Lexus Reviews

I go weak at the knees just thinking about big 4WDs with V8 engines.

We've bid bye-bye to the RX270 Lexus, a car we have grown to like for many reasons over three months and 7000km.

The premium offshoot of Toyota is now well established in this country and this third generation IS range has plenty of appeal enough for its European rivals to be worried.

It's been the best looking Lexus for a long time and the new model IS continues that trend with its sporty, sexy lines and striking front and rear styling.

They still don't offer a diesel RX but Lexus reckons it covers that base with the hybrid model and now, a four cylinder petrol variant called the RX270. The latter is unashamedly aimed at urban SUV buyers as it's a front wheel drive model but features most of the kit on other RX models including a six-speed auto

The third-generation IS range is very good and will be causing quite a bit of worry at Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi. It is unfair to suggest that Lexus is simply a luxurious Toyota. The brand stands alone and apart from the Japanese giant but, despite this, badge snobs are reluctant to have a bar of the Lexus marque. However, to ignore the new IS is foolish.Sales of the new model are up by 6.5 per cent this year to 1437, behind the C-Class (3476), 3-Series (3284) and A4 (1610), all of which are down on this time last year. The IS 350, as tested, jumped 115 per cent last month and is up 14.5 per cent for the year. So the Germans should be anxious.The review car in metallic black was the IS 350 Luxury, which sells for $73,039 drive away. It sits at the bottom of the IS 350 range with the F Sport and the Sports Luxury higher up the ladder at about $80K and $92K a piece. There are also the smaller-engine IS 250 from about $61K and the hybrid IS 300 from $65K.There's nothing new in the engine department, apart from the hybrid-electric 300h. The third-gen model comes with the same 2.5- and 3.5-litre V6 units, which have been tickled but not given a big makeover. Still, they are smooth and, in the 350, relatively grunty.I like the look of the new IS. It's more aggressive than the previous model and looks wider, sleeker and even more aggro in F sport models, particularly in lighter colours and with the honeycomb grille. It gets a bit lost in dark colours, such as the metallic black of the review vehicle.The interior is a massive step up, more stylish and roomy. Lexus says the new IS has 170mm of clearance to the front seatbacks. There's far better rear knee and head space, thanks to a 70mm longer wheelbase, and much of the panache found in the larger GS.The cockpit has well laid-out instruments, nifty ventilation dials, a chunky steering wheel and the computer mouse-style remote-touch controller on the transmission tunnel.Standard equipment outstrips the Germans, including satellite navigation, reversing camera, smart entry with push-button start, heated and ventilated leather-accented front seats, a digital radio, eight airbags, dual-zone climate-control air, Bluetooth with audio streaming, bi-xenon headlights with daytime-running lights, a 7-inch colour media display and Drive Mode select.The base audio system has eight speakers, while two USB inputs are also standard: one for your USB thumb drive while you simultaneously charge your phone. Lexus says you would have to spend 20 to 30 per cent more to get the same levels in an Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Benz C-Class. With the high level of gear, plus the Japanese brand's longer-than-average four-year warranty and its legendary high levels of service, it all makes for a remarkable value proposition.There's the expected suite of electronic driver aids, plus eight airbags, a reversing camera and tyre-pressure monitoring. The car also has a bonnet that pops up to minimise pedestrian injury. The downsides? The cruise control stalk on the steering column is straight out of a Toyota Corolla and the foot-operated parking brake is an ergonomic disaster. And there's no head-up display available, something you can now get on a VF Commodore and in the next Mazda3.With 233kw/378Nm on tap, the IS 350 is lively enough with the signature Lexus refinement and sound-deadening to make travel serene on all but coarse bitumen road surfaces. It still has a lovely, deep gurgling note and is smooth as butter with a delicious growl towards the redline. New to this variant is an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters lifted from the old V8 IS F dynamo.This is smooth and slips virtually imperceptibly in most typical situations, with its only weak spot being the occasional annoying persistence to shift up - even while in manual mode. The IS 350 is composed and eager to corner with enthusiasm, although the ESP will easily intervene if you go over the top. It corners with balance, the steering is fast and accurate. It's the best-handling Lexus by far. The 350 easily devoured the mountain roads and was a lot of fun in the twisties.I was able to string a series of corners together well on the Targa Tasmania-like undulating and tightish corners, but it lost a bit of composure on the sections of second-rate surfaces. The ride can be a bit jittery around town and on the firmish side. Fuel consumption is not good, however. I recorded 13.5L/100km, when Lexus claims 9.7. Admittedly, there was some spirited driving during last weekend's tryout but on the highway stretches I stuck rigidly to 100km/h.The IS, particularly the 350, is now a true competitor to be measured against the Germans, such as Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It smashes them for equipment and warranty, the styling is distinctive and desirable and the quality top class. The cabin has stepped up to the mark and there's far more room inside.

A hybrid, running on electric power, with a throaty V8 growl? It’s one of a bagful of features in the Lexus IS 300h, the luxury brand’s first hybrid in its sports IS range, newly uprated to give its trio of Teutonic rivals some real trouble.The car is an attention-grabber with a bigger, three-dimensional spindle grille, wider stance and dramatically swoopy rear end styling. A 70mm longer wheelbase has given it greater interior space, the seating is lower and sportier and the driver-oriented cockpit is derived from the Lexus LFA supercar.The hybrid has 60/40 split-fold rear seats and its battery pack is mounted low, under the boot floor, so there’s 450litres of cargo space, just 30litres less than the petrol-powered models.The IS 300h joins the IS 250 and IS 350 models in the model’s just-launched third generation, with prices starting from $55,900. The 300h is quite a performer, with a combined output of 164kW from its 2.5litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor. It runs just as well as the 153/252Nm V6 IS 250, and uses only about half the fuel.IS 250 Luxury is $55,900, the F Sport from $64,900 and Sports Luxury from $77,900. The IS 300 hybrid starts from $58,900 and the F Sport is from $67,900. IS 350 Luxury is $65,000, with the F Sport from $73,000 and Sports Luxury from $84,000.Despite being dubbed ‘all new’ the 250 and 350 have not altered their existing V6 motors. However, transmissions have changed in that the 233kW/378Nm 3.5litre V6 now has an eight-speed auto. The 250 retains its six-speed auto and the 300h gets a six-stepped CVT.The 300h is the first Lexus to use a Atkinson Cycle 2.5litre petrol electric/hybrid powertrain, which apart from lots of pep, makes it a sensation in the economy and clean air section, consuming and average 4.9litres/100km and emitting 113g of CO2/km. By comparison, the IS 250 data is 9.2litres/100km and 213g/km and the 350 uses 9.7litres and emits 225g/km.Lexus says the hybrid’s figures are unmatched by any rival petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles in the segment, and expects growing awareness of fuel prices and exhaust emissions to lift its hybrid sales  from their present 18per cent to close on 50 per cent.There’s the expected suite of electronic driver aids, plus eight airbags (10 of them in Sports Luxury models), a reversing camera and tyre pressure monitoring. Option packs add Automatic High Beam, Lane Departure Alert, Blind Spot Monitor and a Pre-Collision system. The cars also have a bonnet that pops up to minimise pedestrian injury. Lexus says it’s confident of a five-star safety rating.The standard Luxury models all have powered, ventilated front seats, keyless entry, satnav, dual-zone climate control, digital radio, Bluetooth with audio streaming, bi-xenon headlights with daytime running lights, reverse-view camera, 7-inch colour media display, and Drive Mode select.A telematics system called Enform, will be available late this year, offering a vast range of data, including customer care, internet search, fuel station finder with fuel prices, weather, plus downloadable destination guides.We were able to compare an existing IS 350 with the latest one on the famed Phillip Island racing circuit, and the improvement, especially in grip, was immediately evident.Smoother lines and a stiffer body gave the newie better balance and its fast-shifting gearbox, complete with auto-blipping, was a delight. The rear-wheel drive IS has super balance – close to 50:50 front to rear – and that translates to very sporty road manners.However there’s no masking the considerable weight of the vehicle, and that undermines both off-the-line acceleration and cornering. Doesn’t destroy it completely, but leaves you with the wish that it could just make that extra leap to true performance characteristics.But it’s not performance most Lexus IS buyers will be looking for – it’s luxury and refinement. They won’t be disappointed. Cruising on public roads in various models, every kilometre was a pleasure. As for the burbling engine sound from the hybrid, it’s from something called Active Sound Control, presumably to counter the comparative silence of hybrid power. It can be customised or switched off, but we thought it hilarious.Passengers would never know the snarl came from under the dash, and if they didn’t see the ‘h’ badge on the tail, they’d never know the car was a hybrid.Given that few Lexus owners will venture onto the race circuit, we’d make the 300h our pick. It has all the prestige and luxury of the others, with phenomenal savings in running costs. And switchable joy sound.

In the quest for alternative power sources Toyota and Lexus have been at the forefront of the development of petrol/electric hybrid technology for many years.While Toyota concentrated on conservative models such as the Prius, Lexus took it a step further by using electric power to add sporting performance.At first glance this approach may have seemed odd but in fact hybrids actually make more sense in large cars than in small ones because a fuel saving of around 25 per cent in a large engine will benefit the environment far more than trimming the same percentage from a small one.Though people who can afford expensive vehicles don’t have the same fuel cost concerns than buyers of cheaper ones, more and more of them are starting to see CO2 emission reductions as a more significant issue. Interestingly, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are now also producing luxury sports hybrids.STYLINGThe Lexus LS range was given an upgrade in early 2013 with a more adventurous look to it, extra power to all models as well as the option of F-Sport styling and performance enhancement features with both the LS 460 and the new, standard wheelbase, LS 600h. The LS 600hL remained on sale with, as before, the choice of two rear bucket seats or a traditional three-seat bench.Premium luxury cars such as the big Germans and the Lexus LS have traditionally come with quite conservative styling as befits their buyer’s status so the new angular wide-mouth treatment is quite an exciting change and one that we loved.ENGINESPower and torque are the same in all four LS models with power increased from 290 kW to 327 kW and torque unchanged at 520 Nm. Their inclusion of the F-Sport package adds a second dimension to the hybrid nature of the LS 600h because it allows the car to be driven in five different modes: Normal, Eco, Comfort, Sport S and Sport S+.The last two modes are an interesting move because, as with the styling changes, they direct the LS more in the direction of the driver than the chauffeur and his executive passenger(s). Less likely to be an issue in egalitarian Australia than in more status-conscious overseas countries. Indeed, many Asian owners of the Lexus hybrids will never drive their own cars.DRIVINGThe Lexus LS models consummate cruising vehicles with an almost floating feeling such is the level of comfort and noise suppression. Twiddle to knob to the Sport S or Sport S+ settings and you feel noticeable changes in the driving dynamics with firmer suspension through the Active Stabiliser System, tighter steering and drivetrain.While these enhancements do improve driving enjoyment the big Lexuses are a long way from being sporty – they’re far too large and heavy for that. Nevertheless the gap between the superior performance of cars the BMW 7 Series has been closed and the dynamics of the new LS models largely through a stiffer chassis than before.Interior space in the standard wheelbase F-Sport is acceptable for a pair of adults in the rear seat but with boot space restricted by the batteries to just 370 litres. Fuel consumption during our test of the LS 600h sat just over 10 litres per 100 kilometres during freeway segments and around 12 overall, quite impressive numbers for such a large vehicle.TECHNOLOGYWe could fill several more pages describing the equipment and technology within the Lexus LS but rather than do so, we’ll pick out a few highlights and let your local dealer walk you through the rest. Rear-seat passengers get access to most of the car’s infotainment features from the console located on the armrest between the rear seats, no doubt designed for the Chairman of the Board en route between business meetings and listening in to stock market reports.The front seat console employs a rectangular floating ‘mouse’ which we found much more difficult to use than the typical round one. It doesn’t come easily to hand and is so twitchy that it’s necessary to take your eyes of the road to use it.VERDICTWith on-road prices starting above a quarter of a million dollars the Lexus LS 600h is obviously aimed at an elite category of buyer for whom only the best will do. Those who appreciate technology will love it.MODEL RANGELS 600h F-Sport 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid four-door sedan: $217,900 (automatic)LS 600h L 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid five-seat four-door sedan: $249,900 (automatic)LS 600h L 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid four-seat four-door sedan: $259,900 (automatic)Lexus LS 600h F SportPrice: from $217,900Engine: 5.0-litre petrol/electric hybrid V8 290 kW (327 kW combined)/520 NmBody: four-door sedanTransmission: CVT, RWDTurning Circle: 11.6 metresKerb Mass: 2270-2340 kgFuel Tank Capacity: 84 litres0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.7 secondsThirst: 8.6 L/100 km 95RONStandard warranty: four years/100,000 km

With the RX 350 F-Sport, Lexus is going after car buyers seeking a prestige family car with a bit more space -- but also sportier characteristics than average. This Lexus delivers in terms of luxury but it’s not over the top like some of its pricier rivals.VALUEThe entry level RX350 Luxury - from $77,400 - kicks off the range with the F-Sport as tested starting from $85,400. The top of the range Sports Luxury starts from $93,900.The standard features list is impressive and includes features like live traffic enabled satellite-navigation, reversing camera with guide assist, electric adjustable leather seats, power rear tailgate, digital audio, 12-speaker audio system, 19-inch alloy wheels and daytime running lights.TECHNOLOGYThe RX 350 kicks things up a notch from the 4-cylinder RX 270 with the smooth V6 petrol engine pumping out a very useful 204kW of power and 346 Nm of torque. Thanks to multi point injection power figures are decent and performance is respectable for an SUV weighing more than two tonnes. The 0-100kmh dash can be done in 8 seconds according to Lexus -- and it probably feels a little quicker off the mark than those figures suggest.Fuel consumption is quoted at 10.8L/100km for the combined cycle but in predominantly city traffic you can expect to chew through about 15L /100.The smooth transmission is a highlight. It’s well-matched with the engine and doesn’t sound noisy or trashy when accelerating. Sound insulation in the cabin obviously helps and it’s one of the things Lexus is renowned for.DESIGNThe revamped RX range shares the signature face of the rest of the Lexus fleet.  With its spindle grille and more aggressive F-Sport front bumper design, mesh grille and distinctive F Sport badge this RX350 stands out. The daytime running lights also help to make the front end look sporty.The interior looks good and is comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for cargo and passengers. The dash design is shared with the new generation Lexus GS range while the remote touch system is easy to navigate. The F sport also scores sports pedals and steering wheel to underscore its sporty aims.SAFETYThere are ten airbags, including side airbags on the rear outer seats, as standard. Additional safety features include stability control and traction control, hill-start assist control, anti-lock braking and associated technology such as electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.Also notable is the Lexus active cruise control system employed in the RX range. It’s works with the a radar system detecting other vehicles up ahead and adjusting speed accordingly. It makes for smoother more relaxed freeway driving.DRIVINGThe engine responds well to the pedal and has plenty of urge for the in-gear acceleration needed for overtaking between 80-110kmh – particularly considering the size and weight of the car.This Lexus is equally at home taking the family around the city as well as relaxed travelling on freeways but don’t expect it to tow a heavy load or handle offroad terrain – it might be 4WD bit it just wasn’t designed for serious offroading.While it does handle better than the entry level RX - and the engine and transmission are a smooth combination - fuel consumption can be a bit disappointing in city driving but it makes up for that with its performance considering the size of the vehicle.VERDICTThe Lexus RX 350 F Sport is a car that will appeal for those looking for sportier family transportation, a quality interior and better performance and handling than your average SUV. As with other Lexus cars one of the reasons to consider it over some of its rivals is the fact that most of the optional extras are included as standard.Lexus RX 350 F-SportPrice: from $85,400 Warranty: 4 years/100,000km, roadside assistService Interval: 6 months/10,000kmSafety: 10 airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TCCrash rating: 5 starsEngine: 3.5-litre V6 petrol, 204kW/346NmTransmission: 6-speed auto; AWDThirst: 10.8L/100km; 95RON; 254g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.8m (L), 1.9m (W), 1.7m (H)Weight: 2085kgSpare: Space-saverThirst: 10.4L/100km; 98RON; CO2 248g/km 

The new Lexus GS350 Sports Luxury is designed for those who want the comfort of a five-star hotel and the performance of a sports car in one attractive package. It's a proper sports sedan with improved looks to match the powerhouse that's under the hood.VALUEThe GS350 range kicks off with the Luxury model starting from $ 89,400. For $10,000 more the F-Sport is the middle of the GS350 range and then there’s the range topping Sports Luxury (from $109,400) which we tested.In terms of value for money the differences to its German rivals are most evident in the extra standard features included across the GS350 range. There's an abundance of comfortable soft leather throughout as you'd expect from a prestige manufacturer but also a lot of extra technology thrown in.From the massive 12.3-inch widescreen dashboard display to the heads-up display projected on to the windscreen and the centre console joystick controlling the infotainment system it's all top of the range equipment. Then there's the excellent surround sound system and comfortable 20-way power adjustable front seats that you’ll never want to leave.TECHNOLOGYThe new 3.5-litre engine of the GS 350 pumps out 27 per cent more power (233kW) and 22 per cent more torque (378Nm) than the previous Lexus GS 300, and at the some time it manages to slightly improve fuel economy by 0.1L/100km. It incorporates both direct and multiport injection and provides cracking performance.Mated with a six-speed sequential automatic transmission with paddle shift behind the steering wheel, the GS 350 is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in about 6 seconds.  Fuel consumption is a little disappointing in town (quoted at 13.7 litres/100km in the urban cycle) but expect it to drop to 7.4 litres per 100 km during highway cruising. We averaged around 14.5L in our stint in this Lexus.SAFETYThe GS has a five-star crash rating and ten airbags with all the electronic brake and traction aids. Other safety aids include lane keep assist, a blind spot monitor integrated in the side mirrors, plus auto high-beam headlights which automatically dip when detecting oncoming vehicles.DESIGNThe pleasant surprise here is that the car's look improved for the better with the new GS350 range. There¹s an attractive new grille, daytime running lights and 18-inch wheels but the rear end looks a little too Toyota Camry like in comparison with the rest of the package.The interior design is where this car excels as it successfully integrates comfort with function. Controls are easy to use and the seats are so good you might even be looking forward to getting stuck in traffic. The analogue clock in the middle of the dash is something that took a bit of getting used to but it’s reminiscent of older classy luxury cars.DRIVINGIn normal driving the quietness of the cabin really stands out but the exhaust responds acoustically with a sporty note when pushing the revs up. Road noise is kept at a minimum but it¹s the engine sounds that are brought to the front without compromising the luxury feel of the car.It has a solid and direct feel and suspension is compliant over a range of surfaces. For a car of this size the driving dynamics stand out because it feels a lot more nimble than you might expect.Rear-wheel steering contributes to this improved handling. It's just two degrees of turning angle but it's has a huge impact on how the car feels. You forget all about 1740kg kerb weight with the sports mode activated and the car suddenly feels agile and ready to devour the next corner. IIt may not be as ballistic as the BMW 535i but push the accelerator hard and you'll get similar thrills for around $50,000 less.VERDICTWith vastly superior performance than the previous model the new GS350 is fun to drive but also retains the luxurious high quality interior Lexus is renowned for. It¹s packed with features, driving dynamics are surprisingly good and value for money against the German rivals is impressive. This Lexus is definitely worth a look.Lexus GS350 Sports LuxuryPrice: from $109,400Engine: 3.5-litre 6-cylinder, 233 kW/ 378 NmTransmission: six-speed sequential automatic transmission, RWDThirst: 9.7 L/100km, CO2 emissions 225 g/km