Interesting. I am assuming the shocks are magnetically tuned most likely (what is mileage/replacement cost for components like that?).. I do wonder what drive settings control this for the IS 350 DHP. The infomercials aren't very clear or technical.. mostly speaking to the non-car enthusiast consumer.

 

Interesting.

 

This is exactly the type of information I was looking for. Thank you.

I will test drive one with normal suspension and pay close attention to the ride quality between the two vehicles.

 

One more question, do you know if messing with the suspension (different coils for instance) are a no no? Sorry for the noob question. I drive a heavily modified 2004 Tacoma and I don't know much about this new tech.

 

My 2015 and 2017 IS350 had a sport+ with the AVS system (I'm assuming like the 21 with the DHP) When I bagged my 17 I left the actuator disconnected and have had no issues.
My take is unless you want the LSD (if you are going with a RWD) Don't get the DHP if you are going modify suspension (coilovers/air ride) - why pay extra for something you will eventually swap out?

 

Do we have any idea yet how the 21s are configured as they arrive?

For example, for the 350 Fsport, is the sunroof and DHP combo rare or common?

 

so far here in MI I've seen moderately equipped IS350s for example.
AWD Fsport with sunroof, 360 cam, brake assist, ML with nav. 51k sticker (there's been 4 of these so far and 2 have been sold)
AWD Fsport with sunroof, ML no nav, Triple beam, DHP 53k sticker (Looking at this one tomorrow)

 

I do not know what they were thinking with the standard touch screen. The bezel around it is huge. Almost like they put the 10.8" screen in there but then just put a bezel around the assembly until it met the smaller screen. Like they want you to buy the Nav package. I would rather not have it at all.

 

Spotted. Here are some awful pictures

Still not a fan of the rear end, but it looks so much better in person than any of the pictures I've seen (including mine, obviously). I was not a fan, but got to say I'm liking it. Still prefer 17+ probably just for the rear end reminding me of an ES.
Overall shape followed some RC design ques I felt. Which is nice.

 

Off topic, but my dealer started using big white stickers on the windshield for the next service reminder.
What happened to the clear ones? I noticed a big white tag on the windshield that reminded me.

 

Definitely reminds me of the Bangle butt. The rest looks pretty good though.

 

It sure did and the 2IS as well.

 

I saw a red one two days ago. F sport. Couldn't get a picture fast enough. Looked good though. Made me wonder who's buying them... either someone uninformed, someone who got a really REALLY good deal, or a die hard lexus fan. i can't imagine someone legitimately cross-shopping this vs. a modern competitor and paying near full price.

To me the rear is nice, but a bit mismatched with the front. The rear looks fat, designed, beefy. The front looks too simple, too thin, too angular. Both are nice independently (more so the rear) but seem to be mismatched in character

 

Or it could be someone who has done his research completely and knows exactly what he/she wants.

In a sea of turbo-4 bangers, he wanted a refined V6. He doesn't want to settle for turbo lag but wants a pure driver's car ie seamless throttle response.

He wanted the bulletproof 2GR-FSE instead of a high strung over-stressed turbo with a limited lifespan.

He doesn't drink the Kool Aid that newer must be better when the original platform was already great handling from the start. Fact of the matter is : newer often means more teething problems. Why put up with that when he can have a tried and tested engine/gearbox/bodyshell combo that just works and doesn't add more complexity and bother to his life. His time is better spent at work/play instead of the workshop.

He wanted a live-able suspension, one that can hang with the best in the business in a corner but has the refinement not to beat you up over bumps and uneven roads.

He realized that flashing lights and gimmicky ambient lighting has no functional value and in fact is just more things to go wrong in the next 1-2 years and he still has Carplay and Android Auto just like everyone else. And his triple led headlights still look cooler and function better than the competition.

Best of all, he got a legendary V6 at the same price of a bargain basement German 4 banger.

I'm not sure who's the uninformed one : the 350 F-Sport buyer or the one TRYING to rag on his purchase.

But hey that's just my opinion....

 

Don't forget the IS 350's lack of such sterling features as stop/start, grill shutters, and no spare tire. I'm a first time IS 350 buyer, and applaud Lexus for continuing to build a fairly traditional vehicle; and refusing to trash their sedans for the sake of CAFE, unlike GM has done with Cadillac to subsidize large SUV sales.