cerberusM5

Greetings!

I was curious which you would select. Would you get the slower turbo 4 with F Sport package or the standard looking IS350 V6?

Both my wife and I prefer the looks of F Sport appearance package and the cool instrument cluster (supposedly handles better too?), but she could care less about power. I wanted the more powerful IS350 F Sport, but would have to pass on the F Sport to get the V6 as a compromise due to cost. In fact, the IS200t F Sport was a little less expensive than the standard 350s when we were in the market a couple of years ago.

My wife bought the IS200t F Sport and loves it!

Overall, its a very nice driving compact sport sedan with peppy acceleration. However, I still have regrets not getting the V6 whenever I occasionally drive her car to run errands.

Does anyone else have regrets not getting the V6 350?

sqlboy2000

iTrader: (1)

I had an IS250 for a while and regretted every day not having the V6. I know the 200t is a step above that, but as someone said to me at the time, you'll never be driving and say to yourself - I wish my car had 70 less horsepower.

RKSTRAT

Maybe someone will correct me, but I think the
200t is actually perkier at the low end....
Greater torque? The V6 power kicks in at the higher end.
I have the 300 and don’t regret not getting the 350.

kj07xk

Sorry, don’t like the nose of the F Sport, so went with the non-F IS350 (plus, in my model year, there were more options available on the non-F).

BMGS

iTrader: (1)

Check out the D3 tune if you want more power on your IS200t. I have it on my GS200t and I love it. Between the extra boost, throttle and transmission tuning, its a night and day difference. Best part is that the more aggressive tuning is in sport mode so when in normal, it feels just like normal in terms of throttle and transmission tuning.

The power curves on the two are essentially inverse with much more low end torque on the 200t which dies off at 5000rpm. Depends on the type of driving you do but for me personally I don't need to go above 5000rpm so as long as I stay in the 2000-5000 range, power is always on tap. The tune really helps in this regard because its more quick to downshift and at a lighter touch of the throttle to get into that optimal rpm range.

Restomod

Test drove both the V6 and Turbo 4 F sports, F sport was a deal breaker for me and would not have purchased an IS without the package. I like the bottom end torque the turbo provides leaving redlights /merging onto on ramps over the NA V6....26mpg average is nice as well and I have a lead foot. Just depends what you want. The seats alone are worth the F Sport package let alone the other upgrades.

arentz07

Having owned a GTI and GLI, and driven the wife's new 330i several times, it's a totally different experience to have a modern turbocharged four-cylinder instead of an NA V-6. The low-end torque in those cars is satisfying and sort of addicting. However, the smoothness and sound of the V-6 is something to think about as well, not to mention the instant response. Both BMW and VW have done a decent job mitigating turbo lag, but it is still noticeable. However, sometimes playing with the turbo can be fun. Waiting for the boost and hearing the "whoosh" of the turbo is fun, especially in the GTI/GLI where it's pretty loud (it is quieter in the 330i).

It depends on what kind of experience you want. And, if fuel economy matters to you or not.

cerberusM5

Agreed!

The F Sport seats are a great blend of supportive and very comfortable. We only have 15k, but hopefully the NuLuxe holds up long term. So far, they look flawless.

sqlboy2000

iTrader: (1)

I had NuLuxe for 75k on my first IS, seats still looked great when I sold it.
Center armrest didn't do as well, but Lexus did swap it out under warranty around 40k.