spwolf

excellent review... they also mentioned that steering feel is best in class...

spwolf

p.s. non-nav interior looks nice as well, i wish there was an better pic (close-up) but it looks nice..

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I'll be very disappointed if the IS doesn't come with a touch screen for the non navi. If that is the case, that means possibly I can't get the touch screen because Lexus in our state so far doesn't offer navigation. I really wanted the navigation or at least touch screen and if I can't get either I'll pass on this car and go for a GS or RL. I hate that we couldn't get navigation on our RX330 and thus has that stupid information screen instead of the video touch screen. I really hope Lexus either offers the navigation as an option or puts the touch screen in the non navigation cars like the new GS.

spwolf

i doubt they will put big screen in base models, especially for 30k IS250...

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Okay, that might take care of the base model. I'm more interested in the IS350 anyway. Do you think they will follow suite like the RX330s or the GS? RX330s have no screen if you don't get the navigation. You see, ever since the GS came out with screens in both nav and non nav, it makes adding something like the VAISTECH A/V interface unit a snap to add video without having to custom install an A/V system. I've already had to search Japan to obtain an OEM double DIN trim piece to install an A/V system in my RX330. It would have made life so much easier if it just came with a screen like the GS. Anyway, now that I know what is possible in the GS and how easy it is, I rather go that route in the future. The easier way would just be for Lexus to hurry up and join the other manufactueres and offer navigation in my state. The only thing that is missing is the stupid maps. Acura uses Alpine based system and smart map pro maps for my state. Audi I'm not sure which company they use. Eitherway, maps are already out there and we used GPS navigation here for years through other means. What is taking Lexus so long to offer it?

encore888

I thought the IS would offer integrated Bluetooth....is that NAVI only?

I'm digging the interior lights...

Lenscap

Look at the interior shot. There appears to be a green light under the passenger-side air vent indicating what position (open/close) the vent is in.

dacarman

what a disapointment, I was told even by my local Lexus Dealer that the non navi cars would have the touch screen. But now reading this I may have to reconsider the M35 as a leading candidate. I was set almost 90% on the IS350.

I would get it with navi but here in Puerto Rico thats not avel. yet. And if the bluetooth system is not avel. unless you get the navi that makes it even worse. I would love to see a close up view or a better pic of that dash w/o navi.
I guess that means I can't get the ML stereo.

What a disapoinment.

dacarman

Just got off the phone with my Lexus dealer and they said they just just more info and in fact the IS350 w/o navi will not have the screen and there for will not have bluetooth nor the ML stereo as an option. Very very disapointing, for me and I bet for the other guy here that doesn't have GPS map from lexus in his state. This car could have been so perfect for me, I guess M35 for me now.

I will miss the 300hp plus and the size of the car but ohh well. Lexus... you almost had me in.

XeroK00L

Overall a very good review, but the base price of $35k is simply too high and nowhere "close to the original IS" as said in the Geneva show. I just hope Lexus doesn't price the new IS out of the market.

Gojirra99

That's just an est. right ? & they may be referring to their estimate base price of the IS350 ?

flipside909

Not necessarily. Wait for the official stats/options come out before jumping to conclusions.

shoei

Flipside909, can you tell us any "more" information about the special preview event that CL is
doing with Lexus marketing? I'm just itching to know more!

flipside909

It's in the works. Can't say much more than that.

Lenscap

flipside909 - Since you seem to know quite a bit about the new IS, I have two questions for you. 1.) Do you have any confirmation as to whether the taillights are in fact LED (Lexus says it does in the Geneva press release but the photos sure don't look like it) and 2.) Do you know anything concrete about a coupe (non-convertible)?

If the answer is no, do you think you'll get more information at your upcoming preview? I've got a deposit on the new IS and I'm dying to know. Thanks!