My Car and Driver and Road & Track both came today. Both had tests of the IS350, the CD one being a comparison with the usual suspects.
Naturally, the 330i won the CD comparison with the IS coming in second followed by G35. IS problem was too much luxo and not enough sport. Basically the conclusion in the RT review was the same, with the new car seen as moving more toward the GS and away from the 330i.
CD had their IS350 doing 0-60 in 5.1 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.7 at
104 mph leaving all competitors for dead. That is getting into M3 territory and SERIOUSLY quick. (The mind boggles at what it would do with a good manual box and a skilled driver.) The 330i (manual six-speed) took a disappointing 6.0 seconds to 60. Interestingly, if not surprisingly, the 330i had numerous electrical problems during the test. Evidence that you do NOT want a first year Bimmer under any circumstances.So, once again Lexus has no serious 3-series competitor. A pity, as I was hoping there would be that option if my E46 starts to cause trouble.
Sigh.
- GRL