Lexus expands line with IS350 model

Lexus New Zealand has launched the all-new IS350 and upgraded all other models in the IS Line.

The New Zealand IS line-up includes the 2.5 litre IS250 sedan and convertible, the new IS350 sedan, and the high-performance 5.0 litre V8 IS F.

The IS350 effectively bridges the gap between the IS250 and Lexus’ performance flagship, the IS F.

The Lexus IS350 is available in two equipment grades – the “refined, well-appointed IS350 Limited, and the more aggressively styled, and agile IS350 F Sport”.

The ‘F Sport’ model features unique sports-tuned suspension, wheels, spoilers, unique interior and exterior features plus ‘F Sport’ badges.

The IS350 features a quad-cam 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine, mated to a six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shift control. It develops 233kW of power and 378Nm of torque, and propels the IS350 from standstill to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.

Exterior features include arrowhead style LED daytime running lights surroundinh the High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights, heated door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and dual exhaust pipes with chrome extensions.

Both IS350 models ride on 18” alloy wheels – 15-spoke for the Limited and five-spoke sports style for the F Sport.

Inside you’ll find a driver’s seat memory system, driver and front passenger lumbar support and front seat heaters. The multi-information display shows outside temperature, driving range, current and average fuel consumption, average vehicle speed, and sequential gear shift position.

Other goodies include speedometer and tachometer meter rings that change colour according to the driver’s desired engine rpm and vehicle speed settings, 14-speaker sound system with USB jack, Bluetooth, and a seven inch central Electro Multi Vision (EMV) screen that houses the Satellite Navigation system, reversing camera monitor and controls for the air conditioning and audio systems.

All models offer driver and passenger front, side, knee and front-to-rear curtain shield airbags. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) is standard, as is Lexus’ Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system. Two front and four rear parking sensors warn of approaching obstacles.

Fuel consumption is reported at 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres with 223 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometre (ADR 81/01 combined cycle).

Inspired by the flagship IS F, the IS350 F Sport is distinguished on the outside by a mesh-style front grille with smoked chrome surround, exclusive front spoiler, IS F style rear spoiler, ‘F Sport’ badges on the front fenders, and dark silver five-spoke 18” alloy wheels.

The recommended retail price for the IS350 Limited is $101,900 while the F Sport is $103,300.