Adding a shot of road adrenaline
Lexus leaves boring behind with sexy sedan
Overview Sporty sedan with a touch of refinement
Pros Creamy smooth powertrain, terrific suspension Cons Silly interface
What would I change? Get rid of the mouse-controller
How would I spec it? F Sport Series 3 Package for $53,950 — if you’re going to spend this much, might as well get the Mark Levinson Surround Sound system That gnashing, mandibular front end should have been the first clue that this premium sedan had a dirty side. Of course, as soon as I opened the door and saw the bordellored cockpit, it was game on.
It wasn’t that long ago that Lexus was known for its beautifully crafted, yet ultimately soulless luxury cruisers. They appealed to those who preferred to be protected at all costs from the distasteful sensations of driving — rolling sensory deprivation chambers of comfortable insulation.
But far up in the Toyota hierarchy, someone with the heart of an enthusiast, filled with despair at an eternity of boring cars, decided it was time to inject a little waku doki (Japanese for adrenalin rush) into the lineup.
Since its 2013 update, the IS 350 AWD has doubled in sales.
My tester, the spicier F Sport variant, features an even nastier version of the menacing spindle grille — it’s not a face to get lost in a crowd.
A nicely proportioned, compact sports sedan, the IS flaunts its curves like an exhibitionist.
It has the squared-off rump of a sports sedan, channelling a little BMW 3 Series in its razor-sharp edges and tapered deck-lid above twin tailpipes. The F Sport tosses in 18-inch gunmetal grey rims and LED headlamps.
The interior is decidedly more “cockpit” than “cabin.” Instead of slipping gracefully into a barcalounger’s embrace, one lowers with a plop into the highly-bolstered sports seats. Occupants sit race-car low within the car. I loved the firm grip of the contoured seats.
It’s a high-tech, ultra-modern environment with premium soft-touch materials and brushed metal. The centre console divides the cockpit, with a minimalist array of switchgear.
The grippy steering wheel with perforated leather, and drilled aluminum pedals are a reminder of its racier intent.
I have to admit, I was dismayed to see that Lexus hasn’t done away with the mouse-like controller for their infotain- ment system. It’s frustratingly fiddly, even when stationary, and far too distracting to attempt when one’s supposed to be concentrating on driving.
Push the start button, and the IS’s naturally aspirated V6 fires up — not with the sort of bark to turn heads, but a deeply satisfying rumble.
Based on a RWD platform, this model features AWD and a brushed-aluminum controller that allows the driver to choose between “Eco,” “Normal” and “Sport” modes.
Although it favours a 30:70 front to rear torque split, any wheel slip can change that to 50:50, ruling out any tail-wagging powerslides. However, those who live in the snow belt (and that could be anyone these days) will appreciate the AWD sure-footedness. Hardcore enthusiasts will probably want to forgo this model for the RWD, which comes with an eight-speed gearbox.
Leave the selector in normal, and the IS is thoroughly respectable in city traffic. It feels very tight and well put together, but there’s none of that thrumming urgency of a sports car held in check.
Switch over to “Sport” and it comes alive. With 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, the V6 produces effortless acceleration. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts with clean,
The instrument cluster is sure to earn a delighted chuckle
sharp precision — and there are wheel-mounted paddle shifters. But what really impressed was the adaptive variable suspension with “antisquat geometry.” Regardless of what mode, the IS just feels solid, but in “Sport” it corners dead flat.
The TFT instrument cluster is sure to earn a delighted chuckle. The crisp digital gauge features a black background, but switch to “Sport” and it turns white, and the tach gets an evil red glow. But that’s not all. Tapping a button on the steering wheel causes the entire thing to slide over to the left, to reveal displays showing navigation, audio and fuel economy. It sounds cheesy, but it’s actually really cool.
During my week of mixed driving, I managed an overall fuel consumption rating of 12.3 litres per 100 km from the 1,695 kg sedan.
While it’s not the full-on sports sedan that its German competitors — born and bred for the autobahn — so excel at being, the Lexus IS 350 AWD boasts beautiful handling, silken power delivery, and the added security of all-wheeldrive.