Review: Rebellious Lexus IS

The Lexus IS has grown up, literally. The all-new-for-2006 version's sporty and sophisticated body is 3.5 inches longer and 2.4 inches wider than its predecessor. While the overall shape is simple, the low, wide stance makes it look both substantial and aggressive. The rising beltline gives it a wonderful forward-leaning stance, and the well-defined wheel arches look completely organic, and I especially love the way the wheels look as if they actually stretched the skin of the car as they were pushed to the corners.

With 204 horsepower the IS 250 is a satisfying drive, if not hugely fast. Unless your last name is Andretti, acceleration should be adequate for you. The real joy of the IS 250 is its relaxed, easy-to-modulate power. It’s smooth and predictable, something I appreciated while commuting in Los Angeles traffic.

That said, the power mad among us will rejoice in the IS 350. Its 5.6 second run from 0-60 is impressive; even if you don’t live your life one quarter mile at a time you’ll still get a kick out of overtaking slower traffic. Put your foot down and there becomes here in no time flat.

Full review here

Lexus - 11/6/2005 12:38:24 AM

+1 Boost

Bolkski, it doe not matter the IS350 is still way faster than the BMW 330. I read on one of those auto magazine it say that the bmw 330 0-60 is like 6.6-6.7 second that pretty dam slow compare the IS350. It has been tested and proven that the IS350 can do 0-60 in 5.1-5.5. Even if it 5.5 second for the IS350, it still Way Faster than the BMW 330 what 0-60 in 6.6-6.7 second pathetic. You know what until bmw get some Real interior improvement they are Not a Perfect 10, more like a 7.

The point is, it a Fact, like it or not the IS350 is FAster than the BMW 330.

Lexus

p.s don't gave me wrong hey I like BMW too, I must says what is true. And the true is IS350 is faster than the bmw 330.

hdogan - 11/6/2005 12:41:13 AM

+1 Boost

these morons should've put new IS350 engine in the new GS,

330 is feels underpowered, no way it'll do 0-60 under 6.

Lexus - 11/6/2005 1:12:52 AM

+1 Boost

Hey! hakan, I difinitely agree with you on that one. I have posted several month ago that I really like the new GS but wish it would have at least 330 HP for the GS 300 and 400 Horse power for the GS 430. The GS is definitely a very nice ride but lack the Horse power.

Lexus

joe310 - 11/6/2005 2:54:27 PM

+1 Boost

wait for the 3.5 litre series with 355 horsepower?

Thats exactly the point: for $36k you can more for your money with the IS. That new 355hp BMW will most likely cost $45k and the new M3 even more expensive than that! And you act as if Lexus isnt working on the IS430!

As far as the IS350 vs the M3, of course the M3 will kill it, ITS THE M3, there is no denying that. Compared to the 330 though, how does the IS REALLY compare for the money.....???

PS: Why doesnt the new 3 have LED taillights? WTF?

Lexus - 11/6/2005 6:48:43 PM

+1 Boost

To all the BMW Lovers out there out think that the new 330 with 355 horse power is going retake the crown back from the IS350. So what if the BMW coming with 355 horse ponie, it Does Not matter because the IS460 is currently being tested in Germany and also has at least 450-500+ Horse Power. Once that new IS460 with 450+ is release in the U.S. Not only will it kick BMW 330 Ass but it will kick the BMW M3 ass as Well. Lexus is coming with alot new sport car with Over 500+ plus Horse Power, like the LF-A.

Lexus

Lexus - 11/6/2005 8:08:04 PM

+1 Boost

Hey! Paul I might wrong but I might Right at the same time. Lexus must of have doing something right because they only been around about what Not even 2 decade and look at the success they have. When they first came out everyone was saying are Not going to make it. Now look at them, they are going against the best in the Business BMW/MB. Hey I like BMW too, especially the new 650. But the only thing I don't about bmw is the interior design. Hey you must gave Lexus credit all the success that they have accomplish in such a short a mount of time. Right now it to early to tell, just wait another 5-10 years than we will know for sure who number #1 in the lexury segment. Hey you have your opinion and I have my.

Lexus

Lexus - 11/7/2005 12:20:28 AM

+1 Boost

Hey! this thing is getting out of hand I think! but let me clarify several things. First, of all I like all types of cars. Aston Martin rank #1 on the list, Lexus #2, BMW #3 on list. They are all great car but I decided to buy the New 2006 GS430 because I think it a really nice car both outside and inside. For the BMW 650 it an awesome car but need to make the interior design more lexurious, after all it a $80K coupe. But I would difinitely would like to buy the new Aston Martin Vantage or DB9 but not right now, probably several more years :)

Hey! that is why America is such a great country we can buy and choose which ever car we want to own and drive, as long we have the money to paid for it.