Car Sight

The IS 250's 2.5-litre V6 develops 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Think about it: there is no other Toyota or Lexus model sold in North America that offers this engine, and only the FJ Cruiser and Tacoma are available with 6 speeds in their manual gearbox. The term 'badge engineering' doesn't apply here.

The IS is arguably the sportiest car in Lexus' line-up, but it doesn't turn its back on ride quality. The car is sure-footed and confident, and its linear steering entices you to take curves a little faster, a little sharper. At 100 km/h, the small V6 is spinning at 2,600 rpm, but the cabin is pretty quiet nonetheless.

However, driving the IS 350 may be something of a letdown from the dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast's perspective. The 3.5-liter V6 is unquestionably a highlight, providing smooth yet thrilling acceleration at the drop of your right foot. Unfortunately, the only available transmission is an automatic, and it's a slow-shifting one at that. Moreover, while the IS 350's steering is accurate, it's notably uncommunicative. Handling limits are quite high, but the brake pedal doesn't inspire confidence with its long travel and soft feel. On the whole, it seems that Lexus was aiming for a slightly less sporty demographic with this car, namely buyers who want the aesthetics and track numbers of a sport sedan along with the compliant ride and coddling interior of a luxury sedan.

The sole transmission choice is a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The IS 350 accelerates with the tenacity of a dedicated sports car, as the 0-60 sprint requires just 5.6 seconds. Although the transmission offers quick manual-style gearchanges, it doesn't match revs on downshifts like some rival automatics do.