Lexus Takes a Small Step Forward
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RENZ DIMAANDALS
mall changes sometimes
bring big improvements.
Just ask Lexus. The 2021
Lexus IS didn’t start from a
blank piece of paper; instead,
the sedan continues on the
same platform it’s been on
since 2013 but receives small
upgrades to make it better.
Our example came in the
rear-drive configuration with
a 311-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 280
lb-ft of torque and an eight-
speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive is available,
though you’ll get a six-speed
automatic gearbox instead.
It sprinted to 60 mph in 5.
seconds and completed the
quarter mile in 14.2 seconds at
100.1 mph. Compared to the
last rear-drive Lexus IS 350 FSport we tested (a 2014 model),
the 2021 model was 0.1 second
slower to 60 mph but 0.3 mph
faster through the quarter
mile. That’s not bad, but it’s
slower than turbocharged
four-cylinder alternatives from
BMW and Alfa Romeo.
Road test editor Chris
Walton enjoyed the IS 350Intake
2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport
F Sport at the track. “This car
is closer to what a 3 Series
once felt like than how a 3
Series feels now,” he said. On
the figure-eight course, which
Walton went around in 25.
seconds, logging a peak lateral
grip of 0.93 g, the IS turned in
crisply, and the limited-slip
differential helped put down
the power so Walton could
slide the car with confidence.
“Overall, this is a very nice
sport sedan, and it’s the first F
Sport I feel made a difference.
It feels light and lively without
feeling on edge. More of this,
please, Lexus.”FIRST TEST
NEWSI OPINIONI GOSSIPI STUFFAlthough its test numbers
proved middling for the
segment, the updates helped it
deliver a better feel on the road.
With Sport S+ mode engaged,
the car’s steering feel was
superb, delivering great feed-
back of what was happening
at the tires. And although the
transmission held gears slightly
longer in Sport S+ mode, it
still upshifted too soon for our
liking. The gearbox down-
shifted quickly when it sensed
inputs from the accelerator
pedal, though, which improved
the driving experience some-
what. The suspension did a
good job controlling body roll
on tight turns, but it’s not to the
level of the Alfa Romeo Giulia
or Genesis G70.
Lexus updated the interior
a bit with a new 10.3-inch info-
tainment screen that’s finally
touch-sensitive. Although its
position on top of the dash
might be a bit out of reach for
the driver, the screen was easy
to operate. I avoided using the
frustrating trackpad.
The IS has less rear
passenger space than some
of its competitors, and that
was noticeable to this 6-foot-
scribe. The car’s fastback profile
limited headroom, and legroom
was just adequate enough for
me to squeeze into the rear seat
with the driver’s seat set to my
driving position.
The rear-drive Lexus IS 350
F Sport starts at $43,925, but
our example added a bunch of
options that raised its price to
$55,050. That’s a bit too high for
what you get, especially when
you compare it to an Alfa Giulia
or a Genesis G70. Miguel CortinaSPECS 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport BASE PRICE $43,
PRICE AS TESTED $55,050 VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, RWD, 5-pass,
4-door sedan ENGINE 3.5L/311-hp/280-lb-ft DOHC 24-valve V-
TRANSMISSION 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) 3,787 lb
(53/47%) WHEELBASE 110.2 in L x W x H 185.4 x 72.4 x 56.5 in 0-60 MPH 5.7 sec
QUARTER MILE 14.2 sec @ 100.1 mph BRAKING, 60-0 MPH 110 ft
LATERAL ACCELERATION 0.93 g (avg) MT FIGURE EIGHT 25.4 sec @ 0.71 g
(avg) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 20/28/23 mpg ENERGY CONS,
CITY/HWY 169/120 kWh/100 miles CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.85 lb/mile