Lexus IS350 vs Zeekr 009

What's the difference?

No it isn’t an all-new car. It might look like it, but the 2021 Lexus IS is actually a heavy facelift of the existing model, which originally went on sale way back in 2013.

There have been significant changes to the look of the new Lexus IS, including a revised front and rear end, and the company has widened the track and made “substantial chassis changes” to make it handle more adeptly, too. Plus there is a whole raft of newly added safety features and in-car technology, despite the cabin being, largely, a carryover affair.

Suffice to say that the new Lexus IS 2021 model - which the brand describes as having been “reimagined” - carries over a few strengths and weaknesses of its predecessor. But does this Japanese luxury sedan still have enough quality traits to compete with the likes of its main rivals - the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

Let’s find out.

If Rolls-Royce was to make a Kia Carnival then the Zeekr 009 would probably be it, but without the stratospheric price tag.

Zeekr is Volvo’s sister from China under its massive Geely parent company and the 009 is a fully electric, luxury people mover that arrived in Australia to join the small X hatch and the forthcoming 7X mid-sized electric SUV.

The Zeekr 009 we tested is the seven-seater version and with a price of $135,900, before on-road costs, it's double the price of the fanciest Kia Carnival. Then again, the 009 is about $85,000 cheaper than the Lexus LM500h hybrid people mover.

If you are a family with more than two or three children, or a chauffeur service operator, then the 009 could be a much more practical and luxurious alternative to a high-end SUV. And, as I'll show you, even at this price it's a bargain.