DRIVEN: Lexus' All-New IS Is Aiming To Take Down The Big Boys

One vehicle that we've keeping our eye on is the all-new Lexus IS. When it made its debut, I was revolted by its all-new look. However, after Agent 001 spied an all-new 2014 IS and snapped shots of it on the street I started to appreciate it.

Hell, I started to like it.

And now it seems like the IS350 is giving the competition plenty to worry about. It's not just the amazing service you have come to expect from a Lexus either. It's much, much more.

With some folks reporting the IS 350 F Sport's steering is the best this side of an LFA and with a properly tuned suspension, it looks like Lexus may have built a car fit to be crowned king. They did it last time with the current gen IS 350 when it first dropped. Did Lexus do it again?

Seems like it.


What is it?

The 2014 Lexus IS begins the third generation of the sports sedan that debuted in 2000. At launch, the IS 350 will be the hottest version available. This trim -- with the 3.5-liter V6 making 306 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque -- will cost $40,360 when it goes on sale this summer. That's less than the four-door versions of both the BMW 335i and Mercedes-Benz C350, its main rivals, according to company brass. The 204-hp IS 250 starts at $36,845. Both prices include an $895 destination charge...

...

Do I want one?

If you don't need a manual transmission, the IS 350 -- with the F-Sport package -- is just as fun, if not more, than any of its German rivals...


SPIED: 2014 Lexus IS Photographed On Road































































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scenicbyway12 - 5/11/2013 4:06:02 PM

+2 Boost

This car dosen't have a attractive line on it.

ErnestHouse - 5/11/2013 4:38:27 PM

0 Boost

What? No hybrid option?

knowitall1985 - 5/11/2013 5:10:53 PM

+1 Boost

We will just have to wait and see how they sell.....

t_bone - 5/11/2013 5:29:38 PM

+2 Boost

Lol at the baleen whale front end. Got krill?

enthusiastx11 - 5/11/2013 5:29:52 PM

+1 Boost

the IS250 (90% of sales) isn't taking down anything in the category with it's 2006 underpowered V6. and the fugly looks aren't helping. the IS350 has some merit to it...but the looks are the same.

MorePower - 5/13/2013 12:20:02 AM

+3 Boost

Is this a re-post or did you recycle the same pictures from a previous article?

Agent63 - 5/13/2013 1:15:15 AM

-1 Boost

I'm all for the front and 2/3 of the side profile until it hits the rear end. That is one of the ugliest rear ends I have yet to see. The rest looks pretty slick like the ES/GS/LS but ....seriously Lexus? are you guys smoking too much crack lately?

curriescorner - 5/13/2013 10:15:11 AM

+1 Boost

Well the current GS has been lauded performance wise. Yet, sales dropped about a quarter in comparision to the last generation. That clearly indicates acclaimed driving dynamics is not the end all be all.

IMO, in order for this car to truly compete with the 3 series the q50 is going to have to be a complete let down and that's not going to happen.

Lexus can continue to ignore the q as a competitor, but you know the saying . . . what you don't acknowledge can still affect you.