AT A GLANCE

Drivetrain: Front, inline-mounted petrol engines, driving the rear wheels. Outputs: IS250 – 2500cc 24-valve V6, six-speed automatic, 153kW at 6400rpm, 252Nm at 4800rpm. IS350 – 3456cc 24-valve V6, eight-speed automatic, 233kW at 6400rpm, 378Nm at 4800rpm. IS400h – 2494cc 16-valve-I4, CVT, 133kW at 6000rpm, 221Nm from 4200-5400rpm, 105kW/ 300Nm electric motor. Performance: IS250 – Max 225kmh, 0-100kmh 8.1secs, 40-70kmh 5.4secs, 9.2L/100km, 213g/km CO2. IS350 – Max 225kmh, 0-100kmh 5.9secs, 40-70kmh 3.6secs, 9.7L/100km, 225g/km CO2. IS400h – Max 200kmh, 0-100kmh 8.5secs, 40-70kmh 4.8secs, 4.9L/100km, 113g/km CO2. Chassis: Front double wishbones, rear multi-links, electronic power steering, various 17-18 inch alloy wheel options. Safety: Stability control, integrated vehicle dynamics control, traction control, hill start assist, 10 airbags. Dimensions: L 4665mm, W 1810mm, H 1430mm, W/base 2800mm, F/track 1550mm R/track 1540mm, Fuel 66L, Weight 1555-1640kg. Pricing: IS250 $73,995, IS350 $94,995, IS 300h $80,995. Sport pack adds $11,000, Limited pack adds $14,000. Advanced safety pack adds $3000. High spec Mark Levinson audio $2600. Hot: The IS’s poise, balance, equipment, price and quality is unimpeachable, and the hybrid at its price is a star. Not: Polarising ‘Jim Carrey’ frontal styling; no 4x4 options in RHD models; hybrid sound generator is laughably ineffective. Verdict: IS range leaves no stone unturned, but nothing is more complete than the mid-priced IS300h hybrid.