For the 2011 model year, Lexus made a few good updates to the IS 350, adding the option of all-wheel drive, bringing in some new services to the cabin tech, and fitting it with LED parking lights.
Lexus introduced the IS 350 model in 2006, a major update to the IS line. For 2011, Lexus gives the car modest changes, primarily new cabin tech, LED parking lights, and an all-wheel-drive option.
The IS 350's styling still stands out, its tight grille and roofline extending back to the trunk, giving it a unique appearance. LED parking lights in the headlight casings are a new feature.
The IS 350 uses a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with a unique fuel delivery system. It has direct injection for higher engine speeds, and port injection for low-speed driving. The former delivers power, and the latter reduces engine noise.
Sharing the bottom of Lexus' lineup with the ES model, the IS 350 is not a big car, but has some good sport attributes. Front seat space is comfortable, but the rear seat is a little tight.
When it launched the IS 350 and IS 250, Lexus only offered all-wheel drive on the IS 250, but now is extending it to the IS 350. This all-wheel-drive system defaults to 70 percent torque to the rear wheels, but can adjust to a 50/50 split as needed.
The IS 350 uses an electric power-steering unit, which Lexus tuned well for road feel. Steering feels tight and responsive, bolstering the sporty nature of the car.
The IS 350 is stuck with a six-speed automatic transmission; there is no manual option. This automatic offers a Sport mode and manual gear selection, in conjunction with paddles on the wheel.
The maps in the navigation system are bright and easy to read, but there are no 3D maps. The navigation system is hard-drive-based, allowing for quick response times.
Lexus uses a nice graphic style on this destination options screen, but all other screens use ugly gray buttons. The destination options include the new Enform telematics service.
The IS 350 gets a very nice-sounding Mark Levinson audio system, which supports 7.1-channel recordings. We were impressed by the balanced frequency response and the detail of the sound.
