The high fun-factor IS sedan continues as Lexus' round peg in a square hole.
The first generation IS sedan debuted in the 2001 model year with Gen II launching in 2006. The third-generation effort, of which the 2015 is based upon, drove onto the scene in the 2014 model year. When first launching at the turn of the millennia, some wondered aloud if a stand-alone performance sedan was worth pursuing from a luxury automaker already catering to a somewhat selective, target audience. Why not just offer a limited edition, sport trim of its current mid-size ES sedan? The passing of time and welcoming into the fold a third generation have cemented the IS sedan's staying power.
Expect few changes from 2014 save for multi-colored grid lines adorning the rear camera display, LED fog lamps and trim-pattern tweaks inside.
A pair of engines return from 2014 defining the vehicle's two trim levels. The IS 250 includes a 2.5-liter (thus the '250' designation), double overhead cam V-6 generating 204 horses. Our tester, the IS 350 includes a 3.5-liter (and 350 suffix) double overhead cam, increasing horsepower by an extra 102.
As in year's past, both engines are available with rear-wheel or Midwest-friendly all-wheel drive. An eight-speed automatic transmission, on board since the 2014 redesign, comes solely in the rear-drive IS 350. All others enjoy a six-speed automatic. Steering wheel paddle shifters come standard.
While IS has yet to offer a gas-electric hybrid offering, Lexus retains more of this fuel-saving technology than any luxury brand. The latest Lexus joining the fuel-extending gas-electric hybrid parade is the all-new 2015 NX compact five-door crossover.
A two-door IS convertible (available in both 250 and 350 engine trims) debuted in 2010. Retirement lies ahead for the rear-wheel-drive exclusive IS convertibles after the 2015 model year, as yet another new 2015 Lexus, the Lexus RC coupe readies to launch its own flip-top variant.
An F Sport package is available in both IS 250 and IS 350. F Sport packages, available in other select Lexus offerings, add a top layer of ambiance similar to Cadillac's V Series and BMW's AMG badging. Expect split five-spoke 18-inch wheels, perforated leather steering wheel and shift knob, heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive variable suspension, high-friction brake pads and black headliner.
The lowest-priced 2015 IS, a front-wheel-drive 250, starts at $36,550. Our tester, an IS 350 rear wheel drive checked in at $40,065. After factoring in the F-Sport package ($3,740), highly recommended blind-spot monitor with cross traffic alert ($600), variable gear ration steering ($400), in-dash navigation with premium audio ($2,995) and trunk mat ($105) the bottom line swelled to $48,830 with $925 destination charge. An all-wheel drive IS 350 with all-wheel drive checks in at $42,300.
Both engines require premium, 91 octane fuel to top off the big 17.2-gallon tank. When sporting front-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission, the IS 350 delivers 19 miles per gallon city and 28 m.p.g. highway, decent for the sport sedan segment. With all-wheel drive and six-speed automatic, IS 350 averages two less highway miles. The mileage leader, a 2.5-liter teamed with six-speed automatic generates 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.
Standard push-button start locates high on the well-padded dashboard up and to the right of the power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. This strategic location allows drivers to locate and push the starter without interference or blockage from the steering wheel. Another welcome, upscale touch is the circular, analog clock in the middle of the central dash between two horizontal ventilation vents.
The eye-catching, on-the-move 4.2-inch instrument panel is borrowed from the $375,000 very limited production V-10-powered Lexus LFA supercar available from 2010-2012.
A detailed large center circle slides mechanically to the right an inch or so when summoned via a steering wheel button, revealing a colorful information window detailing secondary audio listings and compass graphics, among other tutorials. The driver-centric interior layout remains well thought out.
A large 7-inch multi-function display color screen sits deep within a bunker atop the center dash region. Not designed for the sense of touch, commands get summoned through a second-generation 'remote touch interface.' The system, slightly smaller than Gen One, involves a narrow right-hand wrist rest between front bucket seats and a half-inch by one-inch joy-stick-like device movable in multiple directions, including down for commanding the screen icon when making selections. It's best operated when using a thumb and the tall man finger. Up ahead are 'home'/'menu' push buttons easily operational via Mr. pointer or Mr. tall man.
While the multi-function screen handles all navigation commands, climate and audio requests smartly provide second and third command points outside the remote touch interface. Below the center column analog clock is 45-degreee ventilation command post with an assortment of buttons ordering up climate controls and nifty touch-sensitive dual-zone swipe pipes with 'hot up' and 'cold down' options. Old-school twist knobs handling volume and station select functions are available in addition to secondary steering wheel buttons.
Comfortable, low-slung front buckets wrap up front occupants with prominent side bolsters on seats and backrests.
Wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) in the 2014 redesign grew by nearly three inches and width by a half an inch, resulting in rear seat leg room expanding by 1.6 inches. Also adding girth, the trunk region where cargo area expands to 13.8 cubic feet (up almost one cubic foot). Lexus includes a temporary spare (something of a rarity in new cars these days) under the flat cargo floor and a first aid kit tucked into a right-corner slot.
A multi-link rear suspension rates as one reason for the trunk's increased girth. This addition also keeps IS planted during spirited turns. Lexus IS always has qualified as a track car performing admirably on public roads as well.
As with most Lexus and parent company Toyota products, a 5 o'clock steering wheel appendage monitors all cruise control functions. The trunk release button locates under the dash along the far left side.
Our IS 350 F-Sport included five selectable driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Sport Plus and Snow. A low-slug roof adds to appearance value, but interior head room could be compromised for those taller than six-feet five-inches.
During the third-generation 2014 makeover, IS visually matured through puberty, and now proudly incorporates the new Lexus family attribute, the 'spindle' grille with a tweaked three-dimensional look. While polarizing to some, the pronounced nose created a sibling resemblance and talking point for the Lexus brand. All models sport dual chrome exhausts. The once circular tail lights from the first generation have given way to streamlined, wrap-around housing with the driver's side illuminating in dual 'L' interior patterns with the passenger's side opting for the mirror image. The F sport package's split 18-inch wheels add greatly to visual prowess.
The 2014 redesign keeps loyal IS aficionados in the fold without alienating base constituents. With minor tweaks in 2015, the IS fun factor continues.
At a Glance
2015 IS 350
Price as tested: $48,830
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 306
Wheelbase: 110.2 inches
Overall Length: 183.7 inches
Overall Width: 79.8 inches
Fuel Economy: 19 m.p.g. city, 28 m.p.g. highway
Curb weight: 3,593 pounds
Powertrain warranty: 70,000 miles/72 months
Assembly: Japan
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