For 2013, the sporty Lexus IS hasn't changed a lot, as a completely new model is coming for 2014.
Meanwhile, the IS 250's optional six-speed manual transmission has been discontinued and models with the navigation package now include Lexus Enform with phonebook downloading via Bluetooth, and iTunes tagging via HD radio.The IS 350 for 2013 offers a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, keyless start, all-wheel drive, and a new F Sport package for convertible models.My IS 350 tester came with the 3.5-liter V-6, a six-speed automatic transmission with Intelligence, rear-wheel drive, a hard disc navigation system ($2,490), the Luxury Plus package ($2,730) and Intuitive Parking Assist ($500).Base prices for the 2013 IS range from $35,065-$42,780, with six models offered - including two sport models and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The base price for my IS 350 was $40,320, before options and $895 freight.The IS is powerful looking, with a long wheelbase and a wide stance. The rear is high and "square," with wide fender flairs and prominent taillights extending out past the rear quarter panel.The front bumper extends past the wheels, along with wide fender flares, giving the front fascia a muscular, wide, squared-off look. Eighteen-inch, five-spoke liquid-graphite alloy wheels, part of the Luxury Package, added an extra feeling of power.Also in the luxury package were heated/cooled perforated-leather front seats, wood interior trim, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, driver's seat memory, illuminated scuff plates, power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers.My IS was plush and quiet, with simple controls for climate and audio. There was plenty of legroom and headroom in the front -- 43.9inches/37.3inches -- while the rear was pretty cramped with only 30.6 inches legroom and 36.7 inches headroom.The middle seat was suitable only for children in a safety seat or booster seat --it was hard and high and the "hump" severely limited legroom. All three rear seating positions had tether hooks for child safety seats and three-point seatbelts, with pre-tensioners for the outboard positions.Rear door openings were also a little narrow and awkward for an adult, although the outboard bucket-style seats were very comfortable. Rear passengers had a few amenities -- LED reading lights, a pull-down armrest with a covered felt-lined bin and tray, adjustable air vents, assist handles, and plenty of speakers -- but no cupholders, door pockets/bottle holders, outlets or input jacks. There was an ashtray (why?).Front passengers were more comfortable, with bolstered bucket seats, expandable door pockets/bottle holders (a little difficult to access), two cupholders (a small one in the console, a larger one under the armrest), separate climate controls, lots of speakers, card holders on the visors -- and an ashtray and lighter (again, why?).The navigation package added a backup camera and Lexus Enform, which can assist in finding street addresses, restaurants and more. The AppSuite added Bing, Pandora, Yelp, OpenTable, Facebook Places, Movietickets.com, and iHeartRadio.SiriusXM included NavWeather, NavTraffic, sports and stocks. Enform comes with a one-year trial and SiriusXM comes with a 90-day trial.The premium audio system delivered excellent sound through 13 speakers with automatic sound levelizer. A six-disc CD changer, Bluetooth streaming, USB input, and satellite radio offered plenty of listening options.Lexus' navigation system was easy to program using the touch-screen, and the instructions were simple and easy to understand. I liked the real voice as opposed to the robotic voice of some systems.The system also had voice-recognition programming, which was actually slower and more frustrating than manual programming. It's supposed to recognize casual-language commands, but I had to repeat words several times, with mixed results. Using the voice-recognition feature would be more distracting while driving because of repeated errors. I found the touch-screen quicker and more accurate to program.My IS handled well, thanks to its firm suspension, taking curves and corners evenly and merging/overtaking with plenty of power when needed. Acceleration from a complete stop was a little touchy, but practice and awareness overcame the jackrabbit tendency.A Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system integrates all systems to anticipate skids and react faster than the electronic stability system alone. In addition to three-point seatbelts in all five positions, the IS has advanced front air bags, front knee air bags, front seat-mounted side-impact air bags, and side-curtain air bags for both rows.In case of an accident/incident, this Lexus has Safety Connect with automatic collision notification, stolen-vehicle location, emergency (SOS) assist button and enhanced roadside assistance. An alarm with immobilizer and in-key remote may help avoid theft.I did appreciate the smog sensor and automatic recirculation mode included in the dual-zone automatic-climate-control system. The IS 350 is rated for 19 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway, with an average of 22. I managed 22.6 mpg, according to the onboard computer, with mostly highway driving.The total delivered price for my rear-drive IS 350 was $46,935, including freight and options.The automotive columns of Emma Jayne Williams appear weekly in the Star-Telegram. Contact her at emmajayne1948 @gmail.comHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
