Motoring: Pick your power

Launched in 2013 with a significant overhaul in 2021, the 2024 Lexus IS lives and breathes in its third generation with three different engine options. Each defines a specific model. For example, the entry-level IS300 features a 2.0 liter, turbocharged, 241 horsepower I-4. In the rear-wheel-drive configuration, the IS300 is the most fuel-efficient of the three models, boasting an EPA estimate of 31 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. Upgrading within the model to all-wheel drive significantly degrades mileage to 26 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. Not all buyers will be enamored with the turbo four IS300 for the simple reason that its engine lacks the performance of its bigger brothers.

Taking one step up, we find the IS350 with a more powerful 311-horsepower V-6 under the hood. With the V6's 70 additional horsepower under the hood, the EPA estimates that the IS350's mileage will be 20/28 mpg on the city/highway with rear-wheel drive. Alternatively, with all-wheel drive, the V6 mirrors the IS300 Inline four's fuel efficiency at 19/26 mpg. Zero to 60 mph elapsed time is 5.7 seconds. The IS350 will best serve many drivers with its more powerful engine when optioned with all-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive. I appreciate the choice between a manual eight-speed or six-speed automatic.

Now for the big news. In 2024, we find the ultimate IS500 powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 rated 472 horsepower. Naturally, it follows that the big engine brings big performance. Lexus claims a zero to 60-mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 149 miles per hour. Not that anyone would ever need to drive that fast.

No big surprise, the V-8 IS500 ranks as the thirstiest of the three contenders, with EPA projections at 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. Admittedly, aspiring IS500 drivers won't be swayed by its less-than-enviable fuel economy but rather by a basso profundo voice.

With its crankshaft revving inexorably in a race toward the nether regions of the 7100 rpm redline, drivers are treated to the haughty sounds of a thunderingly powerful V-8. As in, it sounds really good. Further, aficionados will rub their hands together in glee upon learning of the V8's 12.3-to-one compression ratio, intended to maximum horsepower from the reciprocating mass. Nota bene: All three engines require 91 octane premium fuel.

Know that all-wheel drive is optional for the IS300 and IS350 models, while the IS500 is limited to rear-wheel drive. The IS family of four-door sedans features automatic transmissions in both six-speed and eight-speed models, with paddle shifters.

For this week's test drive, I drove the Lexus IS500, which was equipped with many goodies from the F Sport trim level. When seated behind the wheel at the car lot, please notice how, at the touch of a button, the tachometer face gracefully slides from left to right and back again with the push of a button, each position providing the driver information.

  Buy Photo

The IS includes power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start as standard features. A power sunroof is optional. The faux leather upholstery feels as soft as the real deal. The rear legroom is snug but not to a fault.

The 2024 Lexus IS models include a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. These features are designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

An 8.0-inch touch screen infotainment system is standard, with a larger 10.3-inch display optional. Both are bundled with in-dash navigation. An 1800-watt Mark Levinson premium stereo system replete with 17 speakers is optional. Despite its stature as a small luxury compact sedan, when flying straight and level, this Lexus rides almost as comfortably as a bigger luxury car.

Automotive journalist, Tim Banse, wrote The Gazette’s Motoring car review column from 1989 to 2013 and has published stories in Popular Mechanics and Yachting magazine. He’s toured carmaker factory floors in the U.S. and Japan and raced cars at Riverside, Watkins Glen, and Michigan International Raceway press events. He’s stood close enough to a crash test to feel the shock wave reverberate off his chest. His first car was a vintage ‘56 Chevy Belair.