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A local dealer let me take a test drive of this top model from Lexus.  It’s a car that’s clearly designed to compete with cars like the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63.  That’s some pretty stiff competition.

Much like the others in this uber sports sedan category, the car itself isn’t obviously different from a garden variety IS250 that runs $25K cheaper.  However, the dark wheels, aggressive ground effects and quad exhaust pipes let the observant know this car is something different.  Under the hood, is where that difference is expressed.  Rather than a 2.5L V6, it has a 5.0L V8.  Literally twice the displacement of the base model.

The exhaust note of the IS F is something to behold.  It’s deep and powerful, without any tin or whine.   It’s simply intoxicating.  However, it’s not there unless you stomp on the gas.  Under normal circumstances its simply quiet and refined, like one would expect out of a normal Lexus.  It takes bumps well, and everything about it feels nice.   The one I drove came with the Mark Levinson system, which sounds great as you cruise.

The car is quite customizable, allowing you to drive in normal or “sport” mode.  When in normal the car is quite tame and quite usable for everyday driving.  Put it into sport, and everything changes.  The suspension noticeably stiffens, the transmission shifts more aggressively and the traction control engages less.  It quickly becomes a track car.  Everything about it changes.  It honestly feels like you are driving a different car.

There’s a lot to like about the Lexus IS F.  Great performance when you want it paired with the quality of a normal driver is hard to beat.  The car doesn’t scream to be looked at, but those who know it will be impressed.  It’s practical enough to take on a weekend trip, even one that doesn’t feature driving.   The reputation of Toyota and Lexus might be able to beat the huge repair bills normally associated with this level of performance.

Its one of the most impressive cars that I’ve driven.  There are only two things that keep me from buying it.  The first is obvious, as the price is pretty high.  The car runs around $62K as it’s typically equipped, and since it’s pretty rare dealers aren’t exactly chomping at the bit to cut you the best deal.  The second is more personal.  It’s a four seater, and no more.  There isn’t even an option to put a fifth person in the car.  Hauling three kids around is impossible as a result.  At least the M3 put in the 5th seat.

My Current Car

I guess it’s worth starting out with my current situation.  I’m driving a Jade Green Infiniti Q45.  To me, it was the type of car that you could find in a parking lot.  Very unusual car in an unsual color.  It also has a gold package that was applied to the logos on it, something that I’ve seen in very few other Q45s. The headlights in the gatling gun look are still some of the most distinctive headlamps on any car.

Infiniti has been one of those brands that just doesn’t get the credit that it deserves.  This car has a bunch of luxury innovations that are just now starting to become available on competitive cars.  Starting with an adaptive cruise control that uses a front radar to automatically slow down if the car in front of you is going slower than you, and then speed back up if the car gets out of your way.  Mercedes makes a big deal about this, but 6 years ago it was on this car.  It also has a rear backup camera, a wonderful feature if you either live in a city or have kids in your neighborhood.   The navigation system in it is pretty solid, including a perspective that’s more “behind the car” rather than directly over head.  it makes understanding the map easier for most of the people that I know.  The car even has voice recognition commands that let you set the AC or radio channel by number among plenty of other features as well.

As far as driving, its a fantastic car as long as you want to go straight.  The V8 engine has more than enough power despite a pretty hefty car.  It also rides very smoothly over bumps and rough streets.  However it’s not that secure in corners.  Despite the addition of a sport package, it lacks the secure cornering of a sportier car.  It’s pretty common for me to engage the traction control, even in routine cornering.  I’ve not had the same problem even in V8 BMWs.  Part of it could be a harder Michelin tire that was recommended to keep the cabin noise down.  However, the handling is the weak link in what is otherwise a pretty great car.

Despite the fact the car isn’t currently in production, I would recommend it to others if they are looking for a soft, luxurious ride.  It has tons of features and does stand out from the crowd.  I just wouldn’t take it to the track or challenge your friends to a slalom through the (empty) parking lot.  It’s even a great value for the amount of gadgets that you get.