2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport is (Rightfully) Smashing Sales Records (Fridays are for F Presented by Continental ExtremeContact DWS^{06 Plus})

As the fastest-selling sedan, the 2021 Lexus 350 F-Sport struck the right chord with drivers. We look at what fuels the F Sport fervor.

Lexus has long been a consistently strong performer in sales. So hearing that the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport is one of the fastest-selling vehicles might not be shocking. But what is pretty surprising just how well and how fast the IS F-Sport is selling–they are flying off the shelves, so to speak. Dealers have even had problems keeping up with the demand. A demand that shows Lexus IS sales are up over 150%. iSeeCars’ recently published sales records show the 2021 IS 350 F-Sport neck-and-neck with the 2021 Corvette for the top spot of fastest-selling new car.

To put this in perspective, the average time a new vehicle takes to sell is 35 days. New IS F models are seeing averages of 10 – 12 days. Of course, a big reason the Lexus IS stands out from the pack is that it the only sedan among a top ten (and even top 20) of crossovers, pickup trucks, SUVs, and Corvette.

So why exactly is a luxury 4-door sports sedan dominating the market? It doesn’t even have a V8!

Well, that is definitely one compelling reason. This week’s Fridays Are For F we focus on the Lexus IS 350 F-Sport, and its well deserved respect.

Lexus started off with a success with the first performance-oriented Lexus IS F. But that was a different era, different times. Yes, it was only 2007–but it really is a completely different landscape for drivers and automakers alike. In the heady 2010 market, however, cars were still selling very well including the first IS F-Sport. But the crossover was making ground fast.

In 2021, it is certainly an achievement for an automaker to not compromise. And that is a big part of why the Lexus IS F-Sport is appealing. The 2021 IS 350 F is unapologetically a sport sedan. And its style has evolved with purpose. It blends aggressive with cool as ice, elevated raciness. Designing a 4-door sedan that looks so dynamic is no easy feat.

While the 2021 IS 350 F-Sport sports a lot of visual updates from 2020, it is still powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 311 hp and 280 lb-ft. of torque. 2021 F Sport added a Dynamic Handling package with adaptive dampers, adaptive variable suspension, improved steering, and is about an inch wider and higher that 2020.

But the biggest bone of contention was the V6 was a carryover–disappointing for the performance badge. And everyone wanted to know why was there no V8. Many journalists and analysts wondered if the power was enough to satisfy drivers.

As it turns out, it absolutely is. One reason Lexus seemed to succeed was in giving drivers a lot of performance-oriented options, but it isn’t a high-performance machine in the traditional sense. Offering a the IS F as a lower-maintenance, high-end car with a refined drive quality opens up its viability to a new audience. And they tapped into a huge audience with younger drivers and sports car enthusiasts.

Another reason that the Lexus IS 350 has an edge over others it has a great safety, reliability ratings. Drivers especially liked the added driver assistance and safety features.

It is also versatile, but cool. You can use it to run errands, but you know the car will get double-takes in the parking lot.

Reviews from drivers also noted it is user-friendly, fun to drive, and feels new.

“This is why Lexus all of a sudden feels rejuvenated,” wrote F1_Geek about the IS350 F. “Buyers are coming out of nowhere and Lexus didn’t have to do much which is absolutely shocking to me. The GX is the exact same story… it was as if God slapped Lexus in the face before they did anything rash by discontinuing anything.”

True; they didn’t reinvent the wheel with the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport, and they didn’t need to. With a car that resonates with drivers, they added the right upgrades but kept evolution slow and steady.

“Dumped my [Tesla] Model 3 for the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport with dynamic handling. For roughly the same price, the Lexus is hands down the better, nicer, sportier, and more luxurious ride,” said CalRecCenter

Available in AWD or RWD, drivers really felt the IS 350 F-Sport gave them an edgy but uptown car at a fair price.

We are glad they stayed the course. Booming sales for the IS 350 F-Sport leads us to believe that the 472-hp, 5.0-liter V8-powered IS 500 might really shake things up. An apt way to big farewell to the very fine V8.

Great style, excellent performance, adaptable, but not compromised. Lexus IS F-Sport seems well on track.

Got an IS 350? What makes it a standout for you?

Photos: Lexus/Lexus Global/Toyota; Michael S. Palmer 

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S.J. Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.