First Glance
The Lexus IS has grown up, literally. The all-new-for-2006 version's sporty and sophisticated body is 3.5 inches longer and 2.4 inches wider than its predecessor. While the overall shape is simple, the low, wide stance makes it look both substantial and aggressive. The rising beltline gives it a wonderful forward-leaning stance, and the well-defined wheel arches look completely organic, and I especially love the way the wheels look as if they actually stretched the skin of the car as they were pushed to the corners.The sleek look is partially due to the lack of keyholes. Go ahead and look; they’re all hidden from view. With key in your pocket, the car senses your presence; reach for the door handle and it magically unlocks. Spooky. Inside, a start button brings the car to life. (Incidentally, if the battery dies, there's a hidden keyhole on the driver's door handle.)
My big concern about the styling of the Lexus IS, however, is that it no longer looks like its own model. Too me, it looks too much like a Lexus GS left in the dryer too long: a GS in 5/6 scale. I find it ironic that Lexus’ method of making the IS 300 more distinct was to copy the shape of its larger sibling.
In the Driver's Seat
You can order your IS in several delicious flavors. First is the IS 250, with either a manual or automatic transmission, each with 6 speeds, and rear- or all-wheel-drive (automatic only). Then there's the “big daddy” IS 350. If you absolutely, positively, need 306 horsepower (and who am I to judge?), this is the car for you. The IS 350 only comes with an automatic, but it can be shifted using two paddles on the steering wheel. They're so well placed that I never missed the manual transmission.
Lexus has gone to great lengths to build a car as safe and comfortable to occupy as it is exciting to drive. The atmosphere inside the IS is simple and classy, and it won’t look dated for many years. It’s also filled with some cool features. The available navigation system can be controlled by voice. (Finally, yelling at your car will yield a response!) The ventilation system has a sensor that automatically turns on the recirculation when it sniffs smog.
One feature that really stood out to me was the standard knee airbags. This might not seem worth noting, but as a man with a permanent numb spot on his left shin from hitting the underside of the dash in an accident, I’m pleased to see this attention to detail.
On the Road
With 204 horsepower the IS 250 is a satisfying drive, if not hugely fast. Unless your last name is Andretti, acceleration should be adequate for you. The real joy of the IS 250 is its relaxed, easy-to-modulate power. It’s smooth and predictable, something I appreciated while commuting in Los Angeles traffic.
That said, the power mad among us will rejoice in the IS 350. Its 5.6 second run from 0-60 is impressive; even if you don’t live your life one quarter mile at a time you’ll still get a kick out of overtaking slower traffic. Put your foot down and there becomes here in no time flat.
When it’s time to turn, Lexus lavishes technology on you. There’s AFS, EPS, VSC, VDIM, QVC, CIA. (Ok, the last two weren’t really features on the car, but you get the point.) Forget what the initials mean--when pushed, the IS takes corners at a wicked pace, and these systems work to keep the car safely on the road. That’s great, but from the drivers seat I was left feeling numb. My favorite cars are the ones that make me feel like every input I make matters. The IS driving experience is like a roller coaster, fast, exciting, fun but not intensely involving.
Journey's End
I don’t envy the job Lexus had in updating the IS 300. It needed to make an already comfortable and refined car more comfortable and more refined, while keeping the whole package exhilarating to drive. In my estimation they’ve succeeded. The IS is the kind of car you could drive up to an expensive restaurant and mingle with the Mercedes, then on the way home hit the freeway onramp at speed that would make a Porsche owner turn pale.
The competition comes from the BMW 3-series and the Infiniti G35 sedan, both great cars in their own right. Which car is right for you depends largely on how much sport you want with your luxury. For the most visceral driving experience, the Bimmer is hard to beat; BMW knows how to make a car that handles and involves the driver. The Infiniti is closer in approach to the Lexus in balancing comfort and driving dynamics. Honestly, there is no right or wrong answer here. Some people like a more booze in their margarita than others. Get out there and take each of these cars on a test drive. That said, if you’re looking to buy a car with style and sophistication without sacrificing driving fun, the new 2006 Lexus IS fits the bill nicely.
