The Lexus IS is getting outdated. The Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and newcomer Genesis G70 supply a more energizing expertise — even the present BMW three Sequence, which is definitely a yr older than the IS, feels newer inside, with extra up-to-date tech. The Lexus model as an entire is a powerhouse within the luxurious automotive area, but the IS posts decrease gross sales numbers than all of its German opponents.However that is to not say it is not aggressive — perhaps simply ignored. Should you’re searching for an alternative choice to these different compact luxurious sedans, there are methods during which the Lexus IS remains to be fairly interesting.Satisfying to drive, however missing motivationEven with out the zippier F Sport package deal that I will get into later, the usual IS 350 is sporty sufficient. It might have been round longer than its stablemates, however the IS’ chassis nonetheless feels segment-competitive.
As a substitute of sending shockwaves by the automotive’s skeleton, an errant pothole can hit the automotive’s competent suspension and journey no farther than that. Consequently, the occasional bump within the street does little to distract my enjoyment behind the wheel. My delight is elevated by the IS’ steering, which presents nice heft to its motion and ample ranges of communication about what’s occurring at street degree. That culminates in a automotive that makes me wish to drive it with gusto, even throughout mundane A-to-B journeys. That is how a sport sedan ought to make you’re feeling.
On paper, you would be led to imagine that the IS 350 is a fast automotive, with its 5.6-second Zero-60 time. Its three.5-liter V6 engine is sweet for 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, which is sufficient energy for respectable preliminary acceleration, however for midrange punch, this V6 is sluggish and boring.The eight-speed automated transmission is accountable right here. On the freeway, if you put your foot down, the Lexus does not discover the gear that’ll put you within the coronary heart of the facility band. This transmission not often will get downshifts proper. If something, the transmission is programmed with an effectivity bent, however the IS is not that environment friendly. After every week and 461.2 miles of testing, I averaged 24.2 miles per gallon throughout principally freeway driving. The IS 350 is EPA-rated for 20/28 metropolis/freeway mpg.The IS 350’s three.5-liter V6 lays down respectable horsepower and torque numbers, but it surely nonetheless feels sluggish.
Manuel Carrillo III/Roadshow
Should you’re searching for extra effectivity than what the V6 presents, the bottom IS 300 is provided with a 2.Zero-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is a tad lower than different turbocharged four-cylinders within the class. However with two fewer cylinders, the IS remains to be not that environment friendly with simply 21/30 metropolis/freeway mpg. Plus, it is rather a lot slower, with a Zero-60 time of 6.9 seconds.For individuals who need one thing a skosh extra fascinating, the IS 350’s non-compulsory F Sport package deal encompasses a barely extra aggressive exterior, as effectively totally different suspension tuning, distinctive wheels with summer season tires and a limited-slip differential. Inside, the F Sport is a bit racier-looking, too, with distinctive gauges, aluminum pedals, a black headliner and sportier entrance seats with heating and air flow. That mentioned, as good because the F Sport pack is, given how properly tuned the IS 350’s chassis is from the get-go, I would depart this package deal — and its $three,195 worth premium — on the desk.Excessive-quality inside with a bevy of normal security techThe Lexus IS presents extra commonplace security expertise than most of its opponents. Collision-mitigation braking, lane-keep help, automated high-beams and adaptive cruise management all come at no further price. The adaptive cruise management solely works above roughly 30 miles per hour, but it surely’s a pleasant contact that it is even provided on the bottom IS 300.
This degree of normal driver-assistance tech is extra sturdy than what Audi, BMW, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz supply within the base variations of their opponents. Even so, the IS’ $38,310 base worth (plus $1,025 for vacation spot) is greater than many opponents’ beginning MSRPs. Solely the Genesis G70 presents the identical degree of driving assist techniques — and for much less cash, too.The IS 350’s high-quality cabin is an enveloping and comfy place to be.
Manuel Carrillo III/Roadshow
Regardless of its quite a few security tech options, the place the IS falls flat is within the infotainment division. Heck, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t even provided, so that you’re simply left with Lexus Enform, which is probably the trade’s worst infotainment interface. Graphically, the system is enjoyable, however your blood may start to boil as quickly as it’s a must to work by Enform’s menus. That is as a result of the IS’ infotainment is managed by a joystick/mouse-based controller referred to as Distant Contact. Utilizing it’s as irritating as making an attempt to take away a thorn out of your foot with domestically anesthetized fingers. Subsequent variations of Distant Contact now use a touchpad-based controller, which is dangerous in a very totally different means.
Fortunately, the remainder of the IS’ inside is a pleasing expertise. The cabin is remarkably enveloping because of the excessive heart console, but it surely by no means feels cramped from any seat in the home. The driving force’s seat, particularly, left me feeling contemporary after an extended drive by the mountains. As well as, my back-seat passenger was additionally happy with the quantity of consolation she felt after our prolonged Sunday drive. In true Lexus vogue, the standard of supplies is on par for the phase.The 835-watt Mark Levinson premium audio system is a good complement to the cabin’s consolation, however there’s nonetheless room for enchancment there. The 15-speaker system is likely one of the clearer and extra enveloping models available on the market, however the subwoofer typically sounds small and overburdened by heavier low frequencies. In truth, audio techniques in vehicles extra not too long ago redesigned — even non-luxury autos — have impressed me extra as of late.In any case these years, the IS’ headlamps nonetheless look bizarre.
Manuel Carrillo III/Roadshow
Essentially outdatedThe Lexus IS has been on sale in its present, third-generation kind since 2013 and acquired a lightweight serving to of updates for 2017. But it nonetheless seems like a throwback when put next with the Audi A4, BMW three Sequence, Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Excluding the Mercedes, the opposite three vehicles have decrease base costs than the IS. Excluding the Genesis, although, you continue to should possibility them to cost factors greater than that of my $48,444 (together with vacation spot) tester. However when you’re prepared to pay a couple of thousand further, they’re going to supply extra trendy infotainment and driver-assistance options and most of them are extra fuel-efficient as effectively. All these vehicles drive fairly effectively, too, and none of them have bizarre design traits about them. Odd seems in all probability do not assist the IS transfer off showroom flooring. That spindle grille is way from universally praised and it is flanked by headlights which are means too upright for the svelte and swoopy LED daytime working lamps that accompany them.The 2019 Lexus IS 350 is a enjoyable automotive to drive, however it’ll take a whole redesign to face shoulder to shoulder with the phase’s finest gamers. The Audi A4, BMW three Sequence and Genesis G70 all have decrease beginning costs, but really feel higher executed from the get go.Till a next-generation IS arrives, you may wish to give this automotive a cross and look as a substitute on the comparably priced 2019 Lexus ES. It is bigger and never as inherently sporty, however the ES presents comparable efficiency to the IS, all whereas being extra refined, spacious, tech-laden and comfy. Proper now, the IS simply leaves the guts empty.