Lexus IS 350 and IS 250

toyotaf1fan

I'll have to admit. If the 250 RWD takes 8 seconds, its lost one buyer. If a SPORT sedan takes more than 8 seconds it's being mislabeled. The 350 does have the grunt. However its only available in an auto. If the 250 can get into the low seven's, thats acceptable but still not great. At least with a 6-speed it should be fun to accelerate thru the gears even if the cars weak.

On the positive side, I do think Autoweek times are slower than most mags. I remember Motor Trend getting their 5 speed IS 300 in the low sevens versus 7.9. Lets hope this is the case.

The IS is one of the best looking 4 door cars I've seen in a while, and it does have allot of features with it. I know that a sport sedan is more than 0-60 times (ie, agility, brakes) but the "sport" represents more speed and power for a consumer like me.

spfotey

anybody know?

blueguydotcom

October. I've heard 10/16/05 the most, FWIW.

sorter

Want to remind every one, 60% of the poll right after autoshow shows that people favor IS over the 06 3s in styling.

Also, the ratio of current BMW fans/owners to IS is about 10:1, so do the math and find out how many people choose IS unwillingly.

It is a 35K Sport car, it is Not just for driving (we have the Subu for that). Is the look of BMW that bad, or is the IS look that good?

I think the latter.

tksung

> The Audi 2.0T got a 0-60 of 6.4s in a R&T test.
>
The consensus in an Audi forum was that it was a misprint. Probably more like 7.4.

oac

Saw a couple e90 325 and 330 on the road today. Looking very closely at the e90, it appears to me that BMW designers were oh so careful to not make it look like the new 5- or 7-. So much that the car looks so sterile and totally uninspiring. The stylists were too afraid to carve a real nice style for the e90 and that is a real shame. The rear is so bland, it is pitiful. About the only thing that reveals its BMW heritage is the front fascia... at least that gives it a mean look, though no where close to an e46.

Compared to the new IS, that new Bimmer is tame in looks. Interior is also a win for the IS, hp is about a wash for the entry 325-v-250, but the IS350 should outpace the 330i when all the tests are in. Lexus wants the IS350 to compete against the 330 hence giving it a 300+HP motor. By the time the new M3 gets here, the new IS500 will be here too (MY2007/08), and the battle of the real lux sport sedan will be in full steam. 400HP M3 v 400HP IS500.... A real battle royale !!!

I often wonder about the BMW officianados... If the 325/330 are that sporty, why does BMW need to provide a *sport package* on these cars ? The base 17" rims on the 325/330 are quite tame, but the upgraded 18" rims gives the car a real sporty look, feel and drive. If Lexus can get the IS250/350 to drive as well as a base 3-series, then they would have succeeded. And if the sport package on the IS350 lives up to expectation, we may have a real Bimmer competition. I'd like to read what C&D and MT have to say about the IS350, especially on a head-to-head comparo with its peers....

billinsobe

My dealer's saying they should be on the lot the first week in October. The release is October 1st, I should hope they go on sale then.

kga

Statistic surveys prove that styling (exterior design) is the highest priority for most car buyers (along with car price). If Lexus IS will be priced close to BMW 3 pricing, the sale numbers will tell which car looks better.
For me personally a car look is not the highest priority, of course it’s important factor but not a deal breaker. Besides sales volume does not determine which car drives better, because most drivers don’t push their car to the limits (otherwise we would not have these ridiculous low speed limits). :mad:

Kirstie_H

BMW-focused posts are being removed, and will continue to be removed.

blueguydotcom

Heh, heh, heh...beat ya to it. Mine is history.

newcars

kirstie_h, I honestly don't mean to taunt the BMW lovers here -- believe it or not, I'm one -- but I think my question is legitimate. And "Lexus IS centered" for that matter.

I honestly would like to know why many of the people here who complain about the IS250 being underpowered, et.al. are the same people who are touting BMW when the IS250 and the BMW 325 are just about the same in power and torque. That's all.

blueguydotcom

I suggest we can take that to the entry lux sedan discussion.

nyrefugee, "Entry-Level Luxury Performance Sedans" #4059, 11 Aug 2005 1:20 pm!make=BMW&model=3%20Series&ed_makeindex=.ef0a892

kga

Here is answer on your question:

BMW 325(MT):
Torque: 185/2750
Weight: 3285 lbs

Lexus IS250 (MT):
Torque: 185/4800
Weight: ~3435 lbs

307web

It's no big deal. People will need to just test drive it and decide if it is good enough and can buy something else if it's not.

Lots of people will be buying the IS250 to have a Lexus to commute to work in that's sportier and more stylish than an ES for the same or less money and will not be drag racing at stop lights.

kssod1

Why doesn't Lexus offer AWD in the IS350, and the 3.5l engine in the AWD GS? I've been waiting for both as an replacement for my 02 X-Type sport. The GS doesn't feel quick and handles poorly at 80+. THE is250AWD is downright slow compares to my X 3.0 manual. I want style, performance and luxury at around 40-45k. The 330ix will be available but it is so bland compared to the Jag and there are hundreds of 3 series in cleveland. The RL is very nice but lacks exterior style, it has a great firm suspension at speed and feels better on the road than the GS. Infiniti M and G look too narrow and tall and have a poor interior. I had hoped the IS350AWD would be my salvation but alas not. Any suggestions

proe

I know GS300 will have bigger engine at 2008, and that is when new LS gets redesigned.
In terms of why IS350 does not have AWD, my guess is that it will have AWD later on.
I am in the same boat as you are.
I think all the poor handling has to do with all the electronic safety features on the car or it is because you drive Jag X-Type. :P From what I heard, GS handles pretty good for daily cruiser, and I believe it is a way better than my 1996 Honda Accord.
If you can wait for couple of more years, 3 years to be exact, you will have more options. I am waiting for next GS300, which will have bigger engine. I am pretty disappointed when I learned new Avalon has better engine than GS300, and I think GS300 has weakest engine in all the Lexus line up.

newcars

Thanks 307web.

That's exactly my point.

billinsobe

http://www.thenewis.com/

proe

Thanks

rotoryfan

http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4023288&src=Home&pos=Edit1

blueguydotcom

While the automatic transmission in the IS 350 is as good as any we have experienced, the manual transmission in the IS 250 seems a bit vague during gear changes. The shifter feels more like a Camry than a top-level sport sedan.

Ouch.

maximus_gti

Actually that was like one of the only things that wasn't nice. They seemed to love the handling and everything else. Other then the little lack of power in IS250. They also said this in the end: "With the all-new IS, Toyota's luxury marque is poised to deliver on their bold promise of 2004; based on our first experiences in the new car, Lexus has fulfilled that promise—and more."

So it seems like this is another promising review for the IS. Also, maybe the manual is still the preproduction one. Lexus said they would make it better, so lets see how it feels when the car is actually released.

mikegiller

"With the all-new IS, Toyota's luxury marque is poised to deliver on their bold promise of 2004; based on our first experiences in the new car, Lexus has fulfilled that promise—and more."

The future does not in the least look bleek. It seems that the only thing that is on the IS's bad side is lack of manual trannie, everything else appears to perform exceptionally.

For a newly released car like the IS, if you do not have a reservation/deposit for it, should getting a test-drive with the 350 be a problem at the Lexus dealers?

mikegiller

"Looks to be much better, BMW watch out
1962 votes
34.9%

Have to drive it, but looks to be a contender
1232 votes
21.9%

Not quite at BMW level, but real close now
525 votes
9.4%

3 Series still any day over the IS
1894 votes
33.7%"" - From AutoWeek.Com

...Realllllllllllllllllllllly diggin' the black IS 350. (picture from cnet.com "tech" review of the new IS... it's quite *yawn*. They don't say anything about how the car drives, although he bragged about how fast it was and how much fun he had... cmon, share the love now.)
Just a "Blog"---> link title

quest3

I can not wait to get behind the wheel of the 350!!!! And black is the one I want. However I have recently stopped in to my local Audi dealership and came across a leasing special on the 05 S4. 499 a month about 3500 down. Now I am seriously debating jumping behind the 340 horses packed into that german rocket. The special goes until 1Nov so I have plenty of time to test drive the IS the middle of Oct. So now I am truly stumped. I know this is the IS forum but does anyone know of any negatives to the S4 IN comparison to what the 06 IS is offering?

maximus_gti

personally I think the audi interior is out classed by a lot in comparison with the IS. I also like the IS exterior a lot better. However, the S4 does have AWD, that's a major plus and it has a manual. So you just have to see what car you like more. I've heard the S4 is a blast to drive.

blueguydotcom

Nobody in the middle of the road lux market (infiniti, bmw, mb, acura, etc) does an interior as nicely as VW/Audi. Just my opinion but Lexus interiors remind me of Buicks. Too soft and way too much ghetto-fabulous wood.

idele

Having had 2 Audis until a couple of months ago, I would never keep them out of warranty. One had
problems right away. The problems did not disable the vehicle but required spending time at the dealer.
The other was okay but there was a mechanical problem that needed taking care of which arose just before the car was signed for a trade. I left it to the next owner to get the work done since the car was still under warranty. I can't foresee getting another Audi. The hit on depreciation is far too large. Keeping them out of warranty is stupid.

sorter

The G35 6 Sp 298HP for $30,110 (carsdirect price) is really hard to beat.

rotoryfan

"Nobody in the middle of the road lux market (infiniti, bmw, mb, acura, etc) does an interior as nicely as VW/Audi."

Audi/BMW interiors vs IS - Yeah, it is great to open your glove compartment to put in an audio CD !
or a CD changer in the trunk!
or a nice hump in the center of the dash for Nav!
Sweet MMI and iDrive controls...

rotoryfan

Another review of the IS -

http://www.nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2006_Lexus_IS&ReviewID=1761

blueguydotcom

Does this mean what I think it means:

Options are grouped into several packages, beginning with a Premium Package, featuring leather trim, 10-way power seats, leather console, and rear armrest storage.

so leather is not standard?

A Premium Plus Package ($N/A) includes perforated leather trim, heated/ventilated seats, leather console, rear armrest storage, and wood interior trim. The Performance Luxury Plus Package offers perforated leather trim, heated/ventilated seats, 10-way power seats, leather console, rear armrest storage, auto-dimming memory reverse tilt-down mirror, 18-inch wheels, sports suspension, sport pedals, metal scuff plates, driver and front-passenger seat memory, high-intensity discharge headlamps with AFS (that automatically swivel to light up corners when the steering wheel is turned), rain-sensing wipers, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory.

So 10 way power seats, tilt mirror, rainsensing wipers and xenons lights are all extra? Egad, I hope this is wrong. That's a lot of extras.

Other stand-alone options are the navigation system, which features voice activation, a rear backup camera (a great safety feature) and Bluetooth; Park Assist; Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar cruise control; headlamp washers; power moonroof; and 18-inch wheels with summer performance tires. A

Moon is extra?! Unless the IS350 starts at 32k something seems really wrong with the packages. Or rather with the standard equipment. think about it for a second. To get HID lights you gotta move to the top package? Moonroof is extra?

Here's to hoping they're very wrong on this. Otherwise some simple options are gonna make the 350's prixe jump to the stratosphere fast.

maximus_gti

Roof, Xenons, wipers I know will be in stand alone packages, you'll be be able to get them seperatly cuz you can already do that on the GS and other models. However, yes Moon roof will be optional. 10 way seats should be standard on the 350, as are heat and ventilation. 3 person memory seat position will be standard as well from what I read. Bluetooth will be standard on all models as well I think as well tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/experience/en/home/vehicles/specs/BE262T2006/specs_features.jsp?- - model=BE262T&year=2006

just_phil

http://www.tasteoflexus.com

gee35coupe

I'm all registered. I can't wait!!!

killerbunny

Every review has mentioned that the IS250 is as slow or slower than the outgoing IS300.

They simply made the wrong comparison.

IS250 is meant to replace IS200 (sold in Asia and Euro). You should view it this way: IS350 is the successor of IS300 and IS250 are introduced to give you one more choice.

307web

That's good, but unfortunately there is only one color choice for cloth and it is black.
If there was a medium or light colored cloth, then I would want it.

chartster2

The specs. say 30.6". Holy Cow that's small! Can that be right? That just might eliminate it from my consideration.

rats13

Is there anywhere I can get full specs on this car. I'm especially interested in interior room. Headroom etc.

Thanks

chartster2

This was posted earlier:

http://www.nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2006_Lexus_IS&ReviewID=1761

The last page has specs.

priggly

That's over 4 inches less legroom than the Acura TL which has 34.9 in.

chartster2

The 2005 rear legroom is 30.2". That's less than half-an-inch improvement. Very disappointing...

aquaticexplore

for kids under 4. What a bunch of boneheads...

Those reviews made the 350 sound like a rocket and the 250 like a styled Camry. Also sounds like a decently optioned car with set one into MB pricing.

rotoryfan

The IS is a compact sport sedan....were you expecting enough room in the back seat to put an ottoman? Most reviews I have seen indicate two adults can sit comfortably in the backseat...

MB pricing? - There are no official prices available - only the indication that the IS250 will be about the price of the old model (approx. 30K base). All the other talk of pricing is speculation...

rotoryfan

Premium Package (RWD only)
- Leather trim
- 10-way power seats
- Leather console
- Rear armrest storage

Premium Plus Package
- Perforated leather trim
- Heated/ventilated seats
- 10-way power seats
- Leather console
- Rear armrest storage
- Wood interior trim

Performance Luxury Plus Package (RWD only)
- Perforated leather trim
- Heated/ventilated seats
- 10-way power seats
- Leather console
- Rear armrest storage
- Mirror functions (electrochromic, memory, reverse tilt-down)
- 18” wheels
- Sport suspension
- Sport pedals
- Metal scuff plates
- Driver’s and front passenger’s seat memory
- HID/AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) headlamps
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory

Premium Luxury Plus Package
- Perforated leather trim
- Heated/ventilated seats
- 10-way power seats
- Leather console
- Rear armrest storage
- Mirror functions (electrochromic, memory, reverse tilt-down)
- 17” or 18” wheels
- Illuminated metal scuff plates
- Wood interior trim
- Power rear sunshade
- Driver’s and front passenger’s seat memory
- HID/AFS (Adaptive Front-lighting System) headlamps
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with memory

Mark Levinson Audio System with Navigation
- Mark Levinson audio
- Navigation system (voice activation, rear back-up camera, bluetooth)

Navigation System
- Voice activation
- Rear backup camera
- Bluetooth

Park Assist

Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (A/T only)

Headlamp Washers (requires HID / AFS)

One-Touch Open/Close Moonroof with Rotary-Dial Switch

18” Wheels with Summer Tires (RWD only)

blueguydotcom

Yeah but everything seems to be an option. Even if it starts at 30k, an is250 with a few features - leather, xenons, moonroof, sport package - moves up to the 34-35k. Decked out like a TL/G35, it seems prices will get to the high 30s fast. Essentially, MB/BMW pricing.

rotoryfan

Decked out like a TL/G35, it seems prices will get to the high 30s fast. Essentially, MB/BMW pricing.

I have no idea. Last I heard was that pricing would be released in a couple of weeks - then all will be clear

P.S. I hope they do not charge for paint, like BMW does...

307web

A base G35 is not "decked out."
Typically equipped IS250 automatic with Premium Package and moonroof, should not be very expensive.

jrock65

You really have to be kidding yourself if you think that two adults can sit in the back of the IS "comfortably" for any length of time.

It has the least amount of combined legroom in this class, even less than the 3 series.

mikegiller

last time I heard, people were complaining that the "compact sport-sedan" segment is getting too large in size.

Aaaaaaaaaand GO! :surprise: