2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport: A Stunning Sedan That Needs More Power
Despite many lovely qualities, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport doesn’t quite live up to its stunning visual design and handling elements.
(But the IS 500 is going to be amazing!)
Tucked into the rolling hills of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, Lexus built a test course inspired by the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife. Toyota’s 3.3-mile road course boasts “a nearly 250-foot change in elevation, a wide range of curves and corners, and multiple types of road surfaces.” Lexus describes it as a “severe driving environment.” And again, it was inspired by one of the most challenging and revered road courses in racing history.
This is where Lexus developed the 2021 IS.
Want to see more photos?
Click HERE to see our IS 350 F-Sport Photo Gallery!
Lighter, more rigid, and more dynamic than previous generations, the crown jewel of the 2021 lineup is the IS 350 F-Sport, which we are reviewing today. (The IS 500 F-Sport Performance will soon take the crown for 2022.) Lexus made the IS F-Sport moniker exclusive to the IS 350 for this model year. In the basic F-Sport trim, the 311hp IS 350 features treated to larger, staggered wheels. Unique “functional aerodynamic enhancements, rear bumper, grille surround, rear lip spoiler, rocker molding and more.” Heated steering wheel. And unique pedals and front seats.
Step up to the F-Sport Dynamic Handling Package and things improve further.
The matte black forged-alloy BBS wheels are 4-pounds lighter per wheel. You get Adaptive Variable Suspension, which can be adjusted in selectable drive modes. And, if you skip the all-wheel-drive configuration and opt for rear-wheel drive, Lexus includes a “Torsen limited-slip differential (LSD) that improves handling and performance thanks to enhanced traction when cornering or exiting turns.” (I have one in my Boss 302 — it’s a great feature.)
2021 IS 350 F-Sport Loaner Options
- Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 Paint: $495
- Navigation / Mark Levinson Premium Audio: $2,750
- F-Sport Dynamic Handling Package: $4,200
- Panoramic View Monitor with Parking Assist, Auto Braking, & Rear Cross-Traffic Braking: $1,400
- Triple-Beam Headlights: $1,200
- Moonroof: $1,100
- Desitnation & Delivery: $1,025
Estimated MSRP: $55,220 for RWD, $56,820 for AWD
Visual Design
I don’t love the Lexus grille on everything. But, here is 2021, Lexus is quite simply producing some of the most beautiful cars and SUVs on the market. I’m not a Lexus expert or fanboy, by any means, but between the IS 350 F-Sport and LC 500, I’m in awe of the company’s visual aesthetics. (Especially in a world where BMW ruined all of their vehicles with, ahem, beaver teeth.)
The IS 350 F-Sport takes the 2021 IS redesign and elevates those elements further. Blacked out grilles. Functional aero. Lighter, forged wheels. All of it coalescing in a subtle, understated package that looks as elegant as it does menacing and modern.
Interior Features
Another lovely Lexus interior. It’s not the quietest Lexus I’ve ever driven, nor the fanciest, but the IS 350 F-Sport interior does all the right things. Perfectly supportive and bolstered heated and ventilated front seats. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A generally solid premium sound system. Just enough legroom for adults to sit in the back. (Although not for long drives.) Plush touch surfaces.
There’s even an honest-to-god touchscreen radio!
Yes, the weird laptop mouse touchpad remains, but I mind it less when it’s not a required interface, as it is the ES and LC. And my colleague, Pouria, pointed out that some of the HVAC controls are a little cheap for a Lexus that is, otherwise, quite premium in appearance and feel.
But overall, if you’re looking for a car for commuting or long drives, the IS 350 F-Sport is a wonderful place to spend time. It’s one of those interiors that relaxes and comforts, rather than adding stress to the day.
Driving Dynamics
Another arena where the 2021 IS 350 F-Sport (generally) shines. Driving around town or cruising on the highway, the IS 350 F-Sport can be as spirited or as forgettable as you want it to be, thanks to the adjustable driving modes. But take this nimble, four-door sedan up into the mountains and it comes alive.
Pushing through the corners. Mashing the pedal. Hard on the brakes. All while enjoying Apple CarPlay and those comfortable, cooled bucket seats.
The IS 350 F-Sport is a precision machine, built for corners and as much excitement that you can throw at it. In this sense, there’s not much that will upset it. Which, I suppose, is a bit of a drawback. It lacks the beast within that this chassis, suspension, and braking systems deserve.
That’s right, it’s underpowered by 2021 standards.
As I was recording the video review above, I wished that Lexus would drop their current generation 5.0L V8 under the hood of the IS. (And, hurray, that is now happening!) Because, at 3,700 or 3,800 pounds, the IS 350 feels sluggish. I currently own a 335hp all-wheel-drive Cadillac ATS that drives very similarly, but also feels lighter on its feet. I’m also not a fan of the Bridgestone Potenza summer tires. They were a little slick on a 60-degree morning, but performed reasonably well after warmup. Still, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (or even the All Season 4) tires are better on chilly mornings and noticeably improve braking and lateral handling.
In short, the IS 350 F-Sport is a lot of fun to drive, but if you’re used to faster vehicles, you may be disappointed.
Should You Buy a 2021 IS 350 F-Sport?
Overall, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport is a gorgeous, stunningly-designed sports sedan reminiscent of classic-era BMW 3 Series sedans. (And, of course, previous IS models.) But for around $55,000, despite lovely creature comforts and excellent driving dynamics, it’s hard to recommend.
To be honest, it’s slow and muffled engine sounds reduce overall engagement.
However, as I was crafting this review, Lexus announced the IS 500 F-Sport Performance. Very similar to what I drove, but with 150 more ponies under the hood. And one of the greatest-sounding V8 engines ever made. In short, it may not be a full F (or M) car built for the track. But as a sports sedan, I strongly suspect the IS 500 will deliver everything the IS 350 currently lacks.
That’s the IS to get if you demand performance and exhilaration.
Of course, not everyone needs 472 horsepower. (I may have a problem.)
Which is why, if you’re looking for a sporty commuter vehicle. Something fun for road trips. Or to push a little bit in the twisties, the 2021 IS 350 F-Sport is a lovely sedan with many strong features and qualities. And, if you’ve mostly driven economy cars with 200-ish horsepower, you might enjoy jumping up to the IS 350 for a little more thrills. It may not be blazingly fast, but it’s also a car where you can drive it all the way to 10, pushing it to the edge safely, and learning along the way.
What do you think about the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport? Let us know HERE in the forums!
Photos by Michael S. Palmer
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