The 2017 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is a vehicle that perfectly blends luxury with exhilarating performance. After spending a week immersed in the driving experience of this compact luxury sedan, it’s clear why it stands out in a competitive market. From its striking aesthetics to its meticulously crafted interior and, most importantly, its potent engine delivering impressive Is350 F Sport Hp, this car is designed to excite. This review delves into what makes the IS 350 F Sport a compelling choice for those seeking a dynamic and refined driving experience.
Striking Design and Road Presence
Lexus’s signature spindle grille immediately identifies the IS 350 F Sport as part of the esteemed Lexus family. However, it’s not just about brand recognition; the grille’s design is seamlessly integrated with the sedan’s overall sporty aesthetic, particularly in the F Sport trim. The black mesh within the grille distinguishes it from other IS models, adding an aggressive touch. The car’s silhouette is undeniably attractive, characterized by sharp, angular lines that flow from the front to the rear. For the 2017 model year, Lexus enhanced the design with more pronounced angles, larger functional cold air intakes, and redesigned headlights and taillights, giving it a refreshed and modern appeal.
The lighting on the IS 350 F Sport is a highlight, featuring LED daytime running lights and headlights as standard. The F Sport variant further elevates this with LED high and low beams, providing excellent visibility. At the rear, the 2017 updates include refined taillights and new rectangular dual chrome exhaust tailpipes, contributing to the car’s sporty and sophisticated appearance. Completing the exterior look are the F Sport’s larger 18-inch alloy five-spoke wheels, which are both stylish and contribute to the vehicle’s athletic stance. The “Caviar” color, new for 2017, adds a touch of understated elegance.
Interior Crafted for the Driving Enthusiast
Stepping inside the IS 350 F Sport reveals an interior that’s clearly designed with the driver in mind. The first thing that grabs your attention are the vibrant red leather bolstered seats in the test vehicle. These seats are not just visually appealing; they are incredibly supportive, hugging the body perfectly, especially during spirited driving. The driver’s seat offers 10-way power adjustability along with 2-way lumbar support, ensuring optimal comfort for any driver. Both front seats are equipped with heating and ventilation, a welcome feature in varying climates.
The cabin’s layout reflects meticulous attention to detail. It’s snug and driver-focused, enveloping occupants in soft-touch, high-quality materials. The perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel feels premium to the touch and includes paddle shifters for manual gear changes, enhancing driver engagement. Steering wheel-mounted controls are intuitively placed and easy to operate, minimizing distractions. A standout feature is the LFA-inspired TFT-combination tachometer. This motorized gauge cleverly retracts and slides to display menu items, adding a touch of technological sophistication and visual flair to the driving experience. One slightly unusual placement is the push-button start/stop, positioned somewhat high behind the steering wheel, requiring a slight reach.
The center console is substantial, almost a command center, housing a wealth of features. It includes a new, larger 10.3-inch high-resolution color split-screen multimedia display, dual-zone automatic climate control with touch-sensitive adjustments, and the Mark Levinson sound system controls. Lexus’s Remote Touch Interface system, while comprehensive, requires a learning curve to master its mouse-like controller for precise on-screen navigation. However, a dedicated map button provides quick access to the navigation system, which is a practical touch. The F Sport trim is further distinguished by silver performance trim accents throughout the cabin, aluminum pedals, and unique badging on the steering wheel. Standard interior features include an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a moonroof. The test vehicle was also equipped with a rearview backup camera with dynamic grid lines, enhancing safety and convenience. As a compact luxury sedan, rear passenger space in the IS is adequate but not expansive, particularly in terms of legroom and headroom. Trunk space is sufficient for daily needs, and tie-down points and 60/40 folding rear seats add versatility for carrying cargo.
Performance Unleashed: Exploring the IS 350 F Sport Horsepower
Under the hood, the Lexus IS 350 F Sport boasts a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 306 horsepower. This engine is paired with a smooth and responsive 8-speed automatic transmission. The absence of a turbocharger means power delivery is linear and immediate, eliminating any noticeable lag. The engine produces 277 pound-feet of torque, enabling the IS 350 F Sport to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 5.6 seconds. While a slight reduction in weight could potentially improve both acceleration and fuel efficiency, the current performance is more than satisfactory for spirited driving. The test vehicle was rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for those seeking enhanced traction in various conditions.
The F Sport variant benefits from a sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension. This system continuously monitors and adjusts the shock absorber settings at each wheel, adapting to the chosen drive mode and driving style. This results in a ride that can be both comfortable and dynamically engaging. High-friction performance brake pads further distinguish the F Sport, providing confident stopping power.
The IS 350 F Sport offers multiple drive modes to tailor the driving experience. “Normal” mode strikes a balance between performance and fuel efficiency for everyday driving. “Eco” mode prioritizes fuel conservation, slightly reducing performance. However, it’s the “S” (Sport) and “S+” (Sport+) modes where the true character of the is350 f sport hp engine shines. Engaging Sport mode is visually confirmed by the tachometer’s outer ring turning white. Sport+ mode unlocks the full performance potential, holding gears longer for quicker acceleration, firming up the suspension further, and increasing steering response. These modes transform the IS 350 F Sport into a more aggressive and responsive machine, perfect for enjoying twisty roads or spirited driving sessions.
Immersive Audio Experience
The optional 15-speaker, 835-watt Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system is nothing short of exceptional. The sound quality it delivers is truly immersive and rich, making it a worthwhile upgrade, bundled with the Navigation package. For audiophiles, this system alone could be a compelling reason to choose the IS 350 F Sport. When not enjoying the premium sound system, the cabin remains remarkably quiet, thanks to Lexus’s use of sound-dampening asphalt sheets in both the roof and floor pan, effectively minimizing road noise and creating a serene driving environment.
Comprehensive Safety Features
As part of the Toyota family, Lexus prioritizes safety, and the IS models are well-equipped in this regard. All IS models now come standard with Lexus Safety System Plus, a suite of active safety technologies. This includes a pre-collision system, lane departure alert with steering assist, intelligent high beams, and high-speed adaptive cruise control. The lane departure alert with steering assist is a particularly appreciated feature, subtly helping to keep the vehicle centered in its lane. The test vehicle was further enhanced with optional Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, adding an extra layer of safety and driver awareness.
Competitive Pricing and Value Proposition
The as-tested price of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport came in just under $50,000, including the F Sport package, navigation/audio system, and additional safety features. Even at this price point, the IS 350 F Sport remains competitively priced within the luxury compact sedan segment, often undercutting rivals like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 in comparable configurations. This positions the IS 350 F Sport as a strong value proposition, offering a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and features for the price.
Conclusion: The Ideal IS Model
The 2017 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is a standout model in the IS lineup. Its sporty performance, luxurious and well-appointed interior, and the phenomenal Mark Levinson sound system make it a truly enjoyable vehicle to drive and own. While the Lexus Remote Interface Controller could be more intuitive and a slight weight reduction would enhance performance and fuel economy, these minor points do little to detract from the overall appeal. For those in the market for a luxury compact sedan that delivers both driving thrills and refined comfort, the Lexus IS 350 F Sport, with its impressive is350 f sport hp, is undoubtedly the IS to choose.
2017 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Key Specifications:
- Horsepower: 306 hp
- Engine: 3.5-liter Naturally Aspirated V6
- Torque: 277 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 19 City/28 Highway/22 Combined MPG
- Base MSRP: $41,370
- As Equipped MSRP: $49,530
- Weight: 3,593 lbs
Warranty: 4-year, 60,000 basic warranty/5-year, 70,000 powertrain coverage, 6-year, unlimited mile corrosion perforation.
Manufacturer’s Website: Lexus
