Lexus IS250
Class-leading quality, reliability and silky performance... Lexus is well known for all of them. But until now, one vital ingredient has been missing: visual excitement. The sensational new IS seeks to change this, adding sporty styling to Lexus' list of strengths. Auto Express was first behind the wheel to find out if the newcomer goes as well as it looks.
Stylish, fast, fun to drive and beautifully made - the new IS has all it needs to tempt customers from German rivals. Bettering the previous car in every way - but keeping Lexus brand values intact - the model has head-turning styling and huge showroom desirability. It's a pity the 3.5-litre V6 isn't coming here, but the 2.5 is superb and makes for a silky smooth tourer.
Class-leading quality, reliability and silky performance... Lexus is well known for all of them. But until now, one vital ingredient has been missing: visual excitement. The sensational new IS seeks to change this, adding sporty styling to Lexus' list of strengths. Auto Express was first behind the wheel to find out if the newcomer goes as well as it looks.
In the flesh, it is certainly a stunner. Bigger than its predecessor and with a longer wheelbase, the car mixes Lexus traditionalism with sharp new lines.
From the slanting headlights to the muscular belt line which arcs from the front wings to the tail-lamps, there is no doubt the IS takes up where the previous model left off. In Japan, the rear-wheel-drive machine comes with a choice of engines: a 2.5-litre V6 and a new 3.5 V6. But in place of the larger-capacity flagship, UK buyers will get a 2.2-litre turbodiesel developing 175bhp.
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Cash £22,973Specs have not yet been finalised, but engineers estimate the 2.5 generates around 220bhp and 250Nm of torque, while the 3.5-litre produces a healthy 310bhp and 360Nm. And although official acceleration figures aren't available, the IS350 is expected to sprint from 0-60mph in less than six seconds, in contrast to the IS250's 7.3 seconds.
Whichever car you choose, power is delivered instantly and progressively, and the exhaust has even been given a beefy, metallic note for extra sportiness. That's all backed by a smooth six-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters. With plenty of torque on offer, progress is effortless, while an excellent ride - plus the class's quietest cabin - adds further appeal.
Through corners, the IS's stiff chassis and sporty suspension set-up combine to provide handling which is among the best in this sector. The steering could do with more feel, but the IS is an agile machine with lots of grip - easily comparable with its German rivals.
Safety has been at the heart of the car's development, too, and the company has included an updated version of its stability control system which, combined with strong brakes, makes for a thoroughly reassuring drive.
The interior blends soft, flowing contours with materials of the highest quality, while an exquisite 13-speaker Pioneer sound system is included as standard. Meanwhile, the seats provide incredible support and, as we have come to expect from the Japanese brand, the cabin's construction is solid.
The latest IS also features a twin-chamber airbag for front occupants - a world first on a production car. This set-up's new 'omni-support concept' means two front airbags open together in an accident. They form a V-shaped indentation, capturing the driver and passenger's head and shoulders, spreading the load and reducing the chance of injury.
The all-new IS is so far ahead of its predecessor that it could have been given another name. Unlike previous models from the company, it certainly looks the part and handles superbly, while offering impeccable comfort and quality as only Lexus can. The German competition should be very worried.
