The 2017 Lexus IS 300 has an assertive style for the luxury compact market, though its primary focus is not on performance. It offers all-wheel drive, an impeccable ride, plenty of features, and low noise levels, making it a desirable choice.
The Lexus IS 300 is a mid-grade model that falls between the turbocharged IS 200t and the range-topping IS 350. It is powered by a slightly detuned 3.5-liter V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its underwhelming performance, limited storage, and limited rear legroom, the IS 300 should still appeal to shoppers looking for a small luxury sedan.
The third-generation Lexus IS was revealed in 2013 and outperformed a BMW 3-series and a Cadillac ATS in a comparison test. However, its excellence diminishes as one moves away from the top-spec rear-wheel-drive IS350 F Sport. This four-door, automatic-only sedan offers nimble handling, striking looks with slashes, swooping cutlines, and an oversized spindle grille, all following the current Lexus design philosophy.
For our review, we drove the mid-grade IS300 F Sport, which features a detuned 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 255 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque (down 51 horses and 41 lb-ft) and all-wheel drive. The IS300's V-6 is coupled with a six-speed automatic, while the rear-wheel-drive IS350 and the base, rear-drive-only IS200t with its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four making 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft are equipped with an eight-speed unit. Our fully-loaded $49,084 six-cylinder IS300 competes with four-cylinder vehicles of a similar price, such as the BMW 330i, the Mercedes-Benz C300, and the Audi A4.
For its 2017 refresh, Lexus modified the shapes of the headlights, front bumper, and taillights. The oval exhaust tips were changed to rectangular and the front outer air intakes (for cooling the brakes on F Sport models) were extended and deepened. The interior was also modified, with an armrest added near the Remote Touch Interface, which now has a second enter button. The instrument-cluster hood and clock face were revised. Notably, driver-assist systems are now standard across the entire IS lineup, including forward-collision alert with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beams (blind-spot monitoring is standard on F Sport models). Competitors charge more for such features.
Lexus offers a perfect blend of luxury and performance. The BMW 3 Series, however, requires the right options to strike a balance between comfort and power. The rear-wheel drive IS350 F Sport is the ideal choice, with firmer damping that still feels smooth. F Sport models also feature a striking look, with a black, diamond-textured grille instead of the regular model's thin chrome strips. (The F Sport trim is only available with NuLuxe upholstery, but it is so soft it feels like leather.)
Lexus engineers have done a remarkable job with the interior details. The F Sport's tachometer slides out to reveal a secondary LCD screen for vehicle settings, while the window motors slow down when opening and closing to reduce noise. The V-6 engine runs smoothly and both the six- and eight-speed transmissions shift seamlessly. The driver's seat is low and offers good visibility, though the back seat and trunk are understandably compact due to the car's size.
We have been requesting more power from Lexus, yet our requests have gone unheard. All three engine options lack the power of smaller-displacement competitors. The 306-hp IS350 performs well on paper, but it is weighed down by 3785 pounds. The IS300 is less powerful and torque-y than the IS200t, making it a less desirable option. The mouse-style controller for the central display is inconvenient, and the navigation map's graphics are outdated. In conclusion, it is a satisfying luxury sports sedan that needs more speed.