Best executive sedan in the business honestly. Especially how there's a reasonable UI on the inside. I'm much happier with traditional dials, hate dealing with the excessive light at night in my BMW.
And half the time with twice the cost for a three series. I can’t wait till my balance on my 3er is zero. I wish I’d have invested in a Lexus IS350 NA instead.
You’re analogy about leftover Thanksgiving dinner is terrific. I am not normally a leftover guy, but Thanksgiving leftovers on Friday are better than it was on Thursday.
Had plans to pick up the new 2-Series when it's out, this review made me call my local Lexus and set up a test drive for Friday for an IS300. Wish Cliff could review every car on this channel honestly.
@@derpyhuman1583 Drove the IS. It was really great to drive but some of the other convenience features like the infotainment not being easy and quick to access on the move bugged me. New 2-Series is top of the list still. Test drove a Tiguan this past week, was better than the Lexus in some ways but obviously can never ride like the IS.
@@cliffcarreviews The reviewer complained that the IS didn't have a digital speedo but wasn't even aware that the F Sport model since 2013 has the digital speedo and tach.
I’ve just reviewed and driven all the Lexus IS models. The V6 is a hard revving engine and is meant to be driven hard and you really get the power over 4000 RPM and thats what VVTi engines are made for, 380Nm in torque is not bad for a Naturally Aspirated V6 engine. Also I don’t think the tunnels in the BMWs are any bigger than the IS range of anything much less.... I drove this car and absolutely love driving them
Tried to find a shorter video review of the new IS and found this video, but was surprised how good this review is. Very concise, and clearly the tester is quite the driving enthusiast too, comparing it to his Dad's 2014 Beemer. haha, exactly what I was looking for, some sharing on the 'driving department' not just the comfort level and refinement. Thanks!
Turbo engines may be fun and deliver more performance BUT they're certainly more caveats in choosing a turbocharged engine... The engine wears more quickly and they don't last as long as naturally aspirated 3.5 L engines for instance. Six-speed automatic, two less gears than a lot of other eight speeds in the segment but that just means the transmission is a little simpler to work on if it breaks. Let's face it, car reviewers might be critical on these "out of date" Lexus and Toyota vehicles but they will outlast and likely run rounds in terms of reliability compared to other brands too. I and the type of guy who would rather keep a vehicle for a longer period of time, that ends up having less maintenance problems in the long run, better overall interior and exterior quality that holds up over the years, and a smooth engine that still purrs when it has 300,000 on the odometer vs buying a car that is fun for a limited amount of time, has higher maintenance costs and repairs, and inevitably ends up running more roughly as the mileage climbs. As they say, "different strokes for different folks". 😉
Except cars like the Genesis G70 3.3 twin-turbo has a 10 year/100k miles powertrain warranty. It's a great engine AND under warranty for a decade. 0-60 4.5 seconds.
Just got my 2021 IS 350 FSPORT AWD in black caviar with black interior.Traded in my 2016 IS 350 FSPORT AWD and so far im loving this new car and the old one was also great in its own way.The Mark Levinson Radio is improved over the old system which was also fantastic.I always get my cars fully loaded got the dynamic handling package,sunroof just about every option one of the first in my area get alot of looks with this car.That Grecian water color looks fantastic in this video but dealer told me it would be about 4 months wait to get this custom ordered so I took the Black Caviar color they had which really pops and has Gray undertones in it.The car has already been ceramic coated by me (The Last Coat) about 5 layers and will be garaged kept of course its not my daily driver for work
Lexus used to have touch screen before they messed it up and switched to pad. I am glad they eventually learned their lesson and brought back the touch screen.
True to my 07' ES350. There's no learning curve when it comes to working the touchscreen, Easy! Yeah you gotta use the outside buttons to get to certain menus like climate control, but c'mon it's an 07'!
Great Video. Just purchased one today, did notice the torque deficiency though. My Acura TLX was faster to get to speed but I do like the looks of this car...
Great points Cliff. The turkey reference was spot on. I definetly appreciate what the IS offers. I really like the interior and exterior updates. I just wish they made it even lighter (since power is off the table) and lowered the price a little for the IS350 given its been the same engine for over a decade now. The rear end remind me of the new Elantra more so than a 911. I think the updated G70 that is coming out soon would be my choice in this segment but understand those buying the IS as it looks geat. Just wished the engines were better. My sister still has here 2012 IS and its just as fast as this model
the reason it doesn't pull is because Lexus prides itself on reliability which in my opinion is part of "perfection" to the consumer. Not everybody in fact most people hate working on their car and if they do they can get a CHEVY.
Give me a naturally aspirated engine with some power anyrime over a turbo! Will last longer no power delay and I like the sound better! I would be all over this. Just wished they offered more colours!
I’m confused , so he’s driving an IS 300 AWD with a detuned 6 cyl ? But the rwd IS300 gets the 4 cyl turbo? Seems wrong 😑 the Lexus website does not make this distinction so I wonder if it’s an error. The IS 350 gets the 6 and the 300 gets the turbo 4 . Perhaps I am misunderstanding...
The IS 300 RWD has the inline 4 with 241HP and the IS 300 AWD has the lower powered 3.5L V6 with 260HP. The IS350 has the same 3.5L V6 as the IS 300 AWD but with 311HP. Look at the spec page on Lexus, its listed there.
Lexus IS is a perfect luxury cruiser, almost perfect. However 3 things need to improve. 1. Front seats need to be a bit spacious, 2. Wireless phone charging feature is a must. 3. Rear seats headroom needs to increase and usb ports for rear seat passengers. I would still buy this car because its a Lexus and its reliable than the European cars.
Yes it looks dated . But if you dont want problems buy a lexus . Did this guy just compare a lexus to a 3 series bmw ? Bmw are nothing but problems. This guy is nuts .
I am considering purchasing a used 2018 fsport. I did rent one from enterprise and really enjoyed it. True about that tunnel intrusion, it was the first thing that bugged me, in time I got used to it.
not understanding the Porsche tail light comparison at all... that was a little far-fetched. I would have gone with maybe the redesigned Audi A7?? or the new Kia Forte? the ducktail spoiler reminds me of the BMW 2 Series sedan more than anything (which they also used on the 6 series coupe, especially model years 2003-2010), which is within the same class and probably a more fair competitor. also not understanding why he's putting the Lexus IS in the same category as the Acura TLX when the TLX is a midsize sedan, and the IS is a compact sedan. it would have been more accurate to compare it to the ILX.. which is within the same class??? I'm 2 minutes in and I'm not interested in watching the rest. I hate to be so critical, but I'm very disappointed. please research and expand your knowledge base before posting anything!! you're presenting your content as an expert, which is very misleading. sounds to me like this was half-assed, and it does sound a lot like the guy is reading from a spec sheet.
I felt the wide light strip reminded of the light strip of the 992, and I'm reaching on the ducktail spoiler. But the point is that it looks very sharp, and so very different from other sedans. The comparison between "compact" and "midsize" has kinda gone out the window. EPA ratings of interior volumes by cubic feet classify many compacts as midsize, and those numbers don't mean much. The target is the intended customer and price. The IS is on the smaller side of compact, the new TLX on the larger side--but the TLX (and that review is forthcoming) isn't that huge inside, especially the backseat. They both compete directly. The ILX is more an A-class/2-series competitor. I test more than 50 new cars a year and have tested more than 600 in my career, across the world, and on dozens of race tracks. I'm more than qualified to do what I do here. Doesn't mean I'm right every time, but I'll go toe to toe with anyone claiming I don't research.
you gotta get the best wheel option possible and not bland "silver" alloys. usually chrome ones are best whether its light shiny chrome or darker chrome. also never touch the steering wheel with bare hands because they become glossy in time from hand oils or something and you cant restore it lol i would wear some sort of gloves to keep it matte looking. ...toyota prides itself in reliability perfection, not perfection in everything.
Thank you for being impartial. Too many reviews have German bias. I really hope Lexus change their minds & give it to uk market. German cars are better but cost a fortune with repairs
German cars are not better, BMW may be better but not Audi and Mercedes right now. Audi has started cheaping out massively since Dieselgate fines hit hard.
Beautiful car from the outside, But the interior is awful , it looks so outdated..... i mean the steering wheel looks like a 2010 corolla steering wheel
Best executive sedan in the business honestly. Especially how there's a reasonable UI on the inside. I'm much happier with traditional dials, hate dealing with the excessive light at night in my BMW.
One of the few cool cars that you can buy outright and drive for 15 years easily.
And half the time with twice the cost for a three series. I can’t wait till my balance on my 3er is zero. I wish I’d have invested in a Lexus IS350 NA instead.
You’re analogy about leftover Thanksgiving dinner is terrific. I am not normally a leftover guy, but Thanksgiving leftovers on Friday are better than it was on Thursday.
Had plans to pick up the new 2-Series when it's out, this review made me call my local Lexus and set up a test drive for Friday for an IS300. Wish Cliff could review every car on this channel honestly.
Gonna look at doing the same.
what was the end result? what did u buy?
@@derpyhuman1583 Drove the IS. It was really great to drive but some of the other convenience features like the infotainment not being easy and quick to access on the move bugged me. New 2-Series is top of the list still. Test drove a Tiguan this past week, was better than the Lexus in some ways but obviously can never ride like the IS.
I test drove it the. Bought it. I’m in love. Lexus knocked it out of the ballpark. Wow. Now I’m a former Mercedes girl.
This is perhaps one of the best car reviews in all of RUclips. Thanks for your work, young man.
Agreed, this dude could run his own very successful channel should be match the same cinematography of these videos.
@@TheJacobGZuma yep. He left his comb at home but I agree.
I followed this channel because I thought the reviewers knew stuff about cars but this guy is just reading the spec sheets
What do you want to know that I didn't say?
@@cliffcarreviews The reviewer complained that the IS didn't have a digital speedo but wasn't even aware that the F Sport model since 2013 has the digital speedo and tach.
Check out Raiti's Rides and thank me later.
@@oot007 You're right. Tbh I forgot to mention it. But I was concerned and commented on the car I reviewed. That IP looks old.
@@eternal_napalm6442 Fr I love raiti’s rides
Amazing car, pricey here in the South of Africa but owners seem to hold on to them forever.
I would take the IS350 over everything in its class.
Agreed! I just reviewed and drove all 3 Lexus IS and love the IS350 like no other!
Same, only problem is I can‘t get my hands on one here in Germany...
Yea cost more 💰
Great review of a great car, maybe spend a little extra time on the sound system details especially when it's possibly the best in the business.
Yours are the only videos I watch on this channel, and this is one of my faves.
I’ve just reviewed and driven all the Lexus IS models. The V6 is a hard revving engine and is meant to be driven hard and you really get the power over 4000 RPM and thats what VVTi engines are made for, 380Nm in torque is not bad for a Naturally Aspirated V6 engine. Also I don’t think the tunnels in the BMWs are any bigger than the IS range of anything much less.... I drove this car and absolutely love driving them
The transmission lump is because in Japan it's right hand drive so the passenger suffers . They didn't alter it for left hand drive.
Tried to find a shorter video review of the new IS and found this video, but was surprised how good this review is. Very concise, and clearly the tester is quite the driving enthusiast too, comparing it to his Dad's 2014 Beemer. haha, exactly what I was looking for, some sharing on the 'driving department' not just the comfort level and refinement. Thanks!
Turbo engines may be fun and deliver more performance BUT they're certainly more caveats in choosing a turbocharged engine... The engine wears more quickly and they don't last as long as naturally aspirated 3.5 L engines for instance. Six-speed automatic, two less gears than a lot of other eight speeds in the segment but that just means the transmission is a little simpler to work on if it breaks. Let's face it, car reviewers might be critical on these "out of date" Lexus and Toyota vehicles but they will outlast and likely run rounds in terms of reliability compared to other brands too. I and the type of guy who would rather keep a vehicle for a longer period of time, that ends up having less maintenance problems in the long run, better overall interior and exterior quality that holds up over the years, and a smooth engine that still purrs when it has 300,000 on the odometer vs buying a car that is fun for a limited amount of time, has higher maintenance costs and repairs, and inevitably ends up running more roughly as the mileage climbs. As they say, "different strokes for different folks". 😉
You're right, Lexus knows what works and it'll continue to run well 10, 20 years from now.
I'd be more likely to buy a used Avalon than this for the reasons you mentioned above. Plus, they can be had for under $20k.
@@Jeff.78 Then you won't be having much fun. But for space and comfort, the Lexus can't beat it.
Except cars like the Genesis G70 3.3 twin-turbo has a 10 year/100k miles powertrain warranty. It's a great engine AND under warranty for a decade. 0-60 4.5 seconds.
Just got my 2021 IS 350 FSPORT AWD in black caviar with black interior.Traded in my 2016 IS 350 FSPORT AWD and so far im loving this new car and the old one was also great in its own way.The Mark Levinson Radio is improved over the old system which was also fantastic.I always get my cars fully loaded got the dynamic handling package,sunroof just about every option one of the first in my area get alot of looks with this car.That Grecian water color looks fantastic in this video but dealer told me it would be about 4 months wait to get this custom ordered so I took the Black Caviar color they had which really pops and has Gray undertones in it.The car has already been ceramic coated by me (The Last Coat) about 5 layers and will be garaged kept of course its not my daily driver for work
Lexus used to have touch screen before they messed it up and switched to pad. I am glad they eventually learned their lesson and brought back the touch screen.
True to my 07' ES350. There's no learning curve when it comes to working the touchscreen, Easy! Yeah you gotta use the outside buttons to get to certain menus like climate control, but c'mon it's an 07'!
Great Video. Just purchased one today, did notice the torque deficiency though. My Acura TLX was faster to get to speed but I do like the looks of this car...
Why does he keep saying 3.5L V6 when he’s reviewing the turbo 4? Even the specs he mentions are for the 4 while referring to it as the 6.
Cus it's an all wheel drive equal v6
Great points Cliff. The turkey reference was spot on. I definetly appreciate what the IS offers. I really like the interior and exterior updates. I just wish they made it even lighter (since power is off the table) and lowered the price a little for the IS350 given its been the same engine for over a decade now. The rear end remind me of the new Elantra more so than a 911. I think the updated G70 that is coming out soon would be my choice in this segment but understand those buying the IS as it looks geat. Just wished the engines were better. My sister still has here 2012 IS and its just as fast as this model
Man i love the looks of this thing
Just bouta say as i look at its tail lights its so beautiful and the cabin looks very cozy
the reason it doesn't pull is because Lexus prides itself on reliability which in my opinion is part of "perfection" to the consumer. Not everybody in fact most people hate working on their car and if they do they can get a CHEVY.
Give me a naturally aspirated engine with some power anyrime over a turbo! Will last longer no power delay and I like the sound better! I would be all over this. Just wished they offered more colours!
6 speed coupled with awd is more reliable than the more complex 8 speed
DA MOST SENSUAL SPORT SEDAN IN ITS CLASS AND BEYOND
The Acura TLX still has problems:
1. No gear stick just push buttons
2. Ugly tail lights
3. Ugly vacuum cleaner attachment exhaust tips
Are turbo engines reliable ??
I’m confused , so he’s driving an IS 300 AWD with a detuned 6 cyl ? But the rwd IS300 gets the 4 cyl turbo? Seems wrong 😑 the Lexus website does not make this distinction so I wonder if it’s an error. The IS 350 gets the 6 and the 300 gets the turbo 4 . Perhaps I am
misunderstanding...
The IS 300 RWD has the inline 4 with 241HP and the IS 300 AWD has the lower powered 3.5L V6 with 260HP. The IS350 has the same 3.5L V6 as the IS 300 AWD but with 311HP. Look at the spec page on Lexus, its listed there.
Lexus IS is a perfect luxury cruiser, almost perfect. However 3 things need to improve. 1. Front seats need to be a bit spacious, 2. Wireless phone charging feature is a must. 3. Rear seats headroom needs to increase and usb ports for rear seat passengers. I would still buy this car because its a Lexus and its reliable than the European cars.
Yes it looks dated . But if you dont want problems buy a lexus . Did this guy just compare a lexus to a 3 series bmw ? Bmw are nothing but problems. This guy is nuts .
But they are competitors and Lexus have higher starting prices in most markets.
I am considering purchasing a used 2018 fsport. I did rent one from enterprise and really enjoyed it. True about that tunnel intrusion, it was the first thing that bugged me, in time I got used to it.
At first, I thought this is about the IS 300 with the 2.0t, but no, this is about the IS 300 *AWD* with the 3.5 NA. Not a small difference.
Very good review
1. Lexus had touchscreen infotainment back in the 2006-2013 IS. 2. the IS300 RWD is an 8-speed auto, NOT a 6-speed auto.
A naturally aspirated V6 engine and a real six speed transmission could easily last 20 years
I like this guy because it has plenty criticism.
Believe I had a touch screen in my 2008 is250
You did
My 08 is250 has touch screen
Thanks for the great info. Did you match the car intentionally? lol
not understanding the Porsche tail light comparison at all... that was a little far-fetched. I would have gone with maybe the redesigned Audi A7?? or the new Kia Forte? the ducktail spoiler reminds me of the BMW 2 Series sedan more than anything (which they also used on the 6 series coupe, especially model years 2003-2010), which is within the same class and probably a more fair competitor.
also not understanding why he's putting the Lexus IS in the same category as the Acura TLX when the TLX is a midsize sedan, and the IS is a compact sedan. it would have been more accurate to compare it to the ILX.. which is within the same class???
I'm 2 minutes in and I'm not interested in watching the rest. I hate to be so critical, but I'm very disappointed. please research and expand your knowledge base before posting anything!! you're presenting your content as an expert, which is very misleading. sounds to me like this was half-assed, and it does sound a lot like the guy is reading from a spec sheet.
I felt the wide light strip reminded of the light strip of the 992, and I'm reaching on the ducktail spoiler. But the point is that it looks very sharp, and so very different from other sedans.
The comparison between "compact" and "midsize" has kinda gone out the window. EPA ratings of interior volumes by cubic feet classify many compacts as midsize, and those numbers don't mean much. The target is the intended customer and price. The IS is on the smaller side of compact, the new TLX on the larger side--but the TLX (and that review is forthcoming) isn't that huge inside, especially the backseat. They both compete directly. The ILX is more an A-class/2-series competitor.
I test more than 50 new cars a year and have tested more than 600 in my career, across the world, and on dozens of race tracks. I'm more than qualified to do what I do here. Doesn't mean I'm right every time, but I'll go toe to toe with anyone claiming I don't research.
Test drove it. Bought it.
I love that color combo... amazing design ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I don't think it dated using 6 auto in 2021. There's a technical misleading.
It's very dated at this point among luxury cars. 8, 9, and 10 speeds are common now.
Lexus IS the luxe car fir people who want to keep them more than 4 years.
And don’t want to be in the shop every other month.
Lexus is my favorite car always... Is is elegant car
Let me fix the "UNSURPRISINGLY LEXUS LEFT IT UNCHANGED"
Still no LED Tail-Lights? Ill Pass.
Its just the rear turn signals, everything else is LED
0:31 no it doesn’t sell well. It only sold 14k units last year and got pulled from Europe because of how poorly it’s selling.
Ditch that synthy soundtrack guys.
you gotta get the best wheel option possible and not bland "silver" alloys. usually chrome ones are best whether its light shiny chrome or darker chrome. also never touch the steering wheel with bare hands because they become glossy in time from hand oils or something and you cant restore it lol i would wear some sort of gloves to keep it matte looking. ...toyota prides itself in reliability perfection, not perfection in everything.
I JUST BOUGHT ONE LIKE THIS BUT ATOMIC SILVER COLOR. HOPEFULLY IT LASTS LONG
I'm going with the Genesis G70 3.3t. It smokes this car.
Thank you for being impartial. Too many reviews have German bias. I really hope Lexus change their minds & give it to uk market. German cars are better but cost a fortune with repairs
German cars are not better, BMW may be better but not Audi and Mercedes right now. Audi has started cheaping out massively since Dieselgate fines hit hard.
Porsche has been doing the same thing - incremental changes to the 911.
This or Stinger GT / G70 ??
This with rwd. But test drive both then make up your own mind...
G70
Stinger GT RWD, The Korean Beemer.
He’s cute
I drive is 250.man I am disappointed on this car.Was looking to up grade to a new one but going to shop around,thank U CarGurus
Check out genesis 70. It’s nice but I still think Lexus IS is fine product. I love the way seats hug you while driving.
cd player????????????????
Beautiful car from the outside, But the interior is awful , it looks so outdated..... i mean the steering wheel looks like a 2010 corolla steering wheel
HATE the humungous center console. TOO wide and TOO tall. No room to stretch out your right leg. Terrible auto design trend.
Gonna miss the tail lights from the previous version 😕
Where the sport? Its a tired V6 in an old leather interior and a good from far face lift. It sounds like a Miami Beach Grandma 👵.
He spoke, spoke, spoke, and spoke a little more and did not inform the capacity of the trunk, something that is essential in a sedan.
Per Lexus, it's 11 cubic feet (rounded).
dated
I sterted watching and in the first few words relized U are regurgitating previous reviewers .... bla bla bla ...