Vehicle: 2006 Lexus IS350 with Sports Package
Price as tested: CDN$53700

Performance: The new Lexus IS is powered by 1 of 2 engines. A spicy 204 hp 2.5L or the very spicy 306 hp 3.5L. Both engines are DOHC V6 with 24-valves, dual variable valve timing and direct fuel injection. The subject of our tester is equipped with the very spicy 306hp 3.5 liter. With 227 lb/ft of torque available as low as 2700rpm, there are lots of bottom end performance when accelerating off-the-line. Both on paper and seat-of-the-pants feel very quick; indeed. However, its quickness doesn’t seem to reflect back on its claimed figure of 5.3 seconds runs from zero to 100km/h mark. On the other hand, Mercedes C350’s 3.5L with 7-Gronic feels quicker than IS350 with 6-speed manumatic, altough Mercedes’s claimed figure is slower. In terms of manumatic, IS350 has one of the best units available elsewhere. The shifts are crisp and responsive. Paddle shifters are logically placed. Every time one shifts up or down a gear, it minimics the hell/toe engine note to give driver good feedback. However, its still not as lightning quick as Audi’s Direct Shift Gearbox. Another drawback is lack of proper 6-speed manual transmission. Lexus only offer 6-speed for less powerful IS250 but not IS350 is unacceptable when 330i, A4 3.2 and G35 all have this standard.

Handling: The outgoing IS300 was known for its chassis stiffness and good balance of handling/ride. The new IS350 has taken to a new height with stiffer chassis, recalibrated suspension, springs and shocks. The result is a suspension that provides delightfully in corners while absorbing roughness as Lexus usually does. However, one has to paid for the price when a model grown up. The IS350 doesn’t handle as sharp as outgoing IS300. The electric power steering seems more in-line with other Lexus models than comparable sports sedan. While its fairly precise and tracking on the right path, its lack of feedback and featherweight. On the other hand, VDIM, or what Lexus called Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, is an instrusive system that can’t be turned off. While it could be a handful to handle powerful FR like this IS350. But for keen drivers who love to have a bit of RWD oversteer fun in corners, there is no switch to defect the electronic stability control is an absolute no-no. The good thing is body rolls are very well controlled when pressed enthuisastically, until VDIM kicks in!!

Brakes: The 4-wheel discs with standard ABS provide braking performance that is up to usual Lexus standard. Both the stopping distance and pedal feel are solid and controllable. All done in an elegant manners that are very Lexus-like.

Interior: Lexus has cleaned up IS’s instrumentation by get rid of the tacky chorological gauges. In with the new cleaner and more analog instrumentation gauges which are more pleasing to the eyes. While the outgoing IS300 feels cheap, IS350’s materials are finally worthy of the Lexus nameplate. There are plenty of soft-touch plastic and synthetic leather materaials covered the dashboard and door panels. The leather material used on the sports seats are of high-quality. Its soft and supple without sacificing the comfort one expects from Lexus. The smart use of aluminum and wood trim have created a very tasteful interior environment. Everything from automatic climate control and stereo are well-placed.

The back seat, however, remains a big disappointment. Not only does the C-pillars cut into any headroom, its lack of legroom is totally unacceptable in a car of this caliber. Those over 5″10 are not recommended to get into the backseat of IS350, even those below feel cramped back there.

The trunk space is tiny. Although it got uninstrusive trunk hinges and low liftover. Its barely can fit 2 large baggages for an airport trip. Plus the lack of 40/60 split fold-down rear seats really make you think twice before pick up a good friend from airport. A standard ski pass through doesn’t make any difference neither.

Conclusion: Despite of my crticisms, there are still lots to going for in the new IS350. Its powerful, it got plenty of interior features and its very well-made. In short, it finally becomes a worthy alternative to the German trio.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 LEXUS IS350
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.75/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 3/5

Overall rating: 4/5