2014 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport Review: Luxury Meets Sportiness

While most people in the Middle East relax with their families during Ramadan weekends, the enthusiasts at YallaMotor.com spend their weekends driving around the UAE testing cars. This is absolutely the best gig in town. This weekend, I had the opportunity to drive the all-new Lexus IS 350 F-Sport. The IS model has evolved significantly since its global introduction 15 years ago. The 2014 Lexus IS is the third generation, building on its legacy of offering luxury performance cars in the entry-level segment. This model features a more powerful engine compared to the previous IS 300, now paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission that increases power to 312 hp from 230 hp. The IS 350 also stands out as a more stylish option compared to rivals like the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, especially with the F-Sport body kit. My question as I picked up the car was: "Is this a sports car with a Lexus finish, or a Lexus luxury car with a sporty finish?"

Styling

The styling of the 2014 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport has many positives and a few negatives to report:

• We love the "swoop" line starting from the bottom to the rear door.
• The bolder wheel arches and sharp window lines create a luxurious yet muscular look.

However, the low ground clearance presents practical challenges, as the bottom area is prone to curbside scratches if the car veers into gravel areas. The F-Sport badge is subtle, which is a relief.

The most notable style update is the "spindle grille," which has been well-received in the market. This signature grille is now a hallmark of the Lexus brand, similar to how the honeycomb grille defines Jaguar. The athletic front corner pockets are impressive, but the low ground clearance means the lower bumper parts are likely to incur scratches, requiring extra caution. All versions of the IS 350 come with attractive 18" alloy wheels, and the dual-pane moonroof adds a sense of space and ambience to the interior.

Interior Features and Comfort

Upon entering the 2014 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport, you are greeted with luxurious features, including:

• Smooth, sport red leather seats
• High-grade materials and stitching in the top-spec F-Sport Prestige
• Ventilated seats across all versions

The lower-spec Premier version features fabric and synthetic leather seats. Two large cupholders and a spacious storage unit mitigate some interior practicality issues. The creatively designed goose-hinged dashboard, however, offers limited storage space, reminding you to rely more on digital devices.

The steering wheel and gear knob are encased in GTI-style leather, with the push start button conveniently located. The digital tachometer resembles that of the LFA, but at a fraction of the cost. The central console combines luxury and sportiness effectively, equipped with the Mark Levinson sound system and a user-friendly remote touch button that navigates the 7-inch infotainment screen.

However, the A/C vents and analog clock seem out of place in this sporty environment, reminiscent of outdated designs. These elements are the odd ones out in an otherwise modern interior.

The rear seats are plush and include cupholders, along with rear A/C vents (though without controls). However, the rear legroom is somewhat cramped; three passengers can sit comfortably for short rides but may struggle on longer journeys.

Boot space is not class-leading but sufficient for daily needs. It is smaller than a Camry, making it a challenge for those needing to fit larger items like a twin stroller.

Safety Features

The 2014 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport boasts impressive safety features, particularly:

• Lane Departure Warning system that alerts you when changing lanes without signaling.
• Front, knee, side, and curtain airbags across all versions.
• Backup camera and essential features like ABS and EBD.

This safety lineup is especially significant given recent reports from Dubai Police indicating that many traffic accidents occur due to unnoticed lane changes. Note that the Lane Departure Warning is available only on the top-spec F-Sport Prestige version.

Drive Performance

Driving the Lexus IS 350 F-Sport feels like a luxury cruiser with a sporty edge. The 0-100 km/h acceleration is achieved in just 6.0 seconds, outperforming the Toyota Avalon by nearly a second. The vehicle has three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Sport mode delivers effortless acceleration, with torque kicking in rapidly, allowing for seamless speeds of up to 160 km/h.

The Lexus IS 350 remains stable at high speeds, benefiting from the Vehicle Stability Control system and strong road grip. The engine sound is enhanced by a newly installed "intake noise generator," but be mindful that Sport mode consumes fuel at a noticeable rate. In Eco and Normal modes, the car reverts to a more standard luxury cruiser feel.

The electric power steering is not overly light, which enhances control during sharp turns. However, the F-Sport struggles with understeer during tight maneuvers, which is unexpected from Lexus. On the other hand, braking performance is commendable, with a 100-0 km/h braking time of under 4 seconds. The Adaptive Variable Suspension excels in Sport mode, providing good feedback in Normal mode as well.

Verdict

In conclusion, the F-Sport trim enhances the IS 350, making it much more enjoyable to drive and a worthy competitor to the Jaguar XF. Priced at over 200,000 AED, it enters the same bracket as the BMW 3 Series Sedan. While the F-Sport offers several appealing features, it does not quite match the BMW in brand prestige and performance. Thus, while the IS 350 F-Sport is a solid choice, it serves as a stepping stone before venturing into the luxury big leagues.