2016 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT REVIEW

2016 Lexus IS 350 F SPORT VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

 

In case you haven’t noticed, Lexus has been getting edgier…rebelling against its luxury-only stereotype with models that’ll definitely get the heart racing. F SPORT is the name and in your face is its game.

In the Lexus world of higher performance, there are the full-fledged F cars of which there are currently only 2 and then there are the F SPORT models, less assertive than F but nearly as bold in their designs with an emphasis on dynamic handling. Six of these F SPORT upgrades exist including here on their smallest and most affordable sedan, the IS. Though F SPORT can be specified with any of the 3 IS engines, mine is the pinnacle of the lineup, the IS 350 AWD with a starting MSRP of $46,700 including destination, a $2,700 F SPORT premium. This car runs with a sophisticated 3.5-liter V6 producing 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque churning through an intelligent, quick shifting 6-speed automatic with big, meaty paddle shifters. Front to rear torque balance varies automatically from 50:50 to as much as 30:70 helping to preserve the car’s rear-wheel drive fun while providing all-weather control. When I first drove this current generation car back in 2013 exactly like this but without F SPORT it didn’t exactly move me. But the F SPORT extras combined with this upcharge but totally worth it Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 paint, make a huge difference in this car’s likability.

Lexus never strays too far from its luxury roots, even in F SPORT models. That makes this IS is an expertly crafted blend of easily exploitable sportiness and well-mannered drivability. The car exits corners with authority but the power isn’t going to blow you away. And other than hearing the air rush in, there’s not much exhaust note when you hammer it.

Improving the F SPORT’s handling is the specially tuned Adaptive Variable Suspension with 2 selectable settings, fortified with a double wishbone setup in the front for excellent driver feedback. Leave it in Normal for everyday comfort or dial it up to SPORT S or SPORT S + for added body control and agility.  An intake sound generator makes for a more exciting engine note but audibly speaking this car is a bit of a letdown.  But I really do love driving it.  Even without the variable ratio steering – an option on the rear drive model – this wheel is an instrument of precision which feels good in your hands, requires sport-level effort and allows you to place the car exactly as planned.

My car is fitted with all-season tires and combined with AWD feels a little nose heavy when pushed hard into turns but it also gives you the confidence to go for it. And the helm is ergonomic awesomeness.

The IS 350 AWD F SPORT is a fitting choice for the driver who desires the Lexus pedigree with plug and play athleticism in a bolder package. It’s 0-to-60mph time of 5.7-seconds puts in on par with its Infiniti counterpart but it’s in the midrange, on the backroad while paddle shifting where the V6 really feels alive.

The cockpit is superior with a modern, technical look, high comfort and honed ergonomics. Standout moments include the awesome LFA inspired instrumentation with moving center ring, power adjustable, heated and ventilated sport seats, and the improved upon infotainment system with easier control, homepage configuration, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system with rich bass and 835 watts worthy of praise.  Siri Eyes Free is here for iPhone users but without a higher level of smartphone integration the IS isn’t on the cutting edge of technology.  It is roomy enough in here so using the rear seats for adults is absolutely not a problem.  Everything in the cabin feels as good as it looks and other than the loud winter tires, it’s also Lexus-level quiet.

With its unique front fascia, projector LED headlamps, and a handful of other upgrades, the F SPORT treatment certainly works visually and adds just enough mechanical tuning to gives the IS some personality. With an as-tested price of $50,540 this is a Lexus that’ll reward your id and your ego.