When Lexus first introduced its IS 300 sport sedan for the 2001 model year, the luxury brand entered a new marketplace and had aspirations of competing against the likes of the venerable BMW 3-series.
The first generation IS was put together quite well and featured the GS 300’s inline six-cylinder engine, sending its power to the rear wheels. However, IS lacked a manual gearbox and the athleticism found in the 3-series. But that didn’t stop the stream of young enthusiasts from entering Lexus showrooms.
I give Lexus credit for broadening its consumer base. Moving forward, Lexus has redesigned the IS for 2006.
First, there are three models that make up the new family of IS sport sedans.:
The all-new IS2 50 is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic transmission.
The IS 250 AWD model is for those that prefer putting power to all four wheels.
The IS 350 marks the top-of-the-line with 306 horsepower and a sophisticated vehicle dynamics system.
This second generation IS sport sedan is bigger and more luxurious than the car it replaces. Helping to increase the proportions, Lexus actually started the project with the recently redesigned GS sedan.
By cutting off nearly five inches from the GS’s wheelbase and another 4.4 inches of front and rear overhang, Lexus had the basic structure for the new IS.
Lexus retuned the GS’s double-wishbone front and independent multilink rear suspension systems and placed them in the new IS.
Two all-new V6 engines are found in the 2006 IS sport sedans. The 2.5-liter version found in the IS 250 uses dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and an added direct-to-cylinder fuel injection system to help deliver 204 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque.
The new 3.5-liter version delivers a best-in-class 306 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque, resulting in an estimated zero-to-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds.
My IS tester was the IS 250 AWD model. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters is the only transmission available in IS 250 AWD models.
I’d have preferred a manual gearbox over the manual shifting automatic and I would have liked a few more ponies and increased low-end torque for better off-the-line launch.
My IS 250 AWD tester really came to life at higher engine and vehicle speeds. The steering system offers precise control and the brakes are powerful.
I was surprised to find that our IS 250 AWD tester was rated at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Those are impressive figures for a car in this class.
The suspension in our IS 250 AWD tester was likable with stiffness for high-speed cornering and just the right amount of give for driving over pothole-patched roads.
I enjoyed excellent traction from our IS 250 AWD tester while driving on rain-slickened pavement. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is standard on all IS models and the IS350 also features a sophisticated vehicle dynamic control system as standard equipment.
From behind the wheel, the new IS sport sedan is much improved, but so is the competition. The 3-series is still supreme in terms of athleticism, but the new IS offers more for luxury buyers.
Inside, the new IS is loaded with a long list of standard amenities. The cabin is plush and more luxurious than before. The cabin is roomier, especially for front seat occupants, however, there isn’t much legroom for rear seat passengers when the front seats are all the way back.
I appreciated nice touches like the lighted (blue) Lexus sill plates, the sporty leather seats, and the awesome lighted tachometer ring. As the engine approaches redline, the tachometer ring lights yellow and then red to warn the driver.
There really is so much to like about the new IS. Enthusiasts should give it a serious look when it comes time to buy.
2006 Lexus IS 250 AWD
Engine 2.5-liter (204 hp) V6
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Drive Type AWD
Fuel Economy 22 city/28 highway
Base Price $34,285
As Tested $39,824
Website http://www.lexus.com |
