
The front double wishbones grant the front wheels the evenness to allow them to go about their steering duties, while a rear multi-link setup keeps the rear rubber gunning full ahead.
Power to our test IS 350 is supplied by a variable valve timed 306-hp 3.5 V6 that sounds good when pushed, and cruises along quietly when needed. Delivery is quick thanks to a sensitive right pedal and control in the driver's hands, through sequential selection of the six gears via steering wheel mounted paddles (left to go down a gear, right to go up).
Traction assist is entrusted to Lexus' Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system that works with sensors for braking assists systems, traction and stability control systems to keep the car doing what the driver wants it to do. The system continuously analyzes driver input and compares it to desired, stable operation. When the computer detects any difference between the two, it instantly calculates what action will correct the deviation and appropriately enhances braking, engine output and steering to maintain stable operation.
The result is that you should never really have a problem with traction, whether you're pulling away from a stop, carrying a bit too much speed through a corner, or trying to haul the IS 350 to a stop as quickly as possible. Some would argue that some characteristics of sports sedans shouldn't be restricted, but personally I think not hurting the car is more fun than taking that oversteer beyond the recoverable limit, for example.
Closer to the road, 18-inch wheels are cloaked in performance rubber (225/40R18 up front and 155/40R18 in the rear), which means you'll have to change over to winter tires, but both you and the car will be much happier this way than if it were shod with all-season tires.
It all adds up to an excellent driving experience unparalleled by many sports cars, let alone sport sedans. The IS 350 is well worth the look, if you can get beyond the fact it doesn't have a propeller or tri-star badge.
Summary:
Test vehicle: 2007 Lexus IS 350
Price range: $49,150
Test model price: $59,950 (before taxes)
Options: Luxury with Navigation Package ($10,800) includes performance 225/40R18 (front) and P255/40R18 (rear) tires, power tilt and telescopic steering column, driver and passenger memory seat system with three memory settings, power rear window sunshade, electrochromic side view mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, bi-xenon projector High Intensity Discharge (HID) adaptive headlamps with headlamp washers, power moonroof, woodgrain trim, Mark Levinson Audio system (AM/FM stereo, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, 14 speakers), DVD-based navigation system, backup camera.
Fuel economy: 10.5 litres per 100 km (combined over 515.8 km)
Freight: $1,775
Basic warranty: 4 years/80,000 km
Competition: Audi A4 3.2, BMW 335i, Infiniti G35; Mercedes-Benz C350
Strengths:
- Smooth, powerful engine
- Great handling manners
- Tasteful, upscale interior
- Good fuel economy
Weaknesses:
- Tight rear seat legroom
- Small passthrough to trunk
- Trunk lid difficult to operate
Lexus IS 350 vs. BMW 335i vs. Mercedes C350
Find a dealer that sells the Lexus IS 350
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