Well without going into to much detail about a Mazda on a Lexus site, the handling is typical Mazda I guess, it feels more responsive than the sport IS but I figure that they are made for two different types. Mazda is more boy racer and Lexus is more sophisticated. The AWD is fun except that it is FWD bias. My personal crazy opinion I don't feel as in control with a FWD car as I do with a RWD. Another thing is the car isn't as stunning to look at, I compare it (ISX50) with a beautiful woman, the kind that even when you are with your wife you still have to turn your head to get another look even though you know you are going to get hit , and the Mazda is the one where you just sneak a peek out of your perif. Pretty just not the same.