The 2021 Lexus Is 350 F Sport emerges as a head-turning sedan, a testament to Lexus’s design evolution. Gone is the polarizing “Predator-mouth” grille, replaced by an assertive yet refined aesthetic that challenges even established German rivals like the BMW M340i in visual appeal. Parked side-by-side, the IS 350 F Sport exudes a presence that makes competitors appear almost pedestrian. However, beneath its captivating skin, the IS 350 F Sport reveals itself as a competent luxury cruiser yearning for a more dynamic spirit. While it undeniably delivers on visual excitement, those seeking exhilarating performance may find themselves wanting more.
The Allure of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport: What We Love
The most immediate and compelling aspect of the 2021 IS 350 F Sport is undeniably its design. Lexus has masterfully sculpted the IS into a truly beautiful machine. Subtle yet impactful design enhancements have transformed its appearance, especially when bathed in the rich Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint, exclusive to the F Sport trim. The car boasts sensual lines flowing seamlessly from the front fascia to the rear, culminating in a distinctive rear hip and an integrated boot spoiler. This cohesive design creates an alluring, wave-like surface that elevates the IS 350 F Sport to the pinnacle of its class in terms of visual appeal. It genuinely stands out as the most attractive compact executive sedan currently available.
Stepping inside, the interior of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport, while familiar, maintains Lexus’s renowned commitment to quality. Despite being an older design, the cabin exudes a premium feel with soft, supple leather that rivals competitors. Every element feels meticulously crafted and built to last, reinforcing Lexus’s reputation for exceptional build quality. On the road, the IS 350 F Sport delivers a remarkably smooth and refined ride. It effortlessly absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable and composed experience while maintaining reassuring body control through the steering and chassis. The cabin remains hushed and serene, further enhancing the luxurious ambiance. This Lexus truly delivers on the promise of a premium driving experience.
Powering the rear-wheel-drive 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is a dependable 3.5-liter V6 engine. Producing 311 horsepower, this engine is characterized by its turbine-like smoothness and linear power delivery. It operates with remarkable refinement, virtually eliminating any sense of vibration or harshness. This V6 stands as a testament to how refined and silky smooth a six-cylinder engine can be, defying earlier, less sophisticated V6 designs. When pushed, the engine and intake system produce a satisfying and immersive sound, adding a layer of auditory pleasure to the driving experience. Furthermore, the fuel economy of the V6 is surprisingly commendable. Achieving 30 MPG on the highway and a respectable 25 MPG in mixed driving conditions, the IS 350 F Sport demonstrates a reasonable balance between performance and efficiency, especially when compared to rivals like the Genesis G70 with its less fuel-efficient twin-turbo V6.
Areas Where the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Could Improve
Despite its many merits, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport does fall short in some key areas, primarily concerning its performance. The most significant drawback is the engine’s lack of outright power. While smooth and refined, the 0-60 MPH acceleration time of 5.8 seconds is underwhelming, actually slower than the IS 350 of 2007. Increased weight over the years has noticeably dulled the performance, moving it from impressive to merely adequate. What the IS 350 F Sport truly needs is a boost of around 50 horsepower across the entire rev range. While normal driving is acceptable, demanding more power in the mid-range results in a noticeable lack of urgency. To extract meaningful performance, the engine needs to be revved aggressively, utilizing the paddle shifters to drop down several gears. Even when pushed, the acceleration doesn’t quite match the sporty aspirations suggested by its appearance. For context, a BMW M340i accomplishes the 0-60 MPH sprint a full 1.5 seconds quicker, highlighting the Lexus’s power deficit. Even a BMW 330i with a four-cylinder engine outpaces the IS 350 F Sport in acceleration.
The emphasis on ride comfort also impacts the handling dynamics of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. While comfortable for daily driving, the suspension exhibits noticeable body roll in corners. Despite the F Sport designation, the car leans more towards a comfortable cruiser than a sharp corner carver, even in sportier drive modes. Grip levels are abundant, making it challenging to unsettle the rear even with driver aids disabled, but the overall handling lacks the desired sharpness and engagement expected from a sports sedan when tackling twisty roads. The aggressive exterior styling suggests a more dynamic driving experience than the chassis ultimately delivers. The eight-speed automatic transmission, while generally smooth and unobtrusive, occasionally exhibits clunky shifts, especially during downshifts or transitions between reverse and drive. While likely exacerbated by press vehicle usage, these occasional jolts detract slightly from the otherwise refined driving experience. Furthermore, like many Lexus models, the infotainment system and center display operation remain a point of criticism.
The interior, while well-appointed, incorporates some dated elements. Certain switchgear and buttons appear to be carried over from older Lexus models, notably the cruise control stalk, which feels decidedly antiquated. The large, circular air vents on the outer edges of the dashboard seem somewhat incongruous with the rest of the interior design. The placement of controls, such as the manual switch for the camera system awkwardly positioned above the driver’s left knee, and the stability control switch requiring a prolonged hold and only functioning below 30 MPH, further highlight some ergonomic quirks. The absence of a readily apparent parking brake lever or button also raises questions about its operation.
Final Verdict: A Step Away from True Sports Sedan Brilliance
The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport presents a compelling package with its striking aesthetics and luxurious comfort. However, it ultimately falls slightly short of delivering the engaging and exhilarating sports sedan experience its visuals promise. It leans more towards a comfortable and stylish cruiser, albeit one dressed in sporty attire. While this “dress-up” is undeniably well-executed, those seeking genuine sports sedan thrills may find themselves wanting more substance beneath the surface. Lexus has proven its ability to create true sports sedans, as demonstrated by the larger GS F, but the IS 350 F Sport in its current iteration remains too comfort-oriented. The forthcoming IS 500 may address these performance concerns, but for the 350 F Sport to be truly competitive in the sports sedan segment, it requires a noticeable increase in power and a firmer, more dynamically focused driving experience, at least in the F Sport trim. For buyers prioritizing captivating looks and a comfortable ride over outright performance, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport may be an ideal choice. However, for those seeking a true sports sedan, it remains a step away from achieving brilliance, needing that extra shot of performance to fully realize its sporting potential.
2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport
As-tested price: $55,360
Pros: Beautiful and aggressive styling, supremely comfortable ride.
Cons: Engine lacks the power to match its sporty looks, handling could be sharper.
Verdict: A stunning sedan with sporting intentions that requires more performance to fully deliver on its promise.
