With the 2015 IS 350, Lexus aims to solve a problem that is the BMW 335i and its stronghold on the compact sport sedan market. By throwing a big V6 and lots of features at the Bavarian competition, the IS 350 represents a marriage of traditional Lexus values with an edgier and more youthful look.
Following its redesign for 2014, the IS350 gets some equipment changes for 2015. The backup camera now features gridlines to make it more useful. Siri Eyes Free is available for those who use an iOS device with their car. LED fog lights are new, too, as are heated and cooled front seats for F Sport models. A heated steering wheel is a new option for cars equipped with all-wheel drive.
The IS 350 and its performance flavored F Sport variant come with a 306-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission on standard rear-wheel drive cars or a six-speed automatic with optional all-wheel drive.
Differences between the two trim levels are largely cosmetic:
The base IS 350 comes standard with features such as 10 airbags, dual-zone automatic climate control, HID headlamps, power front seats, a split-folding rear seat, leatherette upholstery and an 8-inch display radio with backup camera, HD radio with weather and traffic services, Siri Eyes Free integration and Bluetooth.
Key options include navigation, Lexus Enform telematics for crash response and concierge services, leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
With its deeper and more aggressive front and rear styling, the F Sport cuts a more sporting personality. Compared to the standard IS 350, the F Sport gets different wheels, revised styling (inside and out) to go with its sportier suspension settings, as well as leather upholstery and heated and cooled front seats.
A heated steering wheel joins an option list that features navigation, Lexus Enform telematics and the 15-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.
Keep an eye on options that are bundled in large and expensive packages, as the competitive base price of the IS 350 can veer wildly out of control. Also consider how much you value the F Sport package, as it doesn't transform the car as much as its styling changes might suggest.
