Looks like I’m in the minority but I think the exterior is the best looking in the class. So many cars in this class (Jaguar XE, Volvo S60, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class) have a somewhat generic appearance in my opinion but the aggressive body lines and unique headlight/taillight combo make this car stand out. Love it!
Agreed! Especially in the IS350 F-Sport, I just reviewed and drove it in the Infrared colour and it is just gorgeous!! I probably wouldn't get the red myself but dam!!
@@SergCarReviews The IS300 and IS350 are the exact same car, even the engine, just the 350 is tuned more aggressively. You just got the F-sport package on the 350 so it looks more sharp.
Agree, but the F-Sport specifically, not so much the IS 300. I love the color on this test car, but the front end of the IS 350 and F Sport wheels make a huge difference. The wheels on this IS 300 aren't too bad, they just look like something from 10-15 years ago, and certainly not something that should be on a premium luxury car.
@@SergCarReviews I don’t like the car, I just like how she reviews automobiles. I would never purchase that car for that amount of money the interior looks very cheap, and the performance is not good.
Great review! I do wish you had reviewed the 350 RWD instead or in the future since most of your concerns with this car is addressed by the f sport version (lumbar support, more performance and features, no footwell bump, etc). Also the rear seat cupholders are in the center armrest.
I had a 2020 IS300 RWD for two days while my GS350 was being serviced. IMO, engine was sub-par. Not responsive when needed (i.e. going on an on-ramp to the freeway) and had a significant delay when power was instantly needed. As a loaner car, interior was nice, ride was nice, quality was typical Lexus. But the 4 cylinder engine's responsiveness was disappointing. I'd opt for the 3.5 ltr if I was a buyer.
So I've actually just reviewed and compared the 2020 to the 2021 RWD versions and you're not wrong. In the 2021 the gearing has been improved massively but it still has the lag from 0-20klms (before the turbo kicks in). However when slowing down it finally downshifts to the correct gear in time! I've also reviewed the IS350 and it is just so much more powerful and so much more fun to drive!! Feel free to check the videos out :)
Still think its one of the better looking cars and best overall car... And before I get toasted - overall meaning its got the right amount of luxury with sportiness to provide an awesome drive! I've just reviewed them and what an awesome drive!
Wait what? "Great quality built here in the USA"...when did Lexus switch to building the IS here? It used to be Tahara factory in Japan along with the GS and LS.
Pretty much the only advanced safety features I want are blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. I can do the rest myself. Shame about the lack of lumbar support in a class and price point like that. So many modest cars have it I don't know why Lexus would skimp on it.
That's strange! Here in Australia the one's I reviewed, its a standard feature on both the Luxury and F-Sport models! i always find it fascinating how different the models are region to region. To be fair though, the base model price for the IS300 RWD Luxury is $68,500 AUD!
Same for me, I disable everything else if possible including emergency braking. I don't like anything that messes with the steering or has the capability of slamming on the brakes at 75mph if a plastic shopping bag happens to drift across the road. Yes, that has happened to me in a rental before..Passat I think it was.
eco mode isn't a different fuel map, it affects the throttle response only. You won't get better fuel economy, in eco if you drive the same speed & rate of acceleration.
Funny how the second gen IS had the most luxury features..or those that were available at the time. Not only heated and cooled seats, but the lux package included the same exact seat adjustments for the passenger side seats including lumbar and 3 person memory. All of those things together are quite rare even today...unless we're talking cars that start around $70k base.
@@jbm0866 My 2005 A8 D3 has all the heating cooling etc and stuff like that, same with my 2001 S8 D2. I'm looking for the OEM fax machine for my rear center console, but apparently they were only available in Europe. I was also looking at retrofitting the Icebox for the armrest passthrough but then I loose trunk space. I have 6 Audi B5 A4s and S4s, and compared to todays and last generations S4s, the new ones are 10inchs longer.
Test drove one over the weekend. Nice car but she is not lying about the seats. Very uncomfortable and I noticed that right away. My 2016 Acura TLX seats blows this car away when it comes to comfortability
I wouldn't be surprised but I really hope they don't! I've just reviewed and driven all 3 of them and they're such an awesome car especially the IS350!!
@@SergCarReviews it is a nice car, but people are not buying them that much. Also if Lexus were going to keep selling it, they would've redesign it by now.
6.1 sec 0 - 60 from a 3.5 Liter V 6 ? That's EMBARRASSING....Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport all day long and twice on Sunday over this GLORIFIED TOYOTA !!! NEXT....
Goes to show that opinions can truly differ. I think its exterior is nicest in the class. I’d take it over the 3 series, C Class, G70, Q50, A4, CT4, XE, S60 or anything else.
A GREAT REVIEW of a very solid mid lux car, Lauren.
Fantastic review: Essential info, definitive and honest delivery. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you! 🙂
Looks like I’m in the minority but I think the exterior is the best looking in the class. So many cars in this class (Jaguar XE, Volvo S60, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C Class) have a somewhat generic appearance in my opinion but the aggressive body lines and unique headlight/taillight combo make this car stand out. Love it!
Agreed! Especially in the IS350 F-Sport, I just reviewed and drove it in the Infrared colour and it is just gorgeous!! I probably wouldn't get the red myself but dam!!
Totally agree
@@SergCarReviews The IS300 and IS350 are the exact same car, even the engine, just the 350 is tuned more aggressively. You just got the F-sport package on the 350 so it looks more sharp.
@@Mike-cz2yw Here in Australia they are two different engines.
Agree, but the F-Sport specifically, not so much the IS 300. I love the color on this test car, but the front end of the IS 350 and F Sport wheels make a huge difference. The wheels on this IS 300 aren't too bad, they just look like something from 10-15 years ago, and certainly not something that should be on a premium luxury car.
Another great review
Love the IS!!
@@SergCarReviews I don’t like the car, I just like how she reviews automobiles. I would never purchase that car for that amount of money the interior looks very cheap, and the performance is not good.
Thank you 😊
Really like the Ultrasonic Blue Mica but Infrared is stunning on this car.
Nice showcase! I like your feature presentation...it's a very good looking vehicle 👍
👍
Great review! I do wish you had reviewed the 350 RWD instead or in the future since most of your concerns with this car is addressed by the f sport version (lumbar support, more performance and features, no footwell bump, etc).
Also the rear seat cupholders are in the center armrest.
Hey mate, if you enjoy Lexus videos I’ve got a few including the IS. Feel free to check it out 😄
I was just gonna say I could’ve sworn I had seen rear cupholders in another video, but it must’ve been specific to the IS350
i like her turn. lexus is nice.
I had a 2020 IS300 RWD for two days while my GS350 was being serviced. IMO, engine was sub-par. Not responsive when needed (i.e. going on an on-ramp to the freeway) and had a significant delay when power was instantly needed. As a loaner car, interior was nice, ride was nice, quality was typical Lexus. But the 4 cylinder engine's responsiveness was disappointing. I'd opt for the 3.5 ltr if I was a buyer.
So I've actually just reviewed and compared the 2020 to the 2021 RWD versions and you're not wrong. In the 2021 the gearing has been improved massively but it still has the lag from 0-20klms (before the turbo kicks in). However when slowing down it finally downshifts to the correct gear in time! I've also reviewed the IS350 and it is just so much more powerful and so much more fun to drive!! Feel free to check the videos out :)
Love the IS
Love IS blind
Still think its one of the better looking cars and best overall car... And before I get toasted - overall meaning its got the right amount of luxury with sportiness to provide an awesome drive! I've just reviewed them and what an awesome drive!
Wait what? "Great quality built here in the USA"...when did Lexus switch to building the IS here? It used to be Tahara factory in Japan along with the GS and LS.
Pretty much the only advanced safety features I want are blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. I can do the rest myself. Shame about the lack of lumbar support in a class and price point like that. So many modest cars have it I don't know why Lexus would skimp on it.
Agreed
That's strange! Here in Australia the one's I reviewed, its a standard feature on both the Luxury and F-Sport models! i always find it fascinating how different the models are region to region. To be fair though, the base model price for the IS300 RWD Luxury is $68,500 AUD!
Same for me, I disable everything else if possible including emergency braking. I don't like anything that messes with the steering or has the capability of slamming on the brakes at 75mph if a plastic shopping bag happens to drift across the road. Yes, that has happened to me in a rental before..Passat I think it was.
eco mode isn't a different fuel map, it affects the throttle response only. You won't get better fuel economy, in eco if you drive the same speed & rate of acceleration.
That paint..... .so nice.
I think so too!
Owning a 2001 IS300, this 2021 has such big back seats. Also 2001 doesn't have lumbar either lol.
Funny how the second gen IS had the most luxury features..or those that were available at the time. Not only heated and cooled seats, but the lux package included the same exact seat adjustments for the passenger side seats including lumbar and 3 person memory. All of those things together are quite rare even today...unless we're talking cars that start around $70k base.
@@jbm0866 My 2005 A8 D3 has all the heating cooling etc and stuff like that, same with my 2001 S8 D2. I'm looking for the OEM fax machine for my rear center console, but apparently they were only available in Europe. I was also looking at retrofitting the Icebox for the armrest passthrough but then I loose trunk space. I have 6 Audi B5 A4s and S4s, and compared to todays and last generations S4s, the new ones are 10inchs longer.
@@jbm0866 If I had the option of being so rich to have a new car, it would probably the IS500 or the LC500
Test drove one over the weekend. Nice car but she is not lying about the seats. Very uncomfortable and I noticed that right away. My 2016 Acura TLX seats blows this car away when it comes to comfortability
There are lots of nice improvements otherwise
@@CarCoachReports so after I dogged the seats I ended up leasing one anyway lol 🤷🏾♂️
@@kceeman😂😂
1800 watts sterio? back on the 80 's cars w/ 200 watts was it. why so much diferency and they dont sound that diferent?
The audio quality is so much better than the 80s, and no blown speakers.
Miguel, the stereo is incomparable to anything on the marketplace in this segment. 17 speakers and the range of sound is literally unbelievable!
you didn't talk about RWD it also has a snow mode
Thumbs up
thanks
With you Mom, turn off lane assist.
I wouldn't be surprised if they soon discontinue this car!
I wouldn't be surprised but I really hope they don't! I've just reviewed and driven all 3 of them and they're such an awesome car especially the IS350!!
@@SergCarReviews it is a nice car, but people are not buying them that much. Also if Lexus were going to keep selling it, they would've redesign it by now.
@@Slim1986 Yeh that's the problem... SUVs taking over
I shut off the nanny I'm a big boy now
LOL that is great! I agree!
When you can't tell that it's a new model it's time to get rid of it, 😁😁😂😂😂😂just say'n
🏴🥃🥃🇺🇸
6.1 sec 0 - 60 from a 3.5 Liter V 6 ? That's EMBARRASSING....Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti Sport all day long and twice on Sunday over this GLORIFIED TOYOTA !!! NEXT....
Agreed
@@CarCoachReports ONLY LOVE FOR THE "CAR COACH" !!!
And the Alfa is a glorified Fiat lol, dream on Toyota/Lexus is the finest automobile company across the globe and in history...
Remember, this is the detuned 260 hp versus the 311 hp
In my humble opinion this is got to be one of the ugliest front ends to any car ever made.
Only outdone by the new BMW LUNG GRILL (the Kidneys have now become LUNGS)
That review is posting next week. Lol
I think the front is beautiful!
WOW...this thing is HIDEOUS !!!!
Goes to show that opinions can truly differ. I think its exterior is nicest in the class. I’d take it over the 3 series, C Class, G70, Q50, A4, CT4, XE, S60 or anything else.
@@aydemirilker4128 Alfa Giulia Ti Sport BLOWS this dysfunctional conglomeration of cuts and lines away all day long.....
@@dinopappous6639 Does Alfa still make vehicles, rubbish brand with sub standard quality that hardly sells... don't even talk about reliability lol