When you’re a luxury car logo looking to break into the ultra-competitive compact sports car segment, you can’t rest on your laurels. Especially if you’re not German.
The new style year for 2014 is the latest version of the Lexus IS, the sports sedan that is also considered second only to the BMW 3 Series. With an ambitious new look, sharper driving dynamics, and the multitude of electronics we’ve come to expect in new luxury cars, the 2014 Lexus IS excels on winding roads as well as on the track.
Notably, the new third-generation Lexus IS adopts the hourglass-shaped front grille that debuted on the newer generation of the flagship GS model and is an iconic styling detail of the entire Lexus family. The Lexus IS is further differentiated by the new LED sunlight. hours running with angular Nike-like lighting fixtures that move underneath the headlight cluster.
Underneath the sheet metal, the 2014 Lexus IS is built on a new rear-wheel-drive platform. The chassis has received more reinforcements and other technologies such as bonding (also used in the Lexus LS), which overall make the 2014 Lexus IS more than 20 pounds lighter than the previous model.
The suspension has been redesigned for 2014 to achieve more rigidity and reduce frame roll. A new multi-link rear configuration not only helps keep the car more planted, but, according to Lexus engineers, allows for a larger trunk (which is curious, given that the shipping area of the new IS has been reduced). Updates have also been made to the all-electric force guide, adding a revised gear ratio and staggered guide feel. The brakes are still disc brakes on all 4 wheels and have been changed for greater performance.
Under the hood, the 2014 Lexus IS 250 is powered by a 2. 5-liter V6 engine that produces 204 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It’s smart for an estimated time of 0 to 60 mph in 7. 9 seconds and gets an unofficial fuel estimated by the manufacturer. 21/30 mpg city/highway on RWD models and 20/27 mpg on AWD models. That’s about equal to the outgoing model’s EPA ratings of 21/30 mpg for RWD and 21/27 mpg for AWD.
The 2014 Lexus IS 350 models are powered by a 3. 5-liter V6 engine with 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet, with a track-worthy 0-60 mph time of just 5. 6 seconds. Preliminary fuel economy estimates are 19/28 mpg city/highway. rear-wheel drive and 19/26 mpg with all-wheel drive, which is a mile consistent with a gallon in urban driving based on official EPA estimates for the outgoing IS 350.
A hybrid edition of the IS will be available in Europe and Japan, but Lexus has no plans to introduce it in the United States.
Toyota’s 6-speed automatic transmission is retained in the IS 250 and IS 350 AWD models. The IS 350 features the 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission found in the current-generation IS-F functional sedan. Lexus has ditched the manual transmission for the next generation to succeed, and one marketing executive has proclaimed that manuals are dead, arguing that lightning-fast shift times and the predictive capability of electronic systems make the paddle obsolete.
For now, the IS-F sedan remains unchanged and retains the previous chassis style.
Interior upgrades come with a new dashboard design, adding a revised weather panel that uses electrostatic sensors for temperature. On cars supplied with the F-Sport package, a cool TFT demo of the IS-F replaces the popular driver-facing tool group. Popular upholstery is NuLuxe polyurethane, which interior designers say holds its shape better over time than leather. Leather is optional.
Competitors to the 2014 Lexus IS come with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it can be argued that they are other animals in the same zoo. The C-Class is a luxurious, more laid-back cruiser, while the BMW remains a true driver’s car, as long as the driver knows what they’re doing. The Cadillac ATS is a new but worthy challenger.
The 2014 Lexus IS is available in two entry-level variants: the IS 250 ($35,950) and the IS 350 ($39,465), both with rear-wheel drive. The IS 250 AWD ($38,485) and IS 350 AWD ($41,700) have all-wheel drive (All costs are MSRP and do not include an $895 shipping fee).
Standard features on either model include NuLuxe polyurethane coating, automatic climate control, forced locks/windows/mirrors, telescopic and manual tilt steering wheel with multi-function controls, cruise control, analog clock, and 60/40 folding and split rear seat. , first aid kit, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity, 7-inch demo screen with loose weather and traffic information, 8-speaker audio formula with CD player, HD radio, satellite radio and voice recognition capability, USB port, sunroof control and 17-inch wheels. All-wheel-drive models also come with heated front seats.
Options come with a navigation formula with the Lexus Enform telematics formula, a real-time weather and rearview camera, sports, stocks, and fuel costs with a one-year subscription ($2,085); a premium audio formula from Mark Levinson ($3,225) that comes with the navigation package. The Premium package comes with heated/ventilated seats and dual-projector LED headlights; The Deluxe package comes with heated/ventilated seats, a telescopic/tilt steering wheel, a memory driver’s seat, a leather and wood-trimmed interior, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and dual LED headlights.
Standalone features come with Backup Monitor ($350); Intuitive Front and Rear Parking Assist ($500); and 18-inch wheels ($935) with summer or all-season tires.
An F Sport package is available for the IS 250 ($3,115), IS 250 AWD ($2,675), IS 350 ($3,620) and IS 350 AWD ($3,180) that comes with a special suspension adjustment, a 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way force adjustment. Passenger seat with contrast stitching, perforated leather steering wheel, TFT tool group, exclusive fascia and grille, F Sport badge and 18-inch wheels. Rear-wheel-drive models come with Adaptive Variable Suspension with Sport S Mode Traction. Available on RWD models with the F Sport Package, Variable Gear Ratio Guide, which also comes with a telescopic/forced-tilt guide column ($400).
Safety features include driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assists, traction control and electronics. Stability control. All-wheel drive can improve stability in slippery conditions. The optional rearview camera can help the driver detect a small child in the car when reversing.
The wide-opening grille is the most notable design update on the 2014 Lexus IS. Love it or hate it, this new face is becoming a signature across the Lexus lineup. Models with the F-Sport package have an open mouth, mesh cover and uninterrupted horizontal lines, in contrast to the sleeker, more discreet front end of the base models. Then again, much of the grille will be covered in states that require faceplates, at least for owners who comply with those laws.
Daytime running lights shaped like Nike logos or angled markings can be discovered underneath the headlights, which are those days; Most brands favor integrating DRLs into the headlight assembly to reduce costs. On base models, circular fog lights are installed in deep-angle housings. Interestingly, Lexus has ditched the fog lights from the US versions of the F-Sport models, although they do appear in cars bound for Japan and Europe.
On the side, the IS features a high, deep beltline that gets larger from the bonnet seam to the boot lid. The lower panels get larger all the way to the rear fender. The popular 17-inch wheels look very large on this car, thanks in part to the wheel arch hems or the folded seams along the wheel arches. This allows the wheels to be placed farther away, making them more prominent. The F-Sport’s 18 is even better.
At the rear, the bumper line is superior and black plastic covers the two exhaust pipes. The angular and wraparound taillights start out narrow and widen, with lower outer corners that descend and enter the rear panel like butterfly wings. A triangular line frames the license plate holder, crowned through the trunk lid, tall and sharp-edged.
In the cockpit, you immediately see that the entire redesigned dashboard is positioned upwards. In fact, it’s so tall that unless you’re tall enough, you can’t see the hood of the car from the driver’s seat. The logic of this is to prevent the driver’s eyes from straying too far under the windshield.
The popular 7-inch display sits at the top of the center console and is positioned far back. While some automakers are switching to touchscreens, Lexus has opted to keep its hands-free setup with a separate button located on the center console. This design could frustrate iPad addicts as it reduces the urge to go out and waste time while driving. Not to mention, it protects the screen from fingerprints that can make touchscreens difficult to read in direct sunlight.
Real-time traffic and HD Radio weather are included in all subscription-free models, unlike other formulas that require a monthly subscription. In addition, the formula uses predictive traffic information, which will give you a traffic estimate based on old data. In cars equipped with a navigation formula, the map will automatically show nearby gas stations when fuel levels are low.
Underneath the display and flanked by the air vents is an analogue clock, which is a bit ridiculous for a car that claims to be state-of-the-art. Underneath is an upward-sloping weather control panel that takes up a giant amount. space and a lot of buttons. Unfortunately, this control panel already looks outdated and is not otherwise suited to the futuristic design of the cabin. The temperature can be replaced by electrostatic controls; Just tap or slide your finger up and down over the narrow steel lines. But we found it odd that the fan speed wasn’t controlled in this way as well.
The gear lever, drive mode selector, and armrest are on the driver’s side of the center console, while the passenger side has the oblong button that controls the infotainment system, as well as two cup holders that can hold medium-sized cans and bottles.
A new guide wheel has buttons that display driver information, audio functions, Bluetooth, voice recognition, and more. F-Sport models use a configurable TFT gauge cluster, the same one found on Lexus LF-A functional sedans, which can be configured for two other driving forces.
The popular seats on all models are upholstered in NuLuxe polyurethane, which designers say holds its shape over time better than leather. Lexus is so confident in fakes that it doesn’t even offer a genuine leather option for F-sport functionality. version. Those who need to wear cowhide deserve to opt for the Luxe package on the IS 250 and IS 350 models.
The seats on all models are well-padded and comfortable, with a taller colleague commenting that they feel wider and more spacious than the last generation. F-Sport models have larger gussets to provide even more support.
Front legroom is slightly more than 44. 8 inches, up from 43. 9 inches in the previous IS. That’s enough for drivers of almost any size, the low airbag compartment will require many front passengers to keep their feet flat on the ground; Do not silently cross your ankles.
In the rear, legroom is greater but still restricted. At 32. 2 inches, the 2014 IS gains just over an inch and a share over the previous model, but it’s still only about 3 inches shorter than the BMW 3 Series sedan. Slimmer seat backs allow for a little more knee room in the rear. Headroom remains the same at 36. 9 inches, compared to 38 inches in the Bimmer, keeping the IS rear seat out of reach of drivers taller than the Formula 1 maximum. The middle rear seat is ideal for small adults or children, or is left absolutely empty. In addition, the built-in rear headrests ensure reduced visibility to the rear.
The cargo area measures 10. 8 cubic feet, up from thirteen buckets in the latest generation. Still, it beats the Cadillac ATS at 10. 2 cubic feet, but falls short of the C-Class and 3 Series sedans at 12. 4 and thirteen, respectively. However, the popular 60-40 split-folding rear seat allows for more space for luggage and other gear.
Perhaps the most productive thing about the Lexus IS is that it’s easy to drive. Three capable modes on base models adjust throttle, steering, and fuel control to suit your mood: Eco, Normal, and Sport. Sport mode uses the G-Force Generation Synthetic Intelligence (G AI-Shift), which will provide the optimal gear based on data provided through sensors that read the lateral G-force. F-Sport models feature Sport S and Sport S modes for an even more competitive setup.
The suspension has been redesigned for 2014 with a new multi-link rear setup and an anti-roll bar for frame roll. F-Sport models have an optional adaptive variable suspension. Updates have also been made to the all-electric force guide, adding a revised version. gear ratio and forward staggered guide feel. Variable gear ratio guidance is also optional for IS 350 models with the F-Sport and RWD package.
The best-selling model will likely be the base IS 250, powered by a 2. 5-liter V6 engine with 204 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It’s smart for an estimated 0-60 mph time in 7. 9 seconds and gets an unofficial manufacturer-estimated fuel consumption of 21/30 mpg city/highway on RWD styles and 20/27 mpg on AWD styles.
On winding roads, our IS 250 dealt with sweepers and out-of-superelevation curves with ease. The 6-speed automatic transmission was sleek and shifted gears in all the right places. The ride was relatively graceful, we noticed the road noise and the wind, especially on the tougher streets.
The IS 350 models are powered by a 3. 5-liter V6 with 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet, with a track-worthy 0-60 mph time of just 5. 6 seconds. We found the IS 350 to have plenty of acceleration and thrust at low revs. Braking is companionable and instantaneous, thanks to ventilated discs on all four wheels with brake assist.
On the track, the IS 350 with the F-Sport package can make you feel like a pro, even if you launch yourself to the top a little earlier or don’t make it to the rough tracks. The revised electric force guide is crisp and provides plenty of feedback without feeling too heavy (the latter feature is preferred by some racers). The updated suspension helps keep the car firmly planted, while allowing the frame to sway just enough to feel where it is in the space when cornering.
A comparison with the Mercedes-Benz C350 couldn’t come close. Comfortable brakes, smooth steering, and sloppy handling (even in game mode) proved that the Benz is more productive if left to drive on the road. That’s not a bad thing, it just serves another purpose.
The BMW 335i was another matter. A return to this perennial favorite and reminds us why it’s the benchmark against which other cars with functionality are measured. With its large steering wheel, deep noise and traction control deactivated in Sport-plus mode, it’s a device for someone who knows what they’re doing. But the Bimmer is rarely so forgiving, as an automotive journalist from another publication discovered when he was driving the 335i in an SUV on the straight.
The YES, on the other hand, is almost effortless. This helps keep you in check. It allows you to push the barriers without losing control. It’s easy to throw, although it weighs about 40 pounds more than the BMW. The weight distribution is estimated at 54/46, compared to a close to 50/50 configuration of the Bimmer.
A sound generator on all models, the AWD 250, transmits the sound of the engine from an intake chamber. While we can hear the IS 350 F-Sport very well on the track, the sound of its exhaust is distinguished from any other car by its elegance and is much louder. and more plaintive than the deep, single rumble of the BMW.
The 2014 Lexus IS is a car for enthusiasts. Its electronic aids and simple handling make you feel like a great driver, on or off the track.
Laura Burstein wrote this report NewCarTestDrive. com after her test drive of the Lexus IS models near Austin, Texas.
Lexus EST 250 ($35,950); 350 SSRIs ($39,465); EST 250 AWD ($38,485); IS 350 AWD ($41,700).
Tahara and Kyushu, Japan.
The F-Sport package ($3,620) includes an adaptive play suspension, 10-way force-adjustable driver’s seat, 8-way force-adjustable passenger seat, contrast stitching, perforated leather steering wheel, TFT tool group, front fascia and grille, F Sport badging. 18-inch wheels; Variable gear ratio steering ($400).