Lexus IS-F 2009 Review

Although reported claims by the carmaker that it’s a triumph over the BMW M3 may be a bit optimistic.

Based on the IS platform, the IS-F – the ‘F’ stands for Japan’s Fuji Speedway - delivers power, speed and agility in a smart looking package and may just give those staunch Bavarian auto fans something else to think about.

Engine

The IS-F is powered by a DOHC 5.0-litre V8 engine that produces 311kW at 6600rpm and 505Nm of torque at 5200rpm.

Power is transferred to the wheels via an eight speed Sports Direct Shift automatic (with paddle-shifters), electronically controlled with lock-up torque converter (2nd - 8th speeds).

On the way to a top speed of around 270km/h, the IS-F rockets to the 100km/h mark in 4.8 seconds.

Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving style but the press kit claims 11.4litres/100km. Combined CO2 emissions come in at 270gm/km.

Exterior

The IS-F retains the sporty shape and aggressive stance of the IS 250 on which it is based but the F is clearly a gym junkie – a sinewy ball of muscle.

Wheel arches have flared further to house big 19 inch wheels. The wheels are lighter than conventional alloys and are made by the official supplier to Formula 1 – BBS.

The radiator grille and lower cooling ducts are larger to allow more air to be sucked through to the engine and brakes, which gives the car an intimidating look head on.

To accommodate the big V8, there is unmistakable bonnet bulge and the front overhang is slightly larger than on IS 250.

High Intensity Discharge(HID) headlights with Lexus’ Intelligent Adaptive Front Lighting System improves the IS-F’s guidance through corners.

Interior

IS-F badges throughout the cabin are a constant reminder of this car’s sporty nature.

Supportive leather sports seats hold you in place round tight corners and the wrap around dash - with back-lit instrument cluster - provides a cockpit feel.

A seven inch colour touch-screen display is the primary information resource, controllable also by the leather sports steering wheel.

To make things more comfortable a satnav and a six-disc Mark Levinson audio system are standard, as is Bluetooth and MP3 capability.

Safety

Alongside the comprehensive airbag package, the Lexus IS-F safety list features anti-skid brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control and vehicle stability control.

Pricing

The Lexus IS-F starts at $129,000.

Driving

Wigley says

This car goes a long way in shaking the ‘boring, prettied-up Toyota’ tag that has attached itself to Lexus for a good while now. Adding a true performer to the line-up is a positive move to attract a whole new type of buyer and adding one this good lifts it another notch again.

For a start the IS-F looks the part, with a chunky exterior and big, gunmetal alloys.

Inside is equally as impressive. The soft leather seats lock you into a perfect, stable driving position and the smart-looking dash is easy enough to work out without fumbling through the manual.

But on the road is where the beast comes alive. The throaty gargle on start up rumbles up through the floor and into your feet and legs, bullying you to squeeze the throttle.

Lexus have done well to create a healthy combination of firmness and comfort in the IS-F. Potholes and ruts are swallowed up at all speeds and the multilink front and rear suspension allows the car to be thrown into corners with minimal body roll. The great cornering can also be attributed to the big Brembo brakes, made specifically for Lexus.

The paddle shifters were fast and smooth – 0.1 second upshifts – but not using them exploited the somewhat random gear selection in full automatic mode. Not surprising really given the eight gears to choose from.

There really weren’t too many downsides to this car, although we did find the B pillars made for massive blind spots, and it does feel a touch on the heavy side.

And the constant hum inside the cabin of the V8 could get a little grating. Actually scratch that last point – what am I saying??

But it was the acceleration in this car that really sold it for us. At 4.8 seconds it’s no slouch and when that second induction opens up just past 3000rpm, the noise is exquisite. Nice one Lexus.

Verdict - 8.8/10

Halligan says

The IS-F is somewhat of a watershed car because we have to begrudgingly stop calling all Lexus vehicle boring.

And we’ll have to stop because the IS-F is not boring. Its styling is not boring, its performance is not boring and there is certainly nothing at all boring about the way it sounds. When the second stage intake ports open just above 3500rpm , there is little else that can beat it for aural pleasure.

The IS-F was designed to compete with the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 in the global four-door family sports sedan market. It doesn't do too bad a job. But while this is a great car and anyone who buys one based on their personal preference is making a good choice, it is still the least car of the three.

That also includes having the least price, which – depending on what you are looking for – may be a benefit or not. At this price point I don't think it is much of a factor in the decision making process.

There is nothing much to criticise about this car, and its easy to love, but its easier to love the Merc C63 more. The IS-F is not as quick, not as entertaining and not the Q-ship that the C63 is.

But you hear there are a considerable amount of people who won’t be seen in the C63 or M3 as they fear being stereotyped.

Luckily we live in a fabulous time where we have a choice of three performance sedans with four doors, a boot to fill with family luggage, a high output V8 with more than 300kW on tap and superb handling.... hang on a minute, aren't we missing something here. Aren't there two more badges that fit that criteria – HSV and FPV. So it's not really a choice of three, it's actually five. Great days.

There’s a big argument for the Lexus on performance and price, and the main argument against is that it’s still a Lexus.

Rating - 8.8/10