I had the opportunity to drive the Lexus IS350 and all over the other lexus models at a taste of Lexus event yesterday.

I must say that Lexus 06 IS350 is sweeeeeet! Its very quick, and the handling is almost identical to the 06 BMW 330i. I drove the 350 first, and then the BMW 330 for a comparison on the same track. The handling is almost identical, but the Lexus beats it quickness. The interior is very luxury, the seats are comfortable as well. My only complaint is that the instrument panel seems a little cheap, and the Navi screen is not as big as the one in my TL. Other than that the car looks great inside and out.

My original impression of Lexus was that it was a line for "old people", but not anymore, I could see myself in the IS350, and kind of considering getting it in the future. I drove the IS350 3 times.

Only drawback is that the 350 doesn't come in a manual. The 250 does, but when driving the 250, the handling wasn't nearly as good as the 350 for some reason.

The GS 330 and 430 are also nice cars; near perfect interior, and the exterior is the best of all lexus models IMO. Neither are as quick as the IS350, but probably overall better cars.

The SC was OK, kind of dissapointing though especially with a $65,000 price tag. It could use a bit more power, and more agressive look.

The event itself was very fun, they had food galore, and not your basic chips and soda. They had REAL food including egg rolls, pizza rolls, orange juice, smoothies, turkey and cheese wraps, etc etc. And best of all it was all FREE!!!

Lexus must have a lot of money to put on an event like that. This is by far the best driving event I have ever went to.

 

How were the ventilated seats?

 

Yeah the fact that the IS350 does not come with a true manual is disapointing...

Typical Toyota (Lexus) though...

The overall package looks good though...

 

Lexus is going to turn the IS into their performance oriented line. There will be a coupe and convertible version out by 2007 or so.

The SC you drove is more oriented as a touring convertible.

The 6 speed version of the IS350 is in the works. It wasn't ready for release just yet but it should be out by mid '06.


I worked at the Houston Lexus test drive event and had an opportunity to meet one of their engineers who was in town to give a lecture.

 

Do all of the IS350's have the paddle shift thing in them? if so how was it? Also does it feel larger then your TL, in regards to interior space?

I like the GS as well, and it seems like a great car and MUCH bigger then my TSX in terms of interior space(which is my largest complaint, well that and speed) however, it only specs out a few inches at best in all directions larger inside. So I am not sure how much I buy into the manufacturer's measurements of interior dimensions.

 

I didn't get a chance to sit in the rear of the IS250/350, is it really cramped back there?

 

I'm 5'9" and average length legs ... I set the seat up in the front then proceeded to check out the rear seats. IT IS TIGHT back there! If you're > 6' ... forget sitting behind the driver's seat for long periods of time unless you're in a car seat. My . However, this was just a 10 minute walk / sit-through at the dealership. I booked an app't for a full test drive next Wednesday.

 

Good to know.. tks for the info...

 

cool thanks for the info. the car looks so sweet

 

I think the paddle shift is standard. It was in the one I drove though. The interior seems a bit smaller than the TL, especially in the back. After I got my son's car seat in the car his feet were resting on the back of the front seat. The seats were great though, VERY comfortable. Other than the couple of compliants, it is a very sweet ride.

Was it just me or did the GS300 seem to have more performance than the GS430?

I also drove the BMV 330 and 530, not really impressed with the 530. That I-Drive is such a pain, I played around with it and discovered imediately that it wasn't for me. The BMW330 handles well, but just didn't have the same kick as the IS350.

 

Also I noticed that the BMW530 had a huge hesitation when I floored it. I remember mashing the pedal and the car just sat there for almost a whole second....very strange...

 

wow, I will definetely have to check it out when it comes out with a manual tranny.

 

hmm, cant wait til i can have some time to check it out too. but most likely i'll be waiting for the manual version.

the GS300 DID seem quicker, more agile, and nimble compared to the GS430.. which was strange IMO.. my mom is debating between the GS300 AWD and the RL. i still say the RL!

 

Uh, I don't think so. I've driven the Lexus IS 350 too. It's no 330.

The steering is too light.

With Lexus, the car drives you. With BMW, the driver is in charge.

Loved the Lexus. Very solid, Amazing refinement, Incredibly fast! Blown away by the speed. BUT, I was dissappointed w/ the handling & Steering. No where near BMW, or g35 in that department.

 

what was the OMG for?

 

OMG = Oh My God.. I think??

 

no i know that

 

i cant wait to drive one

 

ok maybe I was exagerating a little bit, but I still think the handling was still pretty close to the BMW and G35. The 250 to me didn't handle very well, but the 350 did. And if by light you mean loose feeling, then I agree with the steering dissapointment as well. I felt that it was a bit "looser" than the BMW steering, I felt that in almost all the Lexus I drove. I can't remember if I felt that in the SC. But I did feel it in the GS400, the LX470, and a bit in the GS300 and the IS350

But overall still a great car, something I would definetely consider when I'm in the market again.

 

I'm not sure if I understand what you were trying to say then. BMW's trademark handling is that of a very tight steering, where you control the car and feel tied down to it. If the IS350 steering is pretty loose, how does it ride like a Beamer?

Personally, handling matters far more to me than speed. I would be happier with an 06 325i than I would be with any faster Japanese car that has looser steering.

 

so, you like driving a chick car?

 

Sure, I guess so. I can't find another car that gives me the rush I get from driving a 3-series. The sporty ride and handling of the 3-series is something I place a high value on. Any Japanese car with more horses that has looser handling and a more luxury ride wouldn't really cut it for me. The 5 and 7 are luxury cruisers that don't do much for me. The Z4 is way too small and I feel like I am driving a go kart.

My next car will likely be an 07 330xi or 430 convertible. But I would still take a 325i over most Japanese cars any day.

 

the IS350 was NICE!! I actually liked the paddle shifting; it was very quick. The car suprised me on how fast it really was. Not a bad car, but too bad the rear looks like a Corolla. The E500 in the event however, was BADASS; talk about torquey. I also noticed the hesitation on the 5-series; kinda strange, but it loves to rev; that's for sure! Overall it was a nice event; would I buy the new IS; only if it was in the previous generations' skin.