lexi90

Hello CL community,

After 2 weeks of ownership, I wanted to post my own review of the IS250 F-Sport AWD. This is a comparison against the 2IS ( '06 250 AWD).

Fuel consumption: much better on the '15 than '06 even though 3IS runs AWD all the time (there's no way to turn it off as in the 2IS 3-mode button.

Performance: Even though same engine is still used in the 3IS, the '15 is faster and more responsive. Maybe is the drivetrain???

Shifting: 3IS is definitely quicker when shifting and more responsive. Sometimes, it feels like a CVT transmission.

Seats: more comfortable in 3IS than 2IS. Took it for a long drive (New Rochelle, NY) and I was so comfortable driving With the 2IS, my legs and back would be hurting a bit

Radio: better sound and clearer in the 3IS. Although I didn't get ML, the factory equipment is pretty good. And before someone asks, speakers were fine in the 2IS, nothing wrong with them!

Tires / Road noise: Road noise definitely less loud in 3IS. 2IS had the recommended tires by Lexus dealer (Goodrich Eagle GT) and road noise was terrible. I had less noise road with the 20's Nankang tires than the factory set!

I have yet to try the AWD when we get some snow on the ground! That should be exciting! I will post more reviews of other things about the car as I experience them.

Enjoy your 3IS' s

PAPI007

So all in all, the 3IS is better! I'm finishing your review lexi90!

lexi90

Well, perhaps the IS250 (3IS) is better than 2IS (IS250). Can't say the same thing about the IS350 as I've heard mixed opinions. My cousin who used to own an '06 IS350 who now has a '14 IS350 F-Sport claims that his older IS350 was faster and more responsive than his new IS350. Maybe is the 8-speed in the '15.

lexi90

But to add to your comment...

The newer 250 is better than the 2nd gen (2006-2013)!

PAPI007

You and your cousin are correct. I had an 08 IS350 and it was definitely more responsive. Faster, thats a matter of opinion. I still like my 14 IS350 better!

Noeh

iTrader: (3)

You can turn off the AWD on the 2IS? I thought it defaults to 30/70 front/rear.

lexi90

That's what I meant. It's set up to run 30/70 all the time, but you have 2 additional options: Power (On = 50/50) or Snow (helps with take off). On the 3IS there's only 1 option (Snow button). The main question would be: Is the 3IS full time AWD (50/50) ??

CarNutTO

What are you talking about? There's no way to turn off the AWD in the 2IS

lexi90

Yeah, exactly what I said. 2IS runs 30/70 all the time if they're equipped with AWD. If you push the Power button, it goes to 50/50 ("real AWD") or if you push Snow button it becomes stronger for take offs.

CarNutTO

This switch has nothing to do with the AWD system. It's called the ETCS Switch - Electronic Throttle Control Switch. All it does is alter the throttle valve position.

Amazing what you can learn from reading the owner's manual.

kinglexus99

I concur with this but also agree I do like my 3IS more

lexi90

Oops. Perhaps I read the wrong pages Do you have an AWD as well?

halfnyce07

I had an '08 AWD 2IS, test drove a 350 F-Sport RWD and was immediately sold

sdotk

3IS has the most comfortable seats ever! Love the lumbar support too. Everyone always compliments how comfy my seats are.

theoryguy3

I drove in the snow, was passing the snow plows trucks without any problems. A snow plow driver even asked me what kind of Audi I had when I was at red light, when I said it was a Lexus he was completely shocked.The AWD lived up to the hype for it's 2nd winter.