2023 Lexus IS350 AWD - Head-turning looks, well-appointed cabin, supportive front seats

2023 Lexus IS350 AWD - Head-turning looks, well-appointed cabin, supportive front seats

Starting at $41,235

Overview
Not only does the 2023 IS wear Lexus’s spindle grille better than most of its stablemates, but it is also prettier than most of the other cars in the compact sports-sedan class. It’s a shame then, that its performance doesn’t quite match that of cars like the Audi A4, BMW 3-series, and Genesis G70. Even the top-spec IS500, with its range-topping V-8 engine and the IS’s best suspension, fails to be as crisp-handling and rewarding as we’d hope for in a sports sedan. The entry-level IS300’s turbo-four feels underpowered but the middle-of-the-road IS350’s V-6 is more refined—even if it’s not particularly quick by sports-sedan standards. The IS does a better job emulating Lexus’s other built-for-comfort luxury cars, with a ride that’s compliant and easy-going. Similarly, the cabin is nicely built with premium materials and generous features. So, perhaps the IS is the sedan for people who want a car that looks sporty but drives chill.

What's New for 2023?
For 2023, the IS350 F Sport and IS500 F Sport models get new wheel designs, with the latter coming with 19-inch Enkei rollers. A special appearance package for the IS500 F Sport Performance Premium model includes Molten Pearl exterior color with black faux-leather interior upholstery and unique BBS forged alloy wheels; only 150 will be built. The IS350 F Sport also gets a new appearance package, but instead of the Molten Pearl color, Lexus has chosen Incognito exterior paint with an Obsidian-colored hood; only 480 of these will be offered for sale.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
IS300 $41,235
IS350 F Sport $45,560
IS500 F Sport Performance $59,420
IS500 F Sport Performance Premium 63,920

Although we're most intrigued by the high-performance IS500 model, its price may put it out of reach of many shoppers. If that's true for you, we'd think the mid-range IS350 F Sport with rear-wheel drive offers most of the IS's performance charms. The F Sport package not only offers more aggressive exterior styling but also comes with unique 19-inch wheels with larger rear tires, a cold-air intake system, a limited-slip rear differential, an F Sport exhaust, and sport seats with heat and ventilation. We'd also opt for the Dynamic Handling package, which includes an adaptive suspension system.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 IS has three engine options: a 241-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the IS300, a 311-hp V-6 in the IS350, and now a 472-hp V-8 in the IS500 F Sport Performance model. We haven’t been fans of the four-cylinder in previous tests of the IS300, as its dull character isn't well matched to the car's athletic chassis and refined, upscale personality. Ordering the V-6 allows the IS to shine and unlocks the F Sport package, which brings numerous performance upgrades such as a limited-slip rear differential, staggered 19-inch wheels, and an optional adaptive suspension. When we tested a rear-wheel-drive IS350 F Sport, we recorded a brisk 5.6-second zero-to-60-mph time—average for this swift class. Looking for the ultimate IS? The V-8-powered IS500 model is the one to consider. At our test track, it pulled off a solid 4.3-second zero-to-60-mph run.

readmore at https://www.caranddriver.com/lexus/is