davyjordi

it's too bad the lfa-style instrumentation cluster isn't available on all IS models. i mean, i get that it's one of the various incentives for one to purchase/lease an f-sport, but the way the packages are set up aren't right -- no luxury package on the f-sport models? lame. that alone was enough to deter me from purchasing the f-sport variant even though i really loved/love the lfa-style cluster.

SW17LS

I drove them both back to back (350s) and I personally would get the F Sport. The AVS makes it feel just that little but more planted and stable, and I think the package overall fits the IS' personality better than the non sport model.

jennypenny

Isn't that the whole point?

Which car gets a bump in power for the same engine because it's a "sports" version?

BMW? M Sport, Nope
Mercedes? AMG kit Nope
Audi? S line Nope

Sports version is suppose to make it look sportier and have better handling performance

goshawk823

It's my own opinion (and we all know about opinions ), but I find the options you aren't allowed on the F sport to be worth more than the goodies you do get with that package.

obturator

Adds some stickers huh? Lexus ricing out their own cars, I guess. Lol. Good post, jennypenny.

Slust

Really hard to quantify, especially since it will be different for everyone. I test drove the 3IS before I read anything about it because I just went to see what deals they would offer me - I was expecting to buy a 335i or S4. The way the 3IS takes on different personalities while shifting into Sport and then into Sport+ put the 3IS on the radar. So for me, it's the whole reason I considered the car in the first place. I drove the Non-F-Sport for a month (loaner car) and I own a F-Sport and I feel the AVS gives the car personality, a fun one.

It's not night and day difference so don't expect that. If you like to push your cars and feel pretty well tuned to them it will be difference you want and make you appreciate this car. If it's just a Point A to Point B object to you and you will spend all of your time in Normal/Eco mode than it loses its charm quickly.


That is exactly why we have the two trim levels, yes? Those who want options that lean toward performance and those who want options that add to creature comforts. The options that got deleted are ones I used 0-few times in my previous car so in a way it's not nice not having to pay for them, but it would still be nice if Lexus offered the option to get all options if we wanted them. I think they dropped the ball in that regard.

JDR76

I bought an AWD 350, non F Sport. Performance feature wise, the difference between my non F Sport and a similarly equipped F Sport (AWD, 350) is the AVS.

So for me, it came down to making a choice between AVS and the features that I think the car ought to have, such as ventilated seats, fog lights, etc.

I totally get why many people choose the F Sport route, and it was something I really had to consider, but in the end, I felt that I would use these other items more than I would use the AVS.

I loved the instrument cluster of the F Sport, so that was a hard thing to pass up, but my wife really hated the F Sport grill. I don't hate it, but definitely prefer the regular grill. I did not like the black headliner at all, however.

So I can take my non F Sport, flip it into Sport mode, and still enjoy all the benefits of the throttle and transmission changes, as well as the steering's reduced assist, and enjoy the dual personalities of this car. It's so much fun, and every bit as fast and responsive as the F Sports.

If I were going to autocross it, however, I would have gotten the F Sport.

To anyone considering an IS, I simply recommend that you drive both, and weigh the pluses and minuses of each, then purchase, and enjoy this fine automobile.

goshawk823

I absolutely agree!
I had most of these options on a 330c I owned, and found the rain sensing wipers and the tilting mirrors were options that I loved, and hated to lose on later cars. Especially with the cost of rims these days, the tilting mirrors could save you several hundred dollars (or more...)

Either version; it's still an awesome car.

davyjordi

exactly -- i'm one such owner of an is250 lux/nav package + other options that would have gladly purchased an f-sport if the options that i use and enjoy were to have been made available on f-sport models.

LexFather

F sport is not a gimmick lol

hovik92

I have a Non-F Sport in Nebula Grey, if your car is Nebula Grey, I'm more than willing to swap bumpers. I love the F Sport Front. I am in Los Angeles. PM Me if interested

Joe Z

iTrader: (10)

There you go..!!

Joe Z

akshunj

Sorry to the OP for hijacking. Sorry to the F Sport guys, not trying to flame, but it just seems odd to give up all the things you'd expect in a Lexus to get stuff like a grille and aluminum pedals.

The f sport should have come with an extra 50hp to make the "sport" part legit. Badges, seats, and sport+ buttons aren't really performance.

jennypenny

See my earlier reply (below)

I dont understand what point you are trying to make. when everyone else in the market has the same playbook.


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Isn't that the whole point?

Which car gets a bump in power for the same engine because it's a "sports" version?

BMW? M Sport, Nope
Mercedes? AMG kit Nope
Audi? S line Nope

Sports version is suppose to make it look sportier and have better handling performance

akshunj

Hmm be nice to standout from the rest of the industry...