The 2014 Lexus IS sedan vehicle comes in three distinct models — IS250, IS350 and IS F– the 250 and 350 are available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the IS F is rear-wheel drive only. The IS250 is powered by a 2.5L V6 producing 204 hp and 185 ft-lb of torque, while the IS350 benefits from a larger 3.5L V6 that delivers 306 hp and 277 ft-lb or torque. Both of the all-aluminum 4-cam engines feature dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to help boost economy and efficiency. The rear-wheel-drive IS250 delivers 23 mpg combined and will sprint to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while its IS350 brother is good for 21 combined mpg and an impressive 5.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. A 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is standard on the IS250 and the IS350 AWD, while the RWD IS350 utilizes an 8-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shifters. Both transmissions feature Sport, Normal and Eco modes, and will match engine revolutions during downshifts when set in Sport mode.
The IS F comes with a big 5.0L aluminum V8 and the 8-speed Direct Shift automatic to make an impressive 416 horsepower and 371 lb-feet of torque.
Suspension across the lineup is fully independent, courtesy of double wishbones up front and a multilink setup in the rear. The IS250 and IS350 AWD ride on 17-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels, while the IS350 RWD and IS F get 18-inch alloys.
All IS sedans come nicely equipped with standard features like HID headlights, LED daytime lights, dual-zone climate control, a next-generation Remote Touch Interface and 4.2-inch color display, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, power moonroof, HomeLink universal transceiver, a 60/40 split-fold rear seat, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity and satellite radio. In addition to this generous list of standards, the IS F also gets standard HID headlamps, LED fog lamps, a leather and aluminum steering wheel and a carbon fiber spoiler. Additionally, each IS benefits from 10 airbags.
Optional equipment on the IS 250 and 350 includes a navigation system, a backup monitor, power rear sunshade and intuitive park assist, which aids in parallel parking the IS. An F Sport Package adds performance and appearance parts such as high-friction brakes, 18-inch wheels, special instrumentation, F Sport heated front seats, unique suspension tuning and exterior body trim. The Premium Package includes heated and ventilated front seats, while the Luxury Package boasts a blind spot monitor, special leather and wood trim, headlamp washers, a heated steering wheel, parking assist and more.
The IS F offers an optional navigation system, a Mark Levinson audiophile sound system, the backup monitor as well as a pre-collision system that also comes with adaptive cruise control.
