ddvette9

My 2015 IS250 Lease is up very soon and strongly considering upgrading to the 2017 IS350. Don't want to consider any other car in Lexus' lineup. I have told myself many times that if my current car was the 350 motor, I would buy it an enjoy it for a few more years. But that is based purely on paper specs as I have never driven or owned the 350 motor over a long period of time.

The easy answer is to test drive the car, which I will, but it will obviously feel stronger on the test drive and the difference in motors will probably be high as I will be driving my IS250 to the dealership to then jump in a 350 and start hitting it.

I want some feedback from those who have OWNED/LEASED BOTH the IS250 and the IS350 to share some thoughts on your perceptions of the difference in the two motors over years of driving, not just a test drive expereince or driving a "friend's car".

100 more horsepower and 100 more torque is going to be obvious on test drive. Curious to hear from those of you who can share long term impressions after having owned both motors. Looking for long term impressions on off the stoplight acceleration, passing speed, strength of motor, etc.

Hoping some people to have long term experience with both can chime in and this doesn't turn into a flame fest on which motor is better. PLEASE try to answer the question and stay on topic. Thanks

dnasians

iTrader: (4)

I've owned a 2IS250 (~2 years) and currently own the 3IS350 (2+ years).

The difference in power is noticeable and you'll appreciate it in everyday driving. Passing cars, going up hills, needing to get through a light turning yellow, etc. I felt like I could do more in the 350. However the power won't feel alien; coming from a 250 into a 350 felt like a natural evolution. There's no surprises with how the power comes.

The MPGs don't feel too different... I paid about the same for gas for the last few years (I think).

The short block in both cars are the same, maintenance has been identical.

E46CT

Consider the 200T. Might be nice coming from a 250. Full torque for the 200t (258 ft lbs) comes on at 1,450 rpms vs the 4,600 rpms required for the 350's 277 ft lbs. Might make the most difference driving around town. If you want the most power period then get the 350.

Did a short road trip once (350 miles) and got 35.5 mpg =)

TsunamiF

Although full torque does come on at 1,450 rpms, the 2.0L turbo motor suffers from lag when not under boost which will greatly impact the readiness of the 258 ft/lbs of torque at low rpms:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...turbo-lag.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...eleration.html

Also as a FYI, the 3.5L engine makes over 90% of its total 277 ft/lbs of torque starting at 2,000 RPMs.

SubieChik

iTrader: (1)

I would test drive the 200t along with the 350. I personally like the 200t better and went with that. I also came from a 250. The 200t is just what the 250 is missing and the turbo is a lot of fun to drive. It's really nice to have a turbo back in my life lol

Aleksei

I have both 2015 is250/350 AWD Fsport for about 2 years now and I can say both cars are great. Mine is 350 but I am driving both 350 and sometimes wifes 250.
Maintaining myself: oil changes, filters etc
Both fabulous cars. 250 feels a bit softer in the ride quality and butter smooth engine (without noises like 350 has)
Power? yes its night and day. if you like “fun” driving 350 but for everyday commuter driving 250 is enough and I did long drives on it and its got enough power for passing other cars and have a little fun in sport mode as well.
Both of the cars super in snow conditions on winter tires here in Ontario Canada.
Brakes on 350 feels better of course, but i throw ASP akebonos with centric rotors on the fronts of 250 and ACT on the back as no available ASP for the rears and it is sufficient.

Overall I can say I enjoy owning these two cars 100%
Each got its own consumer
Either it is financial part or you do not need extra power like my wife, 250 will be great choice
But if you like fast acceleration and sportier ride get 350.

Personally I don’t see a reason to upgrade your car. Upgrade only if you need faster car and you cant sleep well knowing u drive 250.

I myself waiting for a new gen to come and after two three years its on the road will consider it, but till then 2015s I own will serve its purpose just as good as 2020 models

athanato

I don't recommend going from an IS250 to an IS200t (less of a HP jump and turbo lag from what I am reading in the forum). I recommend going IS350 (or even IS300 AWD which is the same engine just down tuned). I had the 2010 IS250 for 9yrs, it never failed me however jumping to the 2018 IS300 AWD I do enjoy the increased power and of course AWD for winter. The bonus is that the 3.5L V6 is loud and sounds good when it needs to be, not constantly loud so that it gets old or annoying.

JNP1227

iTrader: (1)

FWIW, I have owned my 15 IS350 AWD for about 2 years and haven driven close to 50k so far. This car is a daily driver and i drive a lot (MA to PA few times a month 600+ miles round-trip) and its great. Power is there for a daily driver and pulls smooth. I am currently tuned by RR Racing with a cat-back exhaust which adds a bit of excitement to my daily commute. If you are looking for a reliable quick daily this is the car. I have 77k and my car still pulls strong light to light and on highways.

Unless you plan on racing everybody on the road, 350 should be sufficient to keep a smile on your face.

arentz07

If you can't find or afford a 350, and you need AWD, the 300 AWD is a good option. It's almost as fast as a 350 AWD, maybe 0.3 seconds slower 0 to 60 according to Lexus's own claims. However, in the real world, the difference is likely to be unnoticeable. Having the V6 instead of the I4 will give you much better smoothness and refinement, as well. And, you get the intake sound generator, so you get the awesome induction sound the 350 is known for, but at a lower price. Then you could always do the RR Racing Tune and get more power.