EXPERT RATING
7.8

Likes

Best engine of the bunch
Most fun to drive
Looks the part

Dislikes

Tight back seat
Feeling its age inside
What if you wanted a sleeper?
Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
18 Dec 2020
2 min read

The IS350 is the flagship model in the Lexus IS 2021 range, and unlike the previous model, it now only comes in F Sport trim.

That seems pretty fitting really, as this is the most powerful engine of the range, and the F Sport name fits better here than anywhere else in the range. It runs a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine producing 232kW of power and 380Nm of torque. It has an eight-speed auto with paddle shifters, and is rear-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is claimed at 9.5L/100km. 

The IS350 F Sport lists at $75,000 (MSRP) and comes pretty well kitted out for the cash. It has a body kit, 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension, sports front seats with cooling (plus heating and electric adjust, plus driver’s seat memory settings), sports pedals, and five drive modes, an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster and leather-accented trim.

That’s in addition to the other standard gear: auto LED headlights with auto high beams, LED daytime running lights, proximity keyless entry with push-button start, a 10.3-inch touchscreen with sat nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The steering column has power adjustment, there’s dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control.

Buying the F Sport Enhancement Pack for the IS300 costs $3100 and includes the sunroof, 17-speaker sound system and rear sunshade. If only you could just get the stereo!

Safety spec is well accounted for, with AEB comprising pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with auto braking, lane keeping assist, intersection turn assist and new Lexus Connected Services for emergency backup.

Read the full 2021 Lexus IS review

Lexus IS350 2021: F Sport

Engine Type V6, 3.5L
Fuel Type Premium Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 9.5L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $56,540 - $65,010
Safety Rating
Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
Matt Campbell has been at the forefront of automotive media for more than a decade, working not only on car reviews and news, but also helping manage automotive outputs across print, online, video and audio. After completing his media degree at Macquarie University, Matt was an intern at a major news organisation as part of the motoring team, where he honed his skills in the online automotive reviews and news space. He did such a good job there they put him on full time, and since then he has worked across different automotive media outlets, before starting with CarsGuide in October 2017. At CarsGuide Matt has helped shape the video output of the business, while also playing a key role in management behind the scenes, and helping in-market new car buyers make the right choice by continually evolving CarsGuide's comparison reviews. Driving more than 100 cars a year seemed like a dream to Matt when he first started out, but now it's all just part of the job - a job he loves and plans to stay in for a long time to come. Matt is also an expert in used car values, as he's always on the hunt for a bargain - be it a project beater or a prime example of the breed. He currently owns a 2001 Audi TT quattro and a 2007 Suzuki Jimny JLX.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.

Comments