Lexus IS 2014 review - Auto Express

[FretFreak]

All freaking car reviewers complain about ''sporty experience''. 90% of the people driving a car, certainly a Lexus, don't give two shits about sporty driving, but want to travel smooth and comfortable. Focus more on that if you will.

[Richcovephoto]

Take a test drive yourself, you will find the CVT gear box is one of the best things about the IS. Remember this is one persons opinion don't rely on it... Make your own decision, you will not be disappointed when you use the car for day to day use in our "normal" world.

I test drove the BMW 3 series and drove past six 3 series in a 30 minute of them.. Stand out from the crowd buy a Lexus... I brought an IS.

You will not beat Lexus customer The others BMW, Audi and merc don't even get close to the Lexus high standard.

[biggerbitcoin]

Only thing the Germans have better is marketing their brands. Lexus makes better cars. Americans know this.

[eastwood]

It isnt slow I test drove one. The CVT gearbox is silent. The engine note is just audible when gunning it but otherwise silent. The handling is excellent and it is comfortable. It is more refined than any diesel I have driven. I averaged 45mpg on my drive. The CVT is lovely and smooth. It was a fast car and flew in sport mode, 95 felt like 60. It is much nicer to drive than a diesel and no DPF to block up. Test drive one and find out for yourself.

[fjo]

Best car combined luxury with fuel economy.

[adamperkins]

So what there's no diesel, diesel is bad and in a few years nobody will want one. The CVT gearbox whines, so what? Diesels sound like tractors when you accelerate hard but no reviewer ever mentions that...

[djgoldthing]

Fair review, but why do all reviewers for Lexus say their not quite up there with the germans yet. I'm looking to buy an is300h later in the year, and I can't find any with comparable mileage, age, etc, that isn't £5000 more than any A4, C class or 3 series. Cream always floats to the top!

[Trades]

I feel sorry for you Brits who miss out on the sublime IS350. The 3.5 V6 maybe a carryover engine from the last gen car but 306hp & buttery smoothness paired with the slick 8spd autobox makes a great combination.

[bliglum]

It is to me too! Classically handsome proportions, with properly striking stylistic touches.. Nice looking interior as well!

[guptavish]

I sat in the new IS series a few days ago and was pleasantly surprised by how well Lexus have made the car. It is refined, built wtth superb quality. I loved the design of the car, the omfortable supple leathered seats. The only criticism I had was that there were too many buttons in the cockpit and the rear legroom was very poor. I have owned BMWs for alomost ten years, I do enjoy driving them, however, I would certainly go back to a Lexus one day.

[CarAddictCrAzY]

It might not be a game changer but it's definitely a big improvement from the previous generation IS.

[jlora]

Man, that car is art on wheels... dat design

[Soh]

It’s funny that everyone starts their review saying some variation of “Lexus are usually boring”. There was nothing boring about the previous generations of IS, GS, and LS. They have always been engaging cars. The only issue they had was Lexus fussy traction control system. Lexus didn’t reinvent the wheel. All they did was ease up on the traction control a bit and BAM! Now everyone thinks the IS and GS are some of the best driving in their respected class. Hilarious.

[Neno]

Why were you somehow 'surprised' at a Lexus with great interior quality??? If for nothing else, Lexus has always been heralded and known for it's top notch interiors.

[DModding]

How can the BMW and Audi be compared to Lexus. I had a Lexus, a BMW and an Audi. The difference is simple - Lexus = luxury, BMW = average, Audi or VW or what ever you call it = slightly less than average (plus they are lazzzy designers). Had a brand new Audi A4 I had had the oil pump go at 60K and then the timing belt went at 63K. Has an IS200 petrol Lexus and one sensor went over the 120'000 miles I put on it.

I think this Lexus is a great looking car but petrol hybrid - Yawn, , the power of a flappy fart. Have a type s 180 Honda Accord now and I really like it. Alot of umf and Honda quality and very comfortable.

[whiteliketar]

Lexus all the way - the IS 350 with its bigger engine and 8 speed transmission here in North America has already overtaken the 3 series in
Comparison tests. 3 series however will always have its followers and for good reason.

[DrDoomic]

"This isn't a car that you'll want to drive particulary fast..." but then, "The hybrid is just too slow.."

[Tednessful]

At first I wasn't really convinced about that odd crease at the rear sweeping all the way up to the bumper but in 3D it's an entirely different and dramatic sculpted jewel on wheels. Definitely the most creative and aggressive design in its class and by far. Biggest downturn is the lack of engine options. A 6-manual diesel version would have been more convincing than this Prius with ninja outfit. I despise artificial sound on sportscars but how can you say it's just nosier on here? Becomes a V6!

[davelee]

Ultra reliable and not a Money pit like its German rivals..especially important when using your own money...

[guptavish]

Yes, I agree, some BMWs feel cheap apart from the luxury and M Sport models. The new Lexus IS is a good all round package especially if you want refinement. It's a pitty Lexus don't give the option of a manual transmission as I do prefer it in this car category.