2014 Lexus IS350 AWD F-Sport
Lexus’ IS250 can’t compete in our thin air. However, the IS350 and its spicier, big-engined “F Sport” upgrade—in both rear-wheel drive and AWD—blow through it.
The big bold exterior polarizes bystanders. But inside the Lexus is defined by a compellingly contemporary architecture, made from top-flight materials. The F Sport has less rear room than comparable Audis, BMWs and Infinitis, but its front seats are incredibly comfortable.
The cool TFT instrument displays have a super-slick, power sliding feature for the main tach/speedo readout. So satisfying is it that it almost makes up for the mess that is the corporate infotainment interface, which is dangerously difficult to control while driving.
Its 306 horses are backed up by 277lb-ft of torque. Though the 3.5-liter V6 doesn’t have the highest redline, it revs with a burgeoning swelling of power. It gets to 60mph in the mid-fives and would be even faster—and more frugal—if Lexus would fit the eight-speed auto that the rear-drive F Sport comes with; also denied in the AWD version is the even better, more buttoned-down suspension and more incisive, variable-rate steering system.
The AWD IS350 won’t devour the newest BMW 3-series like the rear-drive F Sport recently did, but this car is no slouch. It feels more like the follow-up to the world-beating E46 and E90 3-series models than the current BMW does.
EPA ratings: 19/26; 21mpg combined
Price as tested: $49,600
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