Picture Gallery: 2007 Lexus IS350
Day 1:
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You know, I really enjoy this gig I’ve got going here, especially when I step out of something like the Acura RDX (which was a fantastic little CUV) and into something even more fantastic: the Lexus IS350. Stepping out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary is something I am getting used to and loving.
It’s unfortunate that the weather is not cooperating very much for me this week. Rain, freezing rain, chance of snow; not the best conditions to test one of the hottest luxury sports sedans on the market. Lucky for me the vehicle is equipped with some high performance snow tires and there is a call for a few days of temperatures into the teens.
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I won’t list all of the items included in the sports package, but most notable are 18″ aluminium alloy wheels, moonroof, bi-xenon HID headlights with adaptive technology, sports suspension, and for the other half, a 10-way adjustable passenger seat with three memories.
At the core of the IS350, you have a 6 speed automatic transmission with sport shift paddles and an unbelievable 3.5litre V6 engine producing 306 hp and an impressive 277 lb-ft of torque. Enough power to get you past pretty much any vehicle in a blink of a eye.
This is one week where I will have to show restraint with my right foot and a week where I may be visiting the fueling station more than a few times.
2007 Lexus IS350 + Sports Package
MSRP as tested: $53,800
For more information on Lexus and the IS350 visit Lexus Canada
Updated November 30th 2006
Day 2:
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I’ll start with the most used feature of any vehicle: the keys. The IS350 comes standard with a smart key system and push-button start and stop. The convenience of this feature becomes apparent especially during the shopping season. This system means that constant egress and ingress does not require constant fumbling for the keys.
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As an added bonus, the IS350 detects your presence and illuminates the interior. On the inside, 10-way adjustable power seats with three memory settings for both the front passenger and driver means your passenger won’t complain that the driver is getting preferential treatment. Both seats are also heated and have a ventilation fan to ensure that you do not sweat in the summer heat.
The standard audio system is not too shabby either. The system consists of 13 speakers matched to an AM/FM CD player capable of playing both MP3 and WMA files. Also included is a six-disc CD changer and an auxiliary input for your iPod.
There are some other features I have noticed in the Lexus that seem very small at first but, after a few days, make you feel pampered like other leather-clad vehicles do not.
The map lights are extremely bright white LEDs which are soothing, yet provide excellent light. The dome light doesn’t just turn on, it dims to different levels when turned on and off or when the doors are opened and closed. And the foot wells are lit at all times when your headlights are on, not just when you enter or exit the vehicle.
Updated December 3rd 2006
Day 3:
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I’m glad Lexus decided to equip my press vehicle with winter tires as I truly believe that if the stock 18″ summer performance tires were still on the vehicle, I would still be stuck at work two days later. My test vehicle is equipped with Michelin Pilot Alpine winter tires.
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The Alpine is a true winter tire which proved itself, over the past few days in the dry, to be a very quiet and excellent dry handling winter tire. Friday proved it is not too shabby of a performer in the ice, snow and slush that Ottawa winters can bring, although I’ve tried better.
The inclement weather (a gross understatement for what we got a few days ago) allowed me to get an idea of how well the Lexus traction control system performs in the winter, as well as the vehicle dynamic stability control and the electronic program called “ECT Snow” which reduces throttle response to help reduce unwanted wheel spin.
I did not dare turn these systems off during my 40 minute, 10km commute home on Friday and with good reason. The roads were sheer ice in places and the disturbed locations created hills and valleys of slush that pulled the car from side to side. I became very intimate with the beeping of the VDC system as the rear of the vehicle decided it wanted to get home faster than the front of the vehicle on several occasions, even at a rather pedestrian 20km/h.
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The Electronic Throttle control system set to “Snow” mode helped a great deal during acceleration as it reduced the throttle response, allowing for a more delicate throttle application without the need for me to control my heavy right foot. The system also down shifted the transmission and used engine braking to slow down from higher speeds when I lifted off the throttle, allowing for smoother, safer stops on the icy roads.
Overall I was happy with being able to get home safely in the Lexus. However, the slope of the rear window is such that after a few minutes of rain and driving it became completely useless, which was a little disconcerting when stopping at red lights. The vehicle certainly was comfortable during the commute. Without a doubt, the electronic safety devices did their job well and made my journey much less stressful than it could have been.
And for those of you less interested in the safety aspect but more interested in the performance aspect of the traction and stability control systems, let’s just say when it is off, it is OFF.
Updated December 4th 2006
Day 4:
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Some complain there is no manual transmission. A manual may make the IS350 more fun, but I’m sure Lexus knows their market and for a sheer numbers game it must be worth it to them to take the thousand tongue lashings from the internet crowd that will, for the most part, never purchase such a fine machine.
I do have to say I was a little disappointed with the fuel consumption. I averaged just over 13L/100km during the week, although, to be fair that was with a slightly heavy foot at times. I did reset the trip computer to see if the average would drop on light throttle and highway cruising and managed 11.5L/100km pure highway driving. It seems the cold weather is taking a toll on my fuel mileage numbers over the past few weeks.
Truth be told, those looking at vehicle in this price range typically are not penny pinching on fuel, especially when you factor in that the IS350 requires the premium kind for maximum performance.
Even without a manual transmission I found the IS350 to be inspiring, classy and fun to drive. I absolutely enjoyed my week in this vehicle, and yes I could even see myself shelling out my own hard earned dollars for this one. Especially now that I have personally confirmed the electronic nannies can be completely disabled for the that occasional trip to the track.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2007 Lexus IS350 | |
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| Audio System | |
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Lexus IS350 + Sports Package
MSRP as tested: $53,800
For more information on Lexus and the IS350 visit Lexus Canada
to our site.
December 01, 2006, 05:22:53 pm
I never drove an automatic transmission vehicle before coming to Canada. I had only seen one a 1996 Corolla 'luxury edition' with auto trans in Pakistan. Currently, I'd prefer to drive an automatic for my regular daily commute vehicle (I've driven standard in worse and lawless traffic). Special purpose vehicle can be a standard.
SMG, DSG, you don't have a manual clutch there, do you? You just play with gas and brake pedals and drive the thing like a manu-matic. right?
yes so it is close enough to a torque converter automatic for all practical, purposes.
December 01, 2006, 05:24:59 pm
steeple... pulpit I think and of course no one will listen why should they... maybe we need a start rant and end rant smiley ?
December 01, 2006, 05:28:22 pm
December 02, 2006, 01:10:04 pm To those who responded to my question about price difference between US and Canada - thank you :-) Just wanted to point out that it was rhetorical question or just a rant, if you wish. And yes I read many many topics about it and I mentioned it in my post too. My point is that even after reading all you want about it and knowing exactly why price difference is so huge - it is still amazes me every time I do a comparison.
December 03, 2006, 11:45:22 am WHere the heck is day 3 & 4
December 03, 2006, 11:46:36 am Dude, some people take breaks from work
Day 3 will be tonight, Day 4 Monday night as per usual.
December 03, 2006, 12:04:27 pm
I suppose Ottawa is close enough to Quebec to coat tail on their 5 day work week...
December 03, 2006, 01:30:16 pm
Day 3 will be tonight, Day 4 Monday night as per usual.
I thought your reviews were your pride & joy and not work
December 03, 2006, 07:22:31 pm Buyers on BMW and Audi underatand the difference. Different buyers of Lexus/toyata then the eurpean cars. 99% respondents from europe say Lexus is nice/conforable etx but BORING. The styling just does not do it. Each cars has there tarbet market. For purist, the Toyata lexus / Nissan Infiniti/ Honda Acura and all the like are trying and meed the needs of many. But for purist there is no substitute, and those in the know understand.
Character can not be imitated says it all. Look at the 911. no comparison. driving and understanding the experience only few can appreciated, just like fine wine, good food and culture. Lexus and all the copies will only be copies hoping and following while those who lead will continue to lead.
December 04, 2006, 12:45:48 am
Character can not be imitated says it all. Look at the 911. no comparison. driving and understanding the experience only few can appreciated, just like fine wine, good food and culture. Lexus and all the copies will only be copies hoping and following while those who lead will continue to lead.
December 04, 2006, 04:42:57 am
Welcome to the Forum.
What a useful comment.
You know, you dont have to take everything personally.
December 04, 2006, 08:16:15 am I was just being sarcastic, as always. It just gets very frustrating that you can't buy the car you want with the tranny you want, especially at today's price levels. In my case, I wouldn't consider the IS350 because of the slusbox, but I'd take a look at the IS250, this one being still available with a proper gearbox.
December 04, 2006, 11:51:03 am
Welcome to the Forum.
What a useful comment.
You know, you dont have to take everything personally.
I WASN'T taking it personally, just responding to the apparent, recurrent bias against slushboxes. Manual IS more fun to drive and does offer significantly more control, but automatic does not necessarily make a car a boring dud, nor does it automatically make the driver an ignorant incompetent.
December 04, 2006, 12:29:40 pm I recently leased a tsx with a mt. Considered the mt is250 - two options I wanted were hid headlights and heated seats and the only way to get them were to purchase a 10k luxery package. Apparently the hid's are available in the is250 in the USA for less than $1k and you can get heated seats in a vw golf for less than $300 mentioned for comparison only. Looked at a bmw325 but couldn't find a demo to drive with a mt. The is250mt while light on power was still a fun vehical but once you have hid's you don't ever want to be without them - and I wasn't about to spend 10k to get them. Here on the prairies away from the cities it's pretty dark with lots of critters to watch for. The is250/350 are great vehicals but bang for the buck the Acura tsx made more sense for me. Though every time a Lexus IS series vehical goes by it catches my eye.
December 04, 2006, 06:06:02 pm You should have just bought and had aftermarket HiDs installed or retrofitted for 5-600. Makes much more sense. Oh well, enjoy the TSX, nice car.
December 05, 2006, 08:31:56 am
Fine choice ! A Honda four with mt is a playfull combo.
Bear with me guys, I'm suffering from mt withdrawal, with our double minivan stable
December 05, 2006, 09:00:42 am
Fine choice ! A Honda four with mt is a playfull combo.
Bear with me guys, I'm suffering from mt withdrawal, with our double minivan stable
Driving an automatic transmission vehicle, like many others do you blame your spouse for that?
December 05, 2006, 09:29:54 am
Ouch....
December 05, 2006, 10:55:42 am
Talk about vehicular castration...
At least it was only vehicular and not testicular
December 05, 2006, 11:00:34 am
Talk about vehicular castration...
At least it was only vehicular and not testicular
But to not be able to enjoy the pleasures of rowing your own.....that's pretty limp.
December 05, 2006, 11:02:19 am Md ... too much hand actions kinda make the hand go sore ...
December 05, 2006, 11:05:08 am
Lube up the gears if it's too sticky. The lever should be smooth as silk. A nicely shaped knob also makes the rowing that much more enjoyable.
Okay ID....you're a sicko. I'm talking cars....
December 05, 2006, 11:07:19 am You are both Albertans, are you both connected by a long slippery highway?
December 05, 2006, 11:10:08 am
Lube up the gears if it's too sticky. The lever should be smooth as silk. A nicely shaped knob also makes the rowing that much more enjoyable.
Okay ID....you're a sicko. I'm talking cars....
Not I ...
December 05, 2006, 11:13:07 am
Albertans? Long Live the King ... Ralph Ralph Ralph ... don't call him on the Big White Telephone tho.
According to Miss Wanna ... the long and slippery ... is good for a #2! Fit for a Queen even