Quick Spin: 2012 Lexus IS 350 AWD

By John LeBlanc What is it? The compact, five-passenger IS is Lexus’ stab at the entry-level sports sedan segment, a class invented by the BMW 3 Series in the yuppie-era 1980s. Until the $30,950 front-wheel-drive CT 200h hybrid hatchback arrived for 2011, the $32,900 rear-wheel-drive IS 250 sedan was the least expensive Lexus you could buy. Base IS 250 models start with a 204 horsepower 2.5-litre V6. The higher-rung IS 350 gets a 306 hp 3.5-litre V6. Both can be had with optional all-wheel-drive. Except for the IS 250 RWD, that receives a six-speed manual as the base gearbox, an automatic with the same number of gears is standard across the lineup. There’s also the BMW M3-mimicing IS-F. It has a 416 hp version of the big LS sedan’s V8 stuffed into to it. What's new? Not much. This second-gen IS arrived in 2008, with a styling refresh last year. For 2012, a new Touring Edition available for the IS 250 AWD adds leather seating (heated front), power moon roof, and high intensity discharge headlamps with LED daytime running lights. My IS 350 AWD tester started at $44,950. But a $14,500 Ultra Premium Package added such extravagances as a 15-speaker sound system, driver seat memory, upgraded leather seats (heated and ventilated upfront), parking assist with back-up camera, and navigation. What's it like to drive? Compared to fresher rivals like the Audi A4, Infiniti G, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60, and all-new 3 Series and Cadillac ATS arriving this year, the Lexus is starting to feel a bit dated. Okay, a lot dated. So when it comes to handing marks as a sports sedan, the Lexus mainly gets Cs. While the way Lexus assembles its interiors is beyond reproach, and the car has a competitive set of options and features, there’s not much “soul” in this four-door from the driver’s seat. Inside, the emphasis is more on wood and chrome than matte-finish pieces, the seats more about comfort than support. And interior space remains less-than generous, with tight rear-seat legroom making the IS sedan essentially a 2+2. In a straight line, the IS 350 AWD is smooth and quiet, and quite quick. But once you start turning the wheel—meh—it feels like every other Lexus, the Number One car recommended by sleep therapists. Instead of giving feedback, the Lexus steering is finger-light, and free of any communication of what the tires are doing. When hustled, the car reacts nervously, and the soft suspension setup means plenty of body roll in tight corners, followed by perpetual understeer—ugh! Should you buy one? Except for excellent interior fit and finish and a limousine-like ride, sports sedan fans would be happier with any of the IS 350 AWD’s much fresher rivals. In fact, even in a Lexus showroom—and unless you prefer the IS’s cosier cabin cramped or must have traction at all four wheels—I’d suspect most Lexus fans would be better off with the Camry-based ES sedan for about $10k less. 2012 Lexus IS 350 AWD WHAT I LIKED: Excellent interior fit-and-finish; smooth and quiet road manners; plenty of luxury car features. WHAT I DIDN'T: Cramped cabin; sensory deprivation chamber driving characteristics; feeling dated when compared to the competition. Base price / as-tested: $44,950 / $59,450 Type of vehicle: AWD compact sports sedan Engine: 3.5 L, 24-valve, DOHC V6 Power/Torque: 306 hp / 277 lb.-ft. Transmission: Six-speed automatic Fuel consumption (city/hwy/as-tested L/100 km): 11.4/7.8/11.8 Competition: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti G, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60

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