csq

I have a 2008 IS 250 AWD that I am considering replacing with a new IS model - most likely 2017. I love the IS 250 and looking for something similar. The only real things I wished were different for my current car were: trunk size limitations without being able to put the seat down; the car is low; and the back seat is tight for passengers.

I know the new models have more trunk space and the rear seat folds down, which seems like a huge improvement. And I read that the rear passenger seats get slightly about an 1.5 more inches of legroom than my current model. I think that's enough, cause I really don't want to go up a model as I like the length on the IS.

As I research the current models, I am confused as to the real differences between the 200t, 300 and 350 from a performance point of view. I assume the technology has changed that the 200t is a superior model to the IS 250 in performance? And I see some references to the F Sport and am confused if this is in relation to the 200t. Should I be considering one of the 300 models with V6? I like my current car so I feel that power is good enough. I read an article saying that any of the AWD models are not as good.

Any help you can provide in helping me research the best option is appreciated.

nathantse

200t replaces 250 - More power (241), "Better mpg". However the 200t has a noticeable turbo lag. I feel the 250 (V6) is a smoother ride.
300 - I believe 255hp? I forget, but this is the AWD ONLY variant of the IS, which still uses the 6-speed tranny
350 - Top of the line, old engine (V6), "decent" power output (306 hp), bulletproof and smooth engine, could opt for a AWD model as well.

Lex_Giorgio

According to this, the 2017 IS 350 AWD uses the 6 speed as well:
http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/en/SpecificationPdfAction.action?series=IS&year=2017


It helps, I had a 2010 IS 250 RWD and every flaw (to me) in that car is corrected in the 2017 IS200T.
For instance, the 2017 has:
2 cup holders
More room for the passengers (rear)
More trunk space
Rear Seats that FOLD down
Gas mileage is 7.5L/100KM average (I'm expecting high consumption in the winter) and that's in Eco Mode. Which isn't far off from what my IS250 was getting. (8L/100KM)
Bigger door pockets
IS 350 Brakes (Huge plus!)

The only flaws I found so far:
No where to put my phone
No sunglasses holder (I have a base model, maybe other models have it?)

If it's an option in the States and in your budget, try to get a 350 RWD F Sport

The only RWD in Canada is the 200T model.

Edit:
You will notice the difference in speed! The IS 200T feels a lot faster than the IS 250.
241 HP & 258 lb-ft torque (IS 200T) vs 204 HP & 185 lb-ft torque (IS 250).
Finally, like others have mentioned, the turbo lag is there, but if you're in Sport Mode, most of is gone (still present though, I won't deny that).

nathantse

True, I notice your in Canda, so it must sense you guys get the AWD.

AWD 350 - 6 speed
RWD 350 - 8 speed

Lex_Giorgio

AWD is for newbies :P

I wish we had the 2017 IS 350 RWD here

tea

get the 350 if your budget is $45-50,000. if not, get the 200t

Jay89

I'm an awd kind of guy, so I actually liked having the 300 and 350 as awd only up here in Canada. I personally choose the 350 over the others because it had a beautifully smooth power delivery, and plenty of oomph for a daily. If you're looking at something similar to your current 250, then either the 300 or 350 would probably be the best bet, as you won't have to deal with lag.

Really though, it depends on what you want from it. The 200t will get better fuel economy, and it appears more aftermarket support in terms of tuning, but you'll have to deal with the lag. I don't know if they even have the option for awd in 200t in the states as I've never looked. Is that something you need or can you live without it?

arentz07

I haven't driven a 350 yet, but I tested a 2016 200t and own a 2016 300 (F Sport). I do want to try the 350, because with the 300, power at around 4500-5000 RPM seems to drop off before picking back up again close to redline - this is why the car is rated at 255 horsepower. However, the 300 feels massively more responsive and overall quicker than the 200t. The 200t was nice to drive, perhaps a bit quieter and certainly not slow, but if you want a more engaging experience, going for a V6 model would be worth it. I love my 300, but I can't deny I'd love to have had the 350 AWD instead, since it is basically the same capability but with more top-end oomph and the availability of some options.

Either way it's a question of budget alone as to whether you get the 300 or 350, to be honest. No reason to skimp on the power if you can afford it, since there is no MPG benefit.

Ciggy

iTrader: (1)

The 300 and 350 have the EXACT same motor. The only difference is the ECU hence why you felt like the 300 was being held back. Simply put. It is.

arentz07

I know. I've looked up dyno charts (there's one on RR's thread about the tune they sell), and they confirmed my suspicion that the power was being limited above a certain RPM. That said, this means you can tune the 300 to perform the same as or better than a 350.

RayPags

I do not doubt what both of you are saying. Plenty of threads citing the same thing. Where I get confused is since BOTH engines are the exact same (spec wise) and the two are differentiated (IS300 limited) by the ECU, then why are all the available tunes out there only good for a +35 HP gain and not the +50 that would make both cars equal. Please help me understand, I'm quite perplexed.

arentz07

Check out this thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/cl-...velopment.html

The tuned 300 and 350 in the last dyno graph on the first post have the same resultant HP and torque. There's only one line, which says "IS300/350". (Makes sense, since they are the same engine )

MadmanJay

I believe the reason they they don't claim an increase of +50HP is because when they dynoed the stock engine it actually come out as 270HP and not 255HP as per the manufacture spec. I am pretty sure I read that in one of the threads.

I have the 2017 IS 300 myself and am happy with it, but then again I had a Honda Civic before so the horse power difference for me is huge. Lol I may consider the tune after my warranty is over.

csq

Thanks for all the info! To answer one of the questions - no I do not need AWD in the new car. I thought when I bought the '08 I would be returning to the midwest, but I never did. So being out west I don't have to worry about snow conditions too much. This may be a dumb question - I have read several times in other threads comments about the lag. But I am embarrassed to say I don't know what that means - especially when everyone comments the power is fine.

Lex_Giorgio

Simply put, when you step on the gas, there is a delay before the car actual starts going faster.

When it is in Sport Mode, that delay is A LOT less, but there still is a delay nonetheless. Your current IS does not have that delay, but when the IS 200T starts going, it's a lot quicker than the IS 250 or at least it feels like it