Our driving route was a mixed bag of four-lane highway stretches that gradually gave way to the patched, cobblestone-roughness of northern roads. As a cruiser, the IS 350 is sublime - with superior sound insulation and well-damped suspension preventing noise or any road vibrations from ever reaching the occupants.
Underhood, the 3.5 litre V6 delivers 306 horsepower and 277 lb. ft. of torque. Smooth and responsive, it moves the IS 350 out smartly when passing. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that's engineered for comfort, rather than enthusiastic sportiness, yet shifts smoothly with no lag. For those who like to row their own gears, there are steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Steering itself is accurate but it insulates rather than communicates - there's little road feedback.
We were impressed by the all-wheel-drive system's ability to hug the slick and winding cottage roads, without any discernible feeling of sluggishness due to the drivetrain's extra weight. Adapted from the IS 250, but re-engineered to allow for the extra power, the Lexus exclusive system is full-time AWD, using a centre differential with a 30/70 torque split. The IS 350 AWD felt poised, albeit not overly firm throughout the tight curves. Enjoyable as it was to drive, the urge to push it for the sheer joy of driving just wasn't there.
While powerful and surefooted, the IS 350 AWD is more about arriving in stylish comfort than about driving enthusiastically to get there.
Underhood, the 3.5 litre V6 delivers 306 horsepower and 277 lb. ft. of torque. Smooth and responsive, it moves the IS 350 out smartly when passing. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that's engineered for comfort, rather than enthusiastic sportiness, yet shifts smoothly with no lag. For those who like to row their own gears, there are steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Steering itself is accurate but it insulates rather than communicates - there's little road feedback.
 |
| The IS 350 AWD is more about arriving in stylish comfort than about driving enthusiastically to get there. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
We were impressed by the all-wheel-drive system's ability to hug the slick and winding cottage roads, without any discernible feeling of sluggishness due to the drivetrain's extra weight. Adapted from the IS 250, but re-engineered to allow for the extra power, the Lexus exclusive system is full-time AWD, using a centre differential with a 30/70 torque split. The IS 350 AWD felt poised, albeit not overly firm throughout the tight curves. Enjoyable as it was to drive, the urge to push it for the sheer joy of driving just wasn't there.
While powerful and surefooted, the IS 350 AWD is more about arriving in stylish comfort than about driving enthusiastically to get there.
Article Gallery