Lexus IS350 F-Sport [Review]

When presented with the previous generation of the Lexus IS back in 2006, a Lexus not think lead to a circuit, much less graciously gave us a BMW 335i for melee we compare it with him on a track.

But the last seven years things have changed a lot, and the new Lexus IS, Lexus IS350 F-Sport finished, is a much more direct commitment by trying to eat ground to BMW, the maker of sedans “compact” the world’s most recognized sports.

The Indeed, BMW sports sedan and are looking at any potential client survey is made ​​to across the globe. Lexus wants to eat a piece of that pie, and is so confident of its new IS that did exactly this that we have said: gather your Lexus IS300 with a BMW 335i in a circuit so that we could try.

The key, according to Lexus, the new IS are in a much more rigid chassis, in a more communicative, and a new gearbox eight-speed. To know where we were, for four laps on the circuit IS we exchanged the old with the new model, and as might be expected, the new model was the clear winner, as both sporty handling behavior, informing us where was the limit of adhesion tire in a more crisp.

Leaving work to automatic by himself also found that the gearbox eight-speed fits much better with our intentions, using a force sensor to determine when to G up or reduce endure depending on how strong the car have supported. Thus, when we are in a long phase support in that “wait” before giving gas, the box is not engaged in putting gears.

Behind the wheel cams allow you to operate the box manually, but still not as fast as a double-clutch gearbox, and still has some ideas. But does it really IS the new improved as to stand up to a BMW 335i as a dynamic alternative?

In face to face with the BMW 335i, the Lexus IS350 F-Sport is neither as fast nor as effective, nor as good in support or changes in steering feel.

After a few laps at the wheel of the BMW and to become riding in the Lexus IS several things are clear. The first is that the Lexus feels “more compact and smaller”, it seems that it costs less to change direction. But for everything else, the BMW is better. To begin with, support changes more smoothly. Has better composure at the supports and can go faster cornering, while the 335i engine (a three-liter petrol turbocharged inline six-cylinder) has far more punch than Japanese engine. It is as if the BMW was more “mature” and Lexus were to play the card of being something more playful, but in the end, if we had to make a run, would be the logical choice our BMW.

Lexus also put at our disposal a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Daimler course relieve him next year, and the balance of forces will change something. The current Mercedes compact sedan is no match on circuit driving pleasure or for the Lexus or the BMW, being his favored ground driving “well planted” road.

Course, the way things are, do people buy their him into thinking sedan circuit or enjoy there? The reality is that the buyer gets carried over by the promotional campaign slogan (“Sport”), for aesthetics and the feeling when sitting in the cockpit at the dealer.

What Lexus has succeeded, and that is clear, the new Lexus IS is to create a design that is no longer at all, conformist. Its distinctive front generates feelings and opinions: either you love it or hate it. And that kind of polarization is what Lexus wants to win customers.

But if the striking first impact, the reality is that anything you spend some time with the car, leaving the IS will be as groundbreaking, and just entrándote by eye. Because what in photos jumps to the eye (the grille and the headlights) live not so striking if you look for them.

The interior is much less radical and polarizing, but it’s much more “interesting” that the generation hitherto had for sale, with a much more horizontal. With the Lexus IS350 F-Sport finished watch box is more interesting, with a sphere inspired by the LFA, with digital background and information variables.

Nevertheless, the impression is of quality and distinction, much more than before.

Circuit If we forget and out-link curves at legal speeds on the open road, we came across a car with a footprint comfortable, good visibility, that swallows bumps smoothly unexpected support, and around us with a Mark Levinson audio system premium.

Okay, in a circuit is much improved, to be “second best” in those duties of driving fun, but it’s on the open road where it still stands out for its ability to combine new character with the ride comfort of always.

And maybe that IS the key to many customers. It is a car that is left driving everyday with ease and comfort. It may not be as satisfying as the BMW linking curves apace, but most customers will be more than adequate.

Adds to the perceived traditional Lexus values ​​(quality, reliability, comfort), a character that needed from some time to create a car with its own personality. No, not a good direct rival to BMW 335i you’re a high amount of adrenaline in your body in the pass, but instead gives you a little more commitment to relaxed driving. matter of taste, then.

Although the nose gives us that buyers will choose for aesthetics, for the sake of the woman of the couple, and other intangibles.