SoCalCLK

I just got the wind on the new IS350, and here are the numbers:

3.5L V6 --- 306hp / 277tq. 0-60sec in 5.3! Car and Driver tests resulted in 5.1sec and a Quarter-mile of 13.7sec! That's a pretty damn fast car for a N/A $36,000 car....

Remember that the 2000 996 Carrera does 0-60sec. in 5.2 sec. So the new IS350's figures put it in Carrera range?!

I am no Lexus fan here, but this new IS350 sounds pretty good. I might have to test drive one and see for myself.

AMGfan

IS350...sharp piece of kit. C350 is just a little too boring in style for me...still a nice car.

At $36750 MSRP fully loaded vs. the C350 sport starting @ $38K base model, I would have to really lean towards the Lexus.

SoCalCLK

That's what I'm saying. I love the C350's new engine and the sport styling, but if the Lexus is a 13-second car bone stock for LESS money, it's hard to say no...

vraa

Until you realize how weird it feels to drive one.
But it's not like the C320 feels a lot better in my opinon.

The E46 still holds the cake, and still brings smiles everytime I drive one.

SoCalCLK

The E46 is nice, but really beaten to death here in Orange County, not to mention it is SLOW.

The new IS350 if it can consistently do 13-second 1/4 mile times, will light up any normal E46 on the road.

pookie

is350 only comes in auto. c350, you get to choose auto vs. manual.


also, lexus dealers are nicer.

C43AMG

Like I said before ( in the other threads ) I'll believe it when I see it.And when you finish the 1/4 mile and try and go through the twisties and the suspension feels like it wants to separate from the undercarriage you'll be glad you're driving a MB.

SoCalCLK

From what I know so far, the front and rear suspension are more sport-tuned with a double-wish bone suspension with hollow stabilizer bar up front and a rear mulit-link suspension.

It may not be the couch on wheels that everyone thinks. Complement that with the 306hp/277tq engine and it might do some damage. Still, these are all paper figures which can be shattered during a test drive.

CitronC230K_03

i liek the numbers but dont like the lexus.

white_w203

no doubt its a fast car, but the design went backwards. the original is300 was a great design and the new one is just plain.

diamondblak05

I had the opportunity to test drive the new IS250, IS350, and the '06 BMW 330i with sport package at the Taste of Lexus event. Here's my take on those 3:

IS250 ---> SLOW, too much body roll on tight turns, soft suspension.

IS350 ---> Great power from take off, "feels" faster than the 330i, not much body roll but still present, suspension still soft compared to the 330i, weak exhaust growl at full open throttle.

330i ----> Great power from take off, hugs the turns better than the IS350, less body roll, suspension feels just right, beautiful exhaust note at full open throttle.

All 3 were done with all the safety features turned ON. I'm no professional driver but from my own driving experience through the same track (test drove all 3 twice), I still pick the 330i as the winner...in terms of handling, power delivery, and shear fun. Luxury wise, I dislike the 330i's interior like no other. Lexus takes this one hands down....and I hate to say it, but my C's interior doesn't even come close either.

MBFanatic4Life

My personal opinion only is that I would still buy the C350 even after my Build and Price sessions showing at least a $5k diff. You all think that maybe even the W204 will have a hard time keeping up with the Lex IS350, or do you think MB has a few tricks/secrets up their sleeves??? It sounds like BMW is in trouble with the arrival of the IS350!!!

Guest0001

A IS350 fully loaded is about $44,000.

A C350 fully loaded is about $47,000.

Right now on the Lexus official site, you cannot add options such as ML Radio with Navi $4,000. Nor the Sport package which is about $3,500. Both will be available within the year.