Lexus IS review
The Lexus IS is a premium saloon aimed at the BMW 3 Series. It takes a different approach though, offering only petrol and hybrid options
Rather than copying the competition, Lexus has forged its own path with the new IS saloon. Sharper steering, firmer suspension (especially in the F Sport model) and a more rigid chassis mean it handles better than its predecessor, but still retains the refinement Lexus is famous for. There is no diesel option this time around, just two petrol-powered versions are available in the UK - the IS 250 uses a V6, while the hybrid IS 300h combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and returns class-leading CO2 emissions of 99g/km. Bold styling, inside and out, has been carried over from the LF-CC concept, while an even sportier coupe version is expected to arrive a year after the saloon's launch.
Our choice: IS 300h F Sport
Styling
Lexus is trying hard to make more of an emotional connection with its customers, and the stunning new design of the Lexus IS is an important part of that. The spindle front grille ties it in with the rest of the Lexus family, but the boomerang-style LED running lights, upswept side sills and sculpted rear lights are specific to the IS. Go for the F Sport trim and you get larger 18-inch alloys, a unique finish for the grille and deeper bodywork. On the inside, the quality is superb, while the overall design is similar to the CT200h. F Sport models get a speedometer that slides to one side revealing a digital screen, just like the LFA supercar.
Driving
The new IS uses an updated version of its predecessor's chassis, which is now more rigid and uses 20 per cent firmer suspension (the F Sport model is firmer still) with revised geometry. The result is excellent stability in the corners, plenty of grip and very little body roll. Well-weighted steering and strong brakes inspire confidence, too - the problem though is the lacklustre engine line-up. The 300h is smooth and refined at very low city speeds and on the motorway, but attempt to extract any performance and the whining CVT gearbox, lazy throttle response and sluggish acceleration (despite an output of 220bhp) spoil the fun. With its torque-converter six-speed automatic gearbox and 204bhp 2.5-litre V6 engine the IS 250 is more responsive, but never feels particularly sporty. In an attempt to up the fun, there are wheel mounted paddles for both models, and a dial that lets you control the volume of sythetic engine noise that's pumped into the cabin.
Reliability
Lexus has an excellent reputation for reliability and consistently finishes near the top of our Driver Power reliability survey. It's parent company Toyota has had some well-publiscised trouble with recalls in recent years, but Lexus has a much cleaner track record. Despite the added complexity of its hybrid powertrain, the 300h should be particularly reliable to run. That's because there's no clutch, starter or alternator are (they are integrated into the hybrid system) so none of these components need servicing or replacing during the car's lifetime, avoiding potentially costly bills. The Hybrid's battery has also been designed to last the lifetime of the car.
Practicality
With dimensions 75mm longer than its predecessor (70mm of which has been added to the wheelbase and 5mm to the front overhang) and 10mm wider, the new IS has grown slightly inside. Thanks to the extra length in the wheelbase and a new thinner front seat design rear legroom has increased by 85mm. The boot is slightly bigger too, so even with the batteries underneath the the floor in the hybrid model there's still 450-litres of space and 60:40 split folding rear seats. New multimedia services should make everyday tasks that little easier - for example a new parking navigation service delivers live information on pricing and availability in over 42,000 car parks throughout Europe. A sensational 15-speaker, 835W Mark Levinson stereo is fitted as standard on top-spec Premier models, and can be added as an option on F Sport and Luxury trim levels.
Running Costs
With claimed fuel economy of around 32mpg, the IS 250 won't be particularly cheap to run, but then Lexus only expects it to sell in small numbers. The big-seller will be the IS 300h, which has been designed to appeal strongly to fleet buyers, thanks to its class-leading economy and emissions of 65.7mpg and 99g/km respectively. In fact, factor in its lower maintenance costs, and Lexus claims the 300h will cost you nearly £1,000 less per year, for the first three years, than an Audi A4 2.0 TDI SE. But beware, while the tax breaks are excellent you're unlikely to get anywhere near the 300h's claimed economy in real-world driving.
For an alternative review of the latest Lexus IS Saloon visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk
Disqus - noscript
Poor mans alternative to ze Germans
Great car, no issues much better than previous mercs and audis.
Not a poor mans car at all just different alternative to the german same old motors.
I love the fact there is a dig at real world economy purely because its a threat to the German diesels....pull out as many negatives as possible! This will all change when ze Germans manage to improve on their hybrid technology that they have out in the US currently....I'm sure hybrids will be the future then, and much better than a standard dirty diesel. Already, Porsche are publishing unrealistic hybrid figures, so I assume this trend will continue.
The Lexus is a lovely looking car, a much more interesting choice for the buyer who forks out their own money for a car rather than rely on work to lease them a boring Audi
Ehh... 4 stars in 4 of the criterias, and one 3 star... How can that be 3.0 overall???
This car is great, and in real life no one drives on the track with cars like this. E-CVT is smooth as anything out there.
Toyota, third largest global auto manufacturer (Wikipaedia), believes that diesel fuel will become more expensive to refine in years to come; and diesel engines will also cost more to manufacture as emission standards become more stringent. (A tin can flltering particulates will no longer be adequate).
There is also the unique satisfaction and enjoyment of driving a hybrid vehicle - perhaps not perceived by those who have only driven the car around the block.
"But beware, while the tax breaks are excellent you're unlikely to get anywhere near the 300h's claimed economy in real-world driving."
Based on what exactly? Did you check?
Thought not
Spanners
Strange how the BMW 3 series gets 4 stars in all but one category, but overall is rated at 5 by Autoexpress. The Lexus gets 4 stars in all but one category and is rated at 3 stars overall. It seems that in the UK only German cars get 5 star rating on most of these reviews. I drive a 2012 320ED and I think it is a great car, but I don't understand the fascination with BMW's. Most of us sit in traffic, or drive on motorways. I can't say that I would describe the BMW as fun on any of these roads. I addition to that the engine is noisy and the stop start intrusive. I think that the hybrid is a good setup for most real world conditions. The Lexus looks very interesting, but for most people the fact that it isn't German will be enough reason not to buy one. Now if only I was in the market for a new car.
Erm, hang on a minute. You claim that it has 'poor real-world fuel economy' ... and yet the report clearly demonstrates that you haven't yet driven the IS300h!!
If the IS250 obtained 32mpg in your test (which is almost exactly what I achieved in the outgoing version I had - and loved!) then we can only assume that the IS300h will better that and get close to 40mpg. If that is the case then it definitely starts to make an economic argument for itself.
Further, I had the opportunity to see the car for myself last week, and all I can say is 'Wow'. No Audi or BMW dealer is going to let you park one anywhere near their premises.
@A330driver - who are you kidding? Poor mans alternative to a German eurobox! Hah!
I second that, the E-CVT is fantastic....I drive a lexus hybrid every day, and no German automatic can get close to the smoothness, not even that heavy/expensive hunk of junk called DSG. Granted, if driven hard, engine noise increases, but as long as your commute doesn't include the Nurburgring, then its no problem at all
Not a very surprising review considering what magazine this is. A very nice car, and had I the cash spare to buy one, I certainly would. The usual German cars are so boring now. And they may be "solidly built" and "reliable" but once you fork your own cash over, or the warranty expires, then costs are pretty high. Pfft. And last I checked, it was Japan that showed the world what reliablity was (with regards to cars).
Another typical AE review,, without looking at the overall star rating i guessed it would get 3 stars from AE !
Reviewer hasn't even driven the IS300h and already comes out with bold statements.. As it is not German or diesel, by default doesn't get good reviews
I've had enough of diesels !
An excellent car, and *at least* the equal to the Germans, whatever AE say. But Lexus, please produce an estate and/or hatchback version, because unfortunately I need more practicality than a saloon.
PS The award of only 4 stars for "reliability" was a joke. The authors own write up shows that the Lexus deserves 5 stars for this.