The all-new Lexus IS 350 has been launched in South Africa, where Lexus hopes it will rock the boat of the German establishment, with what it thinks is “the most fun-to-drive sport sedan in the world.”
In recent years Lexus has been working hard to reinvent itself as a manufacturer of faster, sportier and more exciting machinery. Apart from a renewed brand image, the second generation IS has been with us since 2006, so the new IS compact exec is responsible for some catching up against its German rivals.
We’ve seen the new and more assertive styling direction that Lexus has taken with the LS and GS models, but the new IS is clearly the company’s most intense embodiment. Tight proportions, flared wheel arches, the wide spindle grille, a strong horizontal beltline and up-swept styling cues towards the rear-end, all make for a sporty and visually intricate appearance; a kind of ‘fluidic origami’. The car’s masculinity also has a definite bias towards the rear, drawing attention to the fact that power is fed to the rear-wheels.
The IS 350 is available in standard, EX or F Sport specification, with the latter adding an exclusive styling package, which includes: a revised front bumper with additional air intakes for better downforce and brake cooling; a more pronounced radiator grille with honeycomb mesh; and 18-inch Y-spoke design alloy wheels.
As well as introducing an entirely new look and feel to the IS brand, the car is also slightly larger in both length and width than its predecessor. These changes mean improved passenger space, with 85 mm more knee room in the rear, as well as a useful 480-litres of boot space. The practicalities are well taken care of, but the IS continues to delight with its striking blend of lines and surfaces within the cabin too.
Lexus call it their ‘L-finesse’ design philosophy, which divides the dashboard into two distinct zones: a display zone and an operation zone. The upper zone includes the 7-inch infotainment display, driver’s instrumentation and analog clock, while the lower zone houses the controls for the Remote Touch Interface (RTI), Drive Mode Select system and the climate control panel that now features electrostatically operated switches.
Much detail has gone into the design of the cabin’s ergonomics, with the aim of achieving a more focused driving experience. Additional comfort and lateral support have been engineered into the seats, as has a 9 mm lower hip point and 19 mm more rearward adjustment. The steering wheel has been inspired by the company’s LFA supercar, which means it’s a 3-spoke item with a 370 mm diameter and feels particularly comfortable. With it has come improved height and reach adjustment, allowing an ideal driving position to be achieved.
Luxury and quality go without saying when speaking of Lexus and the new IS lives up to expectations. Soft touch and leather finishes are the order of the day, while silver metallic trim strips and detailing provide a contemporary and classy ambiance. Knee pads on either side of the centre console for increased driver and front passenger comfort are part of the F Sport package and are an appreciable attention to detail.
Lexus has also ensured the IS is equipped with the latest software features and functions when it comes to infotainment. Standard equipment on the EX and F Sport models is Electro Multi Vision Navigation (EMVN). The system benefits from a computer processor that is four times faster than before and can thus provide: automatic screen zoom at intersections; 3-D viewing angle with city model and landmark graphics; as well as the accurate replication of motorway signage and speed limit information.
Unique to the F Sport is the driver’s instrument cluster, which incorporates a ‘driver’s meter’ with moving centre ring a’la LFA. The information display can also be customised to the driver’s preference.
Navigating the car’s sound, sat-nav and other settings is made easy thanks to the Lexus Remote Touch Interface (RTI), which operates much like a common computer mouse, with a joystick like movement and push button action. Bluetooth, iPod and Aux-in connectivity are all standard, as is an 8-channel and 8-speaker sound system.
Beneath the glitz and glamour of the car’s styling and technology, the bodyshell is lighter and more rigid than its predecessor. The front suspension system has been revised to offer a 20% increase in roll rigidity, while an all-new multi-link rear suspension system has been fitted. A new electric power steering system offers a lighter and smoother steering action.
On the local launch through the hills of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the new IS felt planted and responded well to steering inputs. The EX model offered some kick-back through the steering on bumpier sections, but not so much as to distract from the driving experience, if anything, it added to the involvement. The new Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system on the F Sport model allows the driver to choose between ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport S+’ modes for damper settings. The AVS offers improved body control and steering response. Steering on the F Sport is also sharper and more feel-some thanks to a variable ration rack, which decreases the steering ratio for easily navigating tight corners or when parking, while increasing the ratio at high speed, for more accurate response and vehicle stability.
The IS 350 is powered by the same 3.5-litre V6 that was found in the previous generation IS. Lexus have, however, reduced the engine’s weight, improved the combustion process, reduce internal friction and increased the intake and exhaust valve diameters. Despite the additional tweaking, power remains 228 kW at 6 400 r/min and 375 Nm of torque at 4 800 r/min.
In the era of turbocharging it’s becoming more common to find peak torque developed within the lower rev range and so the naturally aspirated Lexus takes some ‘winding up’ by comparison. A new 8-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission, adopted from the Lexus IS F, helps in this regard. With the transmission in sequential manual mode, running the V6 through the rev range proves a rewarding experience, as the V6 howl is enjoyed sans super- or turbocharger interference; even if it is aided by an intake sound generator.
While engine, steering and chassis all respond sharply to driver inputs, especially with the Drive Mode Select system in ‘Sport’ and in the edgier F Sport model, the brakes are another stand out aspect of the IS. The system is all-new and features lightweight aluminium rear calipers, while the discs are ventilated units in sizes 334 mm up front and 310 mm at the rear. A compact, lightweight, master cylinder derived from the LFA supercar and a new brake booster, offer immediate response and positive feedback through the pedal. In addition, the brake pedal itself has been shaped and angled for better control.
In terms of outright performance, the Lexus IS 350 is capable of a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds and will reach a top speed of 225 km/h. Fuel consumption for the larger capacity V6 is 9.7 l/100km.
Safety highlights include the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system, which analyses and co-ordinates data from the car’s engine torque, ABS, EBD, steering, traction and stability control systems, to provide the safest response to any emergency situation. In addition, pedestrian safety has also been improved thanks to a new pop-up hood that is designed to provide more cushioning in the event of an impact. The IS is equipped with 10 airbags as standard and a new tyre pressure warning system is able to indicate exactly which tyre is experiencing a loss of pressure.
The new Lexus IS 350 is a thoroughly and impressively detailed vehicle on a number of levels. The driving experience is now more satisfying than ever, the safety systems promise peace of mind, while luxury and refinement remain a draw card. It’s just a pity that the more modestly powered IS 250 isn’t available for the moment, as it could reach a wider number of budgets. Having said that, the keen pricing of the IS 350 poses something of a barrier to entry for the smaller capacity IS 250 at this stage.
| Prices (incl. VAT & CO2 tax) | |
| Lexus IS 350 | R449 900 |
| Lexus IS 350 EX | R499 900 |
| Lexus IS 350 F Sport | R553 900 |
Pricing includes a 4-year/100 000 km warranty and maintenance plan.
