The New 2021 Lexus IS350 NAILS Sport Sedan Balance - One Take

The all-new 2021 Lexus IS350 is here! We've got the F-Sport version, with its upgraded handling package, torsen limited-slip differential, and 311 HP V6 engine running through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. As the Germans lose the plot in the entry level sport sedan market, Lexus has still got it going on.

Lexus provided the vehicle, insurance, and a tank of fuel for this review.

Follow us!
T: @thesmokingtire @zackklapman
IG: @thesmokingtire @fakezackklapman

Check out our PODCAST! Over 100,000 listeners and counting!

NEW SHIRTS!

[iv]

Let’s be honest, the people buying this want sporty and reliability

[BrendanEvan]

Interesting that Lexus seems to keep holding on to NA engines longer than many other manufacturers.

[IsiahHD]

Crazily enough, this is probably the best looking car in it's class. It looks LOADS better than the previous one.

I own a 1st Gen IS300 and I'd definitely want to have a go in one of these.

[KP-]

This refresh is beautiful. The subtle touch ups made the car look perfect. This car will age like wine.

[ChadWilson]

Long live naturally aspirated engines!

[colingarder]

Quick note for you Matt. If you don’t want the car to automatically upshift for you despite being sport+ mode, traction control must be completely turned off, and then it’ll let you bang the limiter.

[gns]

Turn off traction by holding the button for about 5 seconds and it won't auto upshift at redline. Also, the shift lever can be pushed forward (upshift) or pulled back (downshift), but the paddles are better because your hands don't leave the wheel.

[wheelcobra]

Matt-

I believe you have to have Traction Control off, and be in sport+ mode to hit the rev limiter.

[JacesOwnWorld]

I totally understand when you explained the “dead zone” response that the MK7 GTI has when you get on the throttle. It’s just the nature of a turbo car.

Funny thing is, is that I recently went to the VW Golf GTI forums to explain how I can’t stand this “dead zone” that the GTI has, as I come from an E46 M3 that has an amazing throttle response. Well, people in the forums started blasting me saying the car doesn’t have hardly any turbo lag or turbo threshold. I knew at that moment that none of the guys responding to me have ever owned a good N/A sports car before, because when you do, and then you drive a turbo car, you feel the difference immediately!

[basithph]

The new IS looks like a very stunning car
But I wonder if Lexus is going to bring back the IS F

[alanhirayama]

Matt is sounding like Jimmy Kimmel's evil twin brother, LOL.

[davidstriedinger]

This car will outlast most relationships..

[johnhunt]

This was my dream car at 16. 15 years later still looks clean as hell.

[TrackSimulation]

I’m so happy to see a true car enthusiast review this, also one that I am familiar with. There’s a ton of random reviews shitting on this new IS. And I’m glad to see you liked this one, I remember your review of the previous generation as well. I’d consider buying this for reliability first and sportiness second. Always happy to hear your take on things!

[ManOrWomanIDK]

Mr. Regular said it best: "I want to go a little fast but DON'T LOOK AT ME!"

[ashishpatel]

This redesign is badass. I hated the look of the old lexus.

[chewylewy]

You can have variable camber through a double wishbone suspension. If the two wishbones are different lengths the camber will change throughout the travel. If the bottom wishbone is longer the camber will go more negative as the suspension loads and go positive as it unloads. Vice versa for longer top wishbone.

[ravenstylea]

If the engine power and transmission tuning were a little better, than I'd consider buying it. It's drop dead gorgeous too!!

[wayneh]

I've seen this car in person, it is beautiful, for me it's one of the best looking sports sedans

[augustortiz]

I hope they make the rumored is500. This doesn’t seem to be different enough to my daily 3rd gen is.