Like the less powerful IS 250, the current generation of IS 350 looks back to 2006 for its last major redesign, but has since enjoyed a few updates. The IS 350 is the cheapest sporty Lexus one can buy, provided your definition of sporty includes at least 300 horsepower and rear-wheel drive.
The latest model year saw the usual mid-cycle cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, but the IS 350 also gained available all-wheel drive. Also new are standard HID headlamps with LED daytime running lights.
The IS 350 is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, spewing some 306 horsepower at 6,400 rpm along with 277 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm, thanks to its high compression ratio of 11.8:1, variable valve timing and direct injection. The IS 350 comes exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels.
Aside from its larger displacement compared to the IS 250, the IS 250's 3.5-liter V6 also differs in that it augments the direct fuel injection with port fuel injectors. In light- and medium-load conditions, these additional injectors help produce a precise burn, optimizing power and efficiency. A dual exhaust system reduces backpressure at higher engine speeds.
Fuel economy, as estimated by the EPA, is 18 mpg in the city cycle and 25 mpg on the highway.
Standard safety fare is generous and includes airbags, traction and stability control in addition to anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. Eight airbags as well as a tire-pressure monitoring system are part of all IS350s as well. Comfort touches include a 13-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System with a six-disc in-dash changer with auxiliary iPod/MP3/WMA port, a moonroof, power locks and doors, an outdoor temperature gauge and compass.
The list of optional equipment is even longer, and includes sport tuned suspension, aluminum trim on the interior, a different front fascia, 18-inch wheels, leather interior with heated and ventilated seats, a voice-activated navigation system with rear parking assist and Bluetooth, a radar-enforced Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise control, parking assist, moonroof, and a 300 Watt Mark Levinson-branded audio system with 14 speakers with 7.1 channel surround sound support and six-disc in-dash DVD / CD changer, among others.
A more aggressive body kit, dual sport exhaust and even an aftermarket HKS dual exhaust are also on the options sheet.
The above are either available bundled as packages or as stand-alone additions.
F Sport Package
The F Sport Package takes inspiration from the IS F high-performance sedan, combining special suspension and steering tuning and 18-inch wheels with distinctive design touches. Giving the IS 350 F Sport Package model a sporty demeanor are a front lip spoiler and rear deck spoiler, plus the 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark super-chrome finish. There is also a matching dark-chrome front grille insert, and a new Ultrasonic Blue exterior color is available in conjunction with the F Sport Package.
Inside, special F Sport heated front seats feature a special microfiber insert and leather side bolsters to provide more grip for the driver and passenger during cornering. The package also adds F Sport badging to the steering wheel, shift knob and doorsill scuff plates.
Key Competitors
The IS 350 faces competition from the Mercedes-Benz C350, the BMW 335i and the Cadillac CTS.