2011 Lexus IS Malaysia Reviews & Ratings, Expert Car Reviews on LIVE LIFE DRIVE

Once again, the 2011 Lexus IS is up against the class-leader BMW 3-Series. And once again, the 2011 Lexus IS is second best, even though there are marked improvements in terms of styling, driving dynamics and engine performance.

2011 Lexus IS quick specs

Body Style	Sedan
Class	Mid-size Luxury
Assembled	-

Engine Range	-
Fuel Options	-
Seating Capacity	5

2011 Lexus IS ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)

Styling
Handling
Comfort
Quality + Reliability
Performance

Roominess
Running Costs
Value for Money
Equipment
Environment

Styling

Like the rest of the car, the Lexus IS's styling is much improved over its predecessor's mundane appearance. The current-generation Lexus IS now looks as sporty as it drives. With plenty of road presence, the 2011 Lexus IS is at least on par with bitter rivals BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the styling department.

Handling

The handling department was clearly the focus during car development stages; the 2011 Lexus IS now drives keenly over twisty roads you would not bother with in the previous IS. High levels of grip, tidy body control and a crisp turn-in are dynamics that run the 2011 Lexus IS close to the class-leading BMW 3-Series. There are some areas for improvement though, such as the steering which needs more feel, and the stiff suspension which results in an uncomfortable ride.

Comfort

The handling comes at the price of ride comfort. The stiff suspension struggles over bumps, making for a harsh ride over rough surfaces. The situation is not helped by unusual levels of road noise, especially pronounced over rough surfaces, for a Lexus. Wind and engine noise are extremely muted though. The tilt and telescopic steering column and multi-adjustable driver seat make it easy for drivers to get comfortable. Good ergonomics plus supple seats add on for a pleasant cabin.

Quality + Reliability

Fit-and-finish are brilliant, although the premium cabin materials seem less attractive than the BMW 3-Series's. According to JD Power customer satisfaction surveys, Lexus has ranked at the top over the years, meaning the solid cabin construction and reliable mechanics are unlikely to give Lexus IS owners problems.

Performance

The performance from the engine and automatic transmission can be best described as silky smooth, with class-leading refinement in power delivery. The 2.5-litre V6 produces 205 bhp at 6400 rpm and 252 Nm at 4800 rpm. On the roads, the V6 pulls strongly across the rev range, hauling the 2011 Lexus IS from rest or during overtaking with plenty of verve.

Roominess

The interior room is one area where the 2011 Lexus IS really lags the class. While the front driver and passenger sit in comfort, rear passengers have much less leg- and head-room. The inadequacy extends to the boot, which is both poorly-shaped and small relative to rivals'.

Running Costs

The fuel economy is reasonable by V6 standards, returning 11.0 km/litre. Maintenance and repairs will be costly, but the same can be said for other luxury brands. As the Lexus brand has stood for reliability and quality, a case made stronger due to association with the Toyota brand, we expect competitive residual values. Still, Lexus IS owners should not expect Mercedes-Benz levels of value preservation.

Value for Money

While the Lexus IS is a genuine competitor to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, interested buyers may be faced with a difficult decision because the 2011 Lexus IS is priced too closely to its key rivals. The handsome styling, driving dynamics, generous equipment list and strong V6 engine are the Lexus IS's highlights. And of course, the large number of 3-Series and C-Class units on the roads should also play to the Lexus IS's advantage. But has the 2011 Lexus IS shown enough to steal significant sales from the traditional powerhouses? We think not.

Equipment

The 2011 Lexus IS 250 gets 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive and auto-leveling headlamps, front fog lamps, rain sensing wipers, adjustable and retractable side mirrors, parking system, smart-entry system, wood and leather interior, Multi Information Display (MID), cruise control, air-conditioning with dual climate control, 6-CD changer with MP3 and WMA compatibility, and Mark Levinson 14-speaker system. Safety kit includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TRC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL), and eight SRS airbags.

Environment

Carbon dioxide emissions of 214 grams/km and fuel consumption of 11.0 km/litre are fine figures for a 2.5-litre V6. However, a comparable BMW 3-Series variant outperforms the 2011 Lexus IS 250 in both regards, while a comparable Mercedes-Benz C-Class variant has almost identical figures.

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2011 Lexus IS Review

2011 Lexus IS at a glance