2009 Lexus IS350 Review | Buyer Guide
Challenging BMW
Most people think of Lexus as a builder of luxury cars, but the automaker also produces a line of sport sedans as well—the IS250, the IS350 and the IS F. These cars are designed to compete with the 3-Series sedans from BMW. The IS250 matches up with the 328i. The IS350 competes with the 335i, and the IS F takes on the M3. It’s hard to say how many potential BMW buyers opt for the IS instead, but Lexus sells in the neighborhood of 50,000 sport sedans a year.
The current generation IS sedans were introduced for 2006, and the 2009 models soldier on with only minor changes. You would need to see a 2008 and a 2009 model sitting side by side to notice the differences. The grille has been slightly modified, and the taillights, as well as the alloy wheels, are new. These changes don’t add a lot, but neither do they detract from the strong, athletic look of the IS.
On the inside, Lexus spruced up the business-like cabin with contrasting stitching on the leather upholstery, and a more attractive center control panel. They also modified the rear headrests so that they fold down to improve visibility. Seats in the IS are comfortable, but the fronts are not especially well bolstered for vigorous driving, and legroom in the rear is rather limited.
The IS comes equipped with high tech standard features like Smart Access, which enables drivers to unlock doors and start the engine, as long as the key fob is their pocket. There’s also VDIM, a sophisticated anti-skid program that is designed to anticipate a loss of control, and make corrections. Options, like a navigation unit and a pre-collision system, can be ordered for an extra charge.
The three models of the IS differ from each other under the hood. The IS250 gets a 2.5- liter V-6 that generates 204 hp. The IS350 sports a 3.5-liter V-6 that delivers 306 horses, and the IS F features a fire-breathing 5-liter V-8 that pumps out 416.
My test car was an IS350, and it was really quick off the line. The 3.5-liter V-6 is mated to a six-speed automatic, with paddle shifters on the steering column. The paddle shifters will now change gears when the car is in Drive, as well as the Sport mode. No manual gearbox is offered with this engine, which may turn off some enthusiasts, but this power train is capable of whisking the IS350 to sixty in just 5.6 seconds.
My IS350 displayed cat-like quickness in its handling. It came equipped with the optional “X” package, which provided a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloys with stickier summer tires. These features were nicely complemented by Lexus’ quick and precise electric steering. Out in the countryside, the IS gobbled up twisty roads, yet on the highways, and even secondary roads, the ride was well controlled and free from harshness.
The Lexus IS350 is an exciting car to drive, and even if it doesn’t convince a lot of dyed-in-the-wool BMW fans to change brands, it is still a sport sedan to be reckoned with. Pricing starts at $37,430.
Snapshot Review
Sporty Styling
Responsive Power Train
Sharp handling
