Hoovey Review: 3rd Generation IS
#63
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: San Francisco, CA
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Spy, I cant remember which thread you were talking about the smart access unlocking before you actually touch the handle but I tested it and for sure, it does not unlock until there is actual skin contact
#64
yeah, i did too... it needs tiny touch, like it is electro-static or something.
#66
I've recently found Lexus to be a mixed bag. The GS is brilliant. ES not so much. LS is refreshed but stale on our lots. RX still sells in droves but the lack of things like rear heated seats and a panoramic roof (both can be had on a new fully loaded Pathfinder for $35,000 OTD) irk me. GX is dying on lots and the LX is showing it's age too. CT is nice enough (13 finally gained power seat for the passenger) but could use a full spindle and more powertrain options. RC, NX, LC/SC are taking forever to get here. Oh and the F marque can't be a marque when there is one car in it's stable. Suffice to say I too am not the happiest with Lexus at the moment.
I'll wait until I can actually drive the car in May, but being an employee of an Automall with five different makes, I'm tempted to lease something else other than a Lexus (who surprisingly didn't want to help get me into a GSh or IS-F). 550i here I might come .
#67
Hoovey, it's funny you say that because that is exactly what I'm looking to do. Don't get me wrong, I got a lot of love for Lexus, and will ALWAYS have a lot of respect for them. I have really enjoyed my IS 350 which I bought new. I'm actually keeping it in the family and giving to my younger brother. There are some things that I am not really fond of however in the 3IS: NuLux, same engine specs, larger curb weight, weird interior dash lines (why is the screen recessed back so far?), the middle vent console were all pretty big turn offs. I've always been loyal to Japanese car makers but decided to venture into the German realm. All I can say is that, the driving experience is much more "enjoyable" and I love the forced induction aspect of it. A LOT of tuning ability if you want. Either way, I'm in the process of getting a 13' 550i M sport Package, fully loaded. (The decision for me was between buying a 3IS F sport package, buying a new s4, or leasing a new 550i, after having driven an S4, S5, e63 amg, a7, m3, 550i, all within the last week, some back to back and some multiple times, the 550i m sport IMO is a winner) Refined yet a lot of fun to drive. Should have one within the next couple of weeks hopefully. If Lexus comes out with the GS-F or when they release the LF-LC, I'll be more than happy to venture back to Lexus but for now, I think I'm going to give the Germans a try.
#68
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Posts: n/a
No problem bro. The lack of commitment towards showing the 3IS off was discouraging to me. The training program said we were "lucky" to have the two that we did, when the reality is there are a whole bunch of them in Austin, Texas being driven by Lexus employees and journalists. So I tried to do what I could with the static review about everything I could see, touch, hear (I forwent the taste and smell ) on the 3IS.
As a GS lover for a decade I am all to aware how Lexus offers sport sedans but dealers and sales people ignore them and just rather sell an easy ES or RX. Lexus Japan is on to something good here, I hope their own dealers here want to sell and promote the product instead of offering every excuse why it doesn't sell.
I've recently found Lexus to be a mixed bag. The GS is brilliant. ES not so much. LS is refreshed but stale on our lots. RX still sells in droves but the lack of things like rear heated seats and a panoramic roof (both can be had on a new fully loaded Pathfinder for $35,000 OTD) irk me. GX is dying on lots and the LX is showing it's age too. CT is nice enough (13 finally gained power seat for the passenger) but could use a full spindle and more powertrain options. RC, NX, LC/SC are taking forever to get here. Oh and the F marque can't be a marque when there is one car in it's stable. Suffice to say I too am not the happiest with Lexus at the moment.
In the same boat...Lexus just is dropping the ball with us enthusiasts which is ironic as they offer F-sport and JAPAN wants us. Audi S5 looking really good and wife loves Audi.
#69
Judging by how well the 4GS handled, I thought the 3IS would be even better again.
However, I then stumbled across these two youtube videos of test drives:
Looks like the new 3IS doesn't handle as well relative to the 3 Series and C Class, as the 4GS handles relative to the 5 Series and E Class.
One possible explanation could be the 3IS weight relative to its peers?
Does anyone know the weight of the 3IS relative to the 3 Series and C Class in both 4 cylinder turbo and six cylinder for the latter two?
I have a hunch that because the 3IS and 4GS share platforms, their weight lies somewhere in between the German compacts and German midsize?
Thus, the 4GS being lighter, [and with a number of complaints for creaks and rattles], handles better than the German midsize conterparts?
Meanwhile the 3IS is heavier than the 3 Series and C Class doesn't seem to handle as well as the German compacts in the youtube videos above?
So, just a threory/speculation only.
Will be interesting to see how the 3IS turns out.
If the 3IS had its own dedicated platform, then certainly it would be lighter, and more competitive relative to the 3 Series and C Class.
However, life is a compromise, and the greater weight of the IS will often bring greater torsional rigidity and bending stiffness to the 3IS, and greater refinement to the 3IS in terms of creaks and rattles and overall quietness relative to the lighter German compacts...
However, I then stumbled across these two youtube videos of test drives:
Looks like the new 3IS doesn't handle as well relative to the 3 Series and C Class, as the 4GS handles relative to the 5 Series and E Class.
One possible explanation could be the 3IS weight relative to its peers?
Does anyone know the weight of the 3IS relative to the 3 Series and C Class in both 4 cylinder turbo and six cylinder for the latter two?
I have a hunch that because the 3IS and 4GS share platforms, their weight lies somewhere in between the German compacts and German midsize?
Thus, the 4GS being lighter, [and with a number of complaints for creaks and rattles], handles better than the German midsize conterparts?
Meanwhile the 3IS is heavier than the 3 Series and C Class doesn't seem to handle as well as the German compacts in the youtube videos above?
So, just a threory/speculation only.
Will be interesting to see how the 3IS turns out.
If the 3IS had its own dedicated platform, then certainly it would be lighter, and more competitive relative to the 3 Series and C Class.
However, life is a compromise, and the greater weight of the IS will often bring greater torsional rigidity and bending stiffness to the 3IS, and greater refinement to the 3IS in terms of creaks and rattles and overall quietness relative to the lighter German compacts...
Last edited by peteharvey; 04-14-13 at 01:12 AM.
#71
Lexus Fanatic
I wouldn't use these online "Automotive journalists" as any source of information. Youtube lets anybody with an iPhone and a suction mount produce a semi-professional looking "review". The first guy's issue was "While it handles flatter, is much stiffer, and is more enjoyable to drive it still feels similar to the previous IS, so we wouldn't call it all new". Well...I think if you drove any new model of an established product its going to feel evolutionary. What makes the current 3 series feel "totally different" than any prior 3 series? Neither review made any mention of the C Class.
Obviously both these "reviews" came from the same event, note all the establishing shots and vehicle shots are the same?
I think we need to wait and let the car get into the hands of real automotive press before we pass judgement.
Obviously both these "reviews" came from the same event, note all the establishing shots and vehicle shots are the same?
I think we need to wait and let the car get into the hands of real automotive press before we pass judgement.
#72
Hoovey, it's funny you say that because that is exactly what I'm looking to do. Don't get me wrong, I got a lot of love for Lexus, and will ALWAYS have a lot of respect for them. I have really enjoyed my IS 350 which I bought new. I'm actually keeping it in the family and giving to my younger brother. There are some things that I am not really fond of however in the 3IS: NuLux, same engine specs, larger curb weight, weird interior dash lines (why is the screen recessed back so far?), the middle vent console were all pretty big turn offs. I've always been loyal to Japanese car makers but decided to venture into the German realm. All I can say is that, the driving experience is much more "enjoyable" and I love the forced induction aspect of it. A LOT of tuning ability if you want. Either way, I'm in the process of getting a 13' 550i M sport Package, fully loaded. (The decision for me was between buying a 3IS F sport package, buying a new s4, or leasing a new 550i, after having driven an S4, S5, e63 amg, a7, m3, 550i, all within the last week, some back to back and some multiple times, the 550i m sport IMO is a winner) Refined yet a lot of fun to drive. Should have one within the next couple of weeks hopefully. If Lexus comes out with the GS-F or when they release the LF-LC, I'll be more than happy to venture back to Lexus but for now, I think I'm going to give the Germans a try.
As a GS lover for a decade I am all to aware how Lexus offers sport sedans but dealers and sales people ignore them and just rather sell an easy ES or RX. Lexus Japan is on to something good here, I hope their own dealers here want to sell and promote the product instead of offering every excuse why it doesn't sell.
I agree with you again, Lexus is getting better but I don't think its enough and hopefully the Yen at 100 can help tons. I heard 2014 models brings GX and CT facelift finally. Heck I need to tell you my struggles with Lexus as well, email coming. I would have loved a panamaric roof or dual sunroofs in the GS (which ES has lol). A lot of things are mind boggling but mahn drove her GS F-sport today and its just a great drive.
Yup kinda funny how that works. S5 is a nice choice. A co-worker picked up a convertible one (I prefer the V8 coupe myself - but they'll all be supercharged 6 soon). I'll probably keep my 2IS as it's payed for, but like I mentioned to player1, I'll probably lease a 550i before July. We shall see
#73
Guest
Posts: n/a
Judging by how well the 4GS handled, I thought the 3IS would be even better again.
However, I then stumbled across these two youtube videos of test drives:
http://youtu.be/IMR3dnsGCjw
http://youtu.be/VLu6pm6a1UM
Looks like the new 3IS doesn't handle as well relative to the 3 Series and C Class, as the 4GS handles relative to the 5 Series and E Class.
One possible explanation could be the 3IS weight relative to its peers?
Does anyone know the weight of the 3IS relative to the 3 Series and C Class in both 4 cylinder turbo and six cylinder for the latter two?
I have a hunch that because the 3IS and 4GS share platforms, their weight lies somewhere in between the German compacts and German midsize?
Thus, the 4GS being lighter, [and with a number of complaints for creaks and rattles], handles better than the German midsize conterparts?
Meanwhile the 3IS is heavier than the 3 Series and C Class doesn't seem to handle as well as the German compacts in the youtube videos above?
So, just a threory/speculation only.
Will be interesting to see how the 3IS turns out.
If the 3IS had its own dedicated platform, then certainly it would be lighter, and more competitive relative to the 3 Series and C Class.
However, life is a compromise, and the greater weight of the IS will often bring greater torsional rigidity and bending stiffness to the 3IS, and greater refinement to the 3IS in terms of creaks and rattles and overall quietness relative to the lighter German compacts...
However, I then stumbled across these two youtube videos of test drives:
http://youtu.be/IMR3dnsGCjw
http://youtu.be/VLu6pm6a1UM
Looks like the new 3IS doesn't handle as well relative to the 3 Series and C Class, as the 4GS handles relative to the 5 Series and E Class.
One possible explanation could be the 3IS weight relative to its peers?
Does anyone know the weight of the 3IS relative to the 3 Series and C Class in both 4 cylinder turbo and six cylinder for the latter two?
I have a hunch that because the 3IS and 4GS share platforms, their weight lies somewhere in between the German compacts and German midsize?
Thus, the 4GS being lighter, [and with a number of complaints for creaks and rattles], handles better than the German midsize conterparts?
Meanwhile the 3IS is heavier than the 3 Series and C Class doesn't seem to handle as well as the German compacts in the youtube videos above?
So, just a threory/speculation only.
Will be interesting to see how the 3IS turns out.
If the 3IS had its own dedicated platform, then certainly it would be lighter, and more competitive relative to the 3 Series and C Class.
However, life is a compromise, and the greater weight of the IS will often bring greater torsional rigidity and bending stiffness to the 3IS, and greater refinement to the 3IS in terms of creaks and rattles and overall quietness relative to the lighter German compacts...
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...and-press.html
I've driven the C-class extensively, all models and it doesn't handle or drive as good as the CURRENT IS let alone the new one (I assume and from what other professional reviews have said). Its nice and good looking but nothing sporty at all, very relaxed until you get to C63/Black Series territory (which is amazing b/c they drive like totally different animals).
We're thinking alike then. I'll probably be in a 550i before July
Agreed
Looking forward to your email. Yeah that GS F-Sport is a real sweetheart
Yup kinda funny how that works. S5 is a nice choice. A co-worker picked up a convertible one (I prefer the V8 coupe myself - but they'll all be supercharged 6 soon). I'll probably keep my 2IS as it's payed for, but like I mentioned to player1, I'll probably lease a 550i before July. We shall see
Agreed
Looking forward to your email. Yeah that GS F-Sport is a real sweetheart
Yup kinda funny how that works. S5 is a nice choice. A co-worker picked up a convertible one (I prefer the V8 coupe myself - but they'll all be supercharged 6 soon). I'll probably keep my 2IS as it's payed for, but like I mentioned to player1, I'll probably lease a 550i before July. We shall see
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