2010 Lexus IS 350 : First Look

Jay Williams - 27/October/2010

Aichi, Japan - Lexus has boosted its IS line performance credentials with the introduction of the powerful new IS 350 sedan, following its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show this month.

Lexus chief executive Tony Cramb said IS 350 would be a strong addition to the Lexus range and bring with it increased competition to the luxury vehicle market.

"IS line is one of Lexus' most popular ranges of vehicles, and IS 350 will add to the line's appeal," Mr Cramb said.

"The IS 350 is an outstanding vehicle - it leads its competitors on power, performance, specification, price and value.

"Much like our first vehicle - the LS 400 - IS 350 will result in customers questioning why they'd pay 20 to 30 thousand dollars more for a similarly powered vehicle from our competitors," said Mr Cramb.

"With IS 350's powertrain, list of standard features and segment-leading price, IS 350 will definitely give our competitors a run for their money."

Joining Japan, the US and Canada, Australia will be one of only four countries to offer the IS 350. Lexus Australia has not yet confirmed if the IS 350 convertible will be made available here.

The Lexus IS 350 range features three models - Prestige, F Sport and Sports Luxury - and is priced from $64,800.

The IS 350 Prestige is equipped with split five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera with rear guide assist, touch-screen satellite navigation with BlueTooth connectivity, multi-information display, power-adjustable front-seats, leather-accented seats and front seat heaters.

The sound system in the Prestige features a 13-speaker 'premium' audio system, including a six-CD multi-changer.

The IS 350 F Sport gets a unique suspension setup befitting its place in the brand's F Sport line-up, along with 18-inch alloy wheels and an IS F-inspired rear spoiler, radiator grille and front bumper intake.

Adding to the Prestige's features, the IS 350 F Sport also gets IS F-style sport seats with drivers' memory function, F Sport steering wheel and gear shift lever, sports pedals and F Sport badging.

The F Sport is also equipped with power tilt and telescoping steering column adjustment, auto-retract and self-dimming exterior mirrors, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system.

The IS 350 Sports Luxury adds Active Cruise Control, Lexus Pre-Collision Safety system (PCS) with Pre-Collision Braking (PCB), front and rear clearance sonar, and self-dimming and heated exterior mirrors.

Inside, the Sports Luxury adds ventilated and heated front seats, semi-aniline leather-accented seat trim, Smart key card, self-dimming rear-view mirror, driver's seat memory function, woodgrain-look trim and 14-speaker premium audio system.

On the safety front, all three grades feature eight airbags, including driver and front passenger knee airbags and side (thorax, abdomen, pelvis) airbags.

Options:

The IS 350 Prestige has the combined option of moonroof and semi-aniline leather-accented seat trim.
The IS 350 F Sport has the option of a moonroof.
The IS 350 Sports Luxury has a moonroof as standard equipment, with the option to delete it.

The IS 350 features a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that produces 233kW of power and 378Nm of torque.

It also has intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) for inlet and exhaust, and an intelligent electronic throttle.

The V6 is mated to a six-speed sequential transmission, sending power to the rear-wheels the Lexus IS 350 can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds (claimed).

Pulling the car to a halt is a set of 334x30mm spiral-vented discs up front (38mm larger than the IS 250) and 310x18mm discs at the rear. Four-piston aluminium calipers figure up front, with single-piston aluminium calipers at the rear.

Meanwhile, the IS 350 F Sport gets a specialised suspension setup, including coil springs that lower the car by 10mm and tuned monotube dampers.

The IS 350 F Sport also has a front/rear tyre size differential, with 225/40R18Y front tyres and 255/40R18Y rears.

The 40-aspect ratio tyres were selected in order to increase the car's cornering stiffness, compared with the 45-aspect ratio tyres of the IS 350 Prestige.

Steering is revised for the F Sport chassis package also, with its own steering-gear ratio of 13:6:1, compared with 13:5:1 for the other IS 250 / 350 model grades.

2010 Lexus IS 350 pricing:

2010 Lexus IS 350 Prestige - $64,800*
2010 Lexus IS 350 F Spor - $71,800*
2010 Lexus IS 350 Sports Luxury - $81,300*

* Prices are manufacturer list price only and do not include dealer delivery or on-road costs.

Related Links:
- Lexus LFA Special Edition (2010)
- Lexus Hybrid LS 600hL (2010)
- Lexus IS CCS (2010)
- Lexus LFA (2010)
- Lexus IS F (Model Update)
- Lexus IS F (Road Test)
- Lorinser Lexus LS 460 (2009)
- Lexus IS-F Black Bison by Wald (2009)
- Lexus LS600hL (Road Test)
- Lexus GS450h (Road Test)
- Lexus LS 460 AWD (2008)
- Lexus IS250 (Road Test)