Back in 2006, the excitement surrounding the 2021 Lexus IS 350F waned when the impressive first-generation model, known for rivaling the BMW 3-Series, was replaced by a less engaging version. Since then, aside from the notable IS-F, the IS hasn’t been on my radar for the past 15 years. However, when editor-in-chief Morrison offered me a chance to drive the refreshed 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport, my interest was piqued, and it wasn’t just because of the sleek full-width taillight.
Although the 2021 Lexus IS has undergone a mid-cycle refresh rather than an upgrade to Toyota’s New Global Architecture platform as many had hoped, Toyota, the parent company of Lexus, insists that it is committed to revitalizing the IS. They even constructed a new test track in Shimoyama, Japan, designed to resemble a smaller version of the Nürburgring Nordschleife, with the new IS being one of the first vehicles refined there.
So, the question remains: Has Lexus succeeded in making the IS appealing to driving enthusiasts once more?
2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport: Feels Like a Proper Lexus
I wish I could say I immediately took the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport to the winding canyon roads of Southern California, but that wasn’t the case. The day I got the car, I had plans to celebrate my wife’s birthday at an upscale Beverly Hills restaurant. Driving through Coldwater Canyon, where BMWs are as common as Chevrolets elsewhere, the IS 350 F Sport felt perfectly at home. Its Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint job added to its appeal, projecting the same aura as the first-generation model. I could easily picture myself telling my fellow enthusiasts over a chai latte, “Well, Biff, I considered the 3-Series, but it’s so common, so I opted for the Lexus. It truly is the Japanese BMW.” In Los Angeles, image is paramount.
The next morning, I took the car to the winding roads and was pleased to discover that the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport’s sporty appearance was not just for show. On the freeway drive west, the IS 350 lived up to the Lexus reputation: as quiet as a mountain cabin and remarkably comfortable. The ride isn’t strictly firm or soft—it’s a blend of both. The IS offers just enough feedback over imperfections to remind you it’s alive while smoothing out larger bumps for a gentle, floaty experience.
2021 Lexus IS 350F Sport: It Also Feels Like a Proper Sports Sedan
Turning off the highway and into the canyons, I switched the drive-mode selector to Sport and then to Sport Plus. This mode is exclusive to F Sport models equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package, featuring Lexus’ Active Variable Suspension (AVS), lightweight wheels, and a carbon-fiber trunk spoiler. The ride and steering immediately felt firmer, though there was still some wallow and float over larger bumps. Initially, I thought this might be an issue, but I was wrong. When pushing the car hard into corners and shifting weight to the outside, the IS firmed up, hunkered down, and gripped the road, resisting centrifugal force effectively. Once back on a straight path, it softened up again, showcasing the impressive AVS system.
If this were a movie script, I’d depict myself nodding knowingly while maneuvering the 2021 Lexus IS 350F through curves. In reality, I just had a wide grin. There is room for improvement: I wish the dampers were firmer on straightaways in Sport Plus mode. The floatiness, while not harming handling significantly, can cause a bit of discomfort. The transmission’s downshifting in Sport mode was less aggressive than expected, prompting me to use the shift paddles to keep the revs up, which is unusual for an Audi. The 311-horsepower V-6, carried over from the previous model, is sufficiently powerful but not overwhelming. The car’s performance could be sharper, perhaps hinting that Lexus might introduce a more powerful and athletic model in the future. I certainly hope so, as I still miss the IS-F.
However, these are minor criticisms. The key takeaway is that the new 2021 Lexus IS feels just right, whether navigating canyons or cruising in Beverly Hills. It’s confident in corners, a quality the IS hasn’t showcased in years.
2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport: Lots to Like
I appreciate the new styling, especially in the F Sport version, which garnered compliments from friends and neighbors. The IS has always had a touch of visual excess, but in the 2021 Lexus IS 350F Sport, it finally works well. The steering wheel, covered in a blend of leather and black wood, is delightful to both hold and look at. (Though I was disappointed my test car didn’t have the striking red-and-black interior.) The Mark Levinson stereo system, even to my non-audiophile ears, sounded fantastic.
The gauge panel is another feature I love: a large, round tachometer with a digital speedometer in the center. Pressing a steering-wheel button slides the tachometer to the right, making space for a larger trip-computer display. This function is entirely superfluous but wonderfully entertaining—more luxury manufacturers should invest in such delightful touches. “See that, Biff? This is what I paid for. Can your BMW do that?”
The size of the 2021 Lexus IS 350F is perfect: compact and neat, yet not cramped, with ample backseat and trunk space. Compared to the cumbersome Lexus interface on the Four Seasons LS500, this was much less frustrating. Coming off writing several articles about subpar 1970s and ’80s cars, I genuinely appreciate the IS’s rock-solid build quality.
I no longer feel the need to ignore the Lexus IS, and if you’ve harbored similar disdain, you can let that go as well. If you’re already a fan of the IS, you’re in luck because, beneath the F Sport’s performance enhancements. Additionally, there’s an optional four-cylinder powertrain and all-wheel drive. Kudos to Lexus—it’s great to see the IS back in fine form.
