A visit to Lexus of Manhattan, your local Lexus dealer near Brooklyn, will turn up all sorts of enticing models. Looking for a plug-in hybrid that offers 84 MPGe and 37 miles of all-electric range? The Lexus NX 450h+ is hard to beat when it comes to efficiency. Meanwhile, the LX 600 combines Lexus’ legacy of luxury with some solid off-road equipment that includes a Multi-Terrain Select system with Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control. These models certainly have their advantages, but those looking to really get a taste of Lexus’ penchant for performance should look into the IS sport compact.
The low-slung Lexus IS hugs the road to deliver a dynamic driving experience you won’t soon forget, especially when opting for the IS 500 F Sport Performance variant. Giving drivers the opportunity to hit 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds thanks to a hardy 5.0-liter V8, the IS 500 injects plenty of thrills into your drive. But it’s not just top-tier performance that makes the IS so notable. The sedan is also one of the most elegant and up-to-date models in its class, with a generous arsenal of comfort, convenience, and tech features. Could the IS be the sedan you need to bring fun back into your daily commute? We are here to make the case.
Thrilling Performance
Those who are in the market for a souped-up Lexus IS that is just as sporty as it is luxurious will appreciate Lexus’ decision to expand the roster of F Sport trims for the 2024 model year. Previously limited to the IS 350 and above, even the entry-level IS 300 is treated to a performance-minded makeover this time around. The IS 300 F Sport retains the same 241-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that can be found in the base IS 300 but adds a host of components that’ll help satisfy your need for speed.
The trim features an F Sport-tuned suspension, aluminum sport pedals, F Sport front seats, and a G-force display that allows drivers to monitor the force being exerted when they accelerate, brake, and corner. The IS 300 F Sport also includes 19-inch wheels and F Sport exterior styling that transforms the sedan’s exterior with a redesigned front and rear end, spoiler, and F Sport exhaust tips. However, drivers seeking only these appearance-related upgrades can also opt for the IS 300 F Sport Design trim and save some money.
The IS 350 F Sport might just represent the sweet spot in the 2024 lineup. Outfitted with a 311-horsepower V6 and available AWD, the mid-tier trim can rocket from zero to 60 mph in as little as 5.6 seconds. Throw in the available F Sport Handling Package with an adaptive variable suspension, Torsen limited-slip differential, and exhilarating Sport S+ drive mode, and you’ll never feel like you’re hurting for performance when you’re behind the wheel.
The sedan’s ultimate performance guise for 2024 is the IS 500 F Sport. Built around a V8 engine with 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft torque, the IS 500 F Sport pulls out all the stops to create one of the liveliest Lexus sedans on record. The trim features the same F Sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension, Torsen limited-slip differential, and Sport S+ drive mode you’ll find in the F Sport Handling Package but makes some important additions in the form of Yamaha rear performance dampers, upsized brakes, stacked quad exhaust tips and F Sport Performance scuff plates. With the ability to reach 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, this RWD model is worth a test drive for anyone who believes in pushing the boundaries.
Luxury Interior
The Lexus IS might offer a peppy ride that’ll have you tackling the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway with confidence, but the interior is where the IS really gets the chance to show off some of its luxury credentials. Lexus certainly hasn’t cut any corners around the cabin, crafting an idyllic interior that merges the best in comfort, style, and technology.
The IS features a well-crafted cabin that folds in many of the modern conveniences one might expect from the luxury segment while still maintaining a restrained, sophisticated design. The entry-level IS 300 comes with eight-way power-adjustable front seats that offer a sporty look without sacrificing comfort, while the F Sport trims up the ante with a 10-way power-adjustable heated driver’s seat. Lexus lives up to its luxury reputation with a cabin that blocks out most road and engine noise, but what about drivers who appreciate a little more feedback?
Lexus has engineered around this issue with its Active Sound Control (ASC) system, a feature that pipes in augmented engine noise through the sedan’s available 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System. Whether you’re headed upstate for the weekend or cruising around Brooklyn on a warm summer night, these audio cues can go a long way in helping you forge a closer connection with the car and make that 5.0-liter V8 sound even meaner.
In addition to its available 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, the IS also offers a digital instrument gauge cluster that lends the dashboard a slick, modern look. Those opting for an F Sport model will enjoy a dynamic digital display inspired by the instrument panel on the Lexus LFA supercar. With the ability to track a full range of relevant performance metrics and expand or contract different readouts as needed for easy visibility, the digital instrument gauge cluster gives drivers a taste of the $350,000-plus LFA experience for a fraction of the cost. The IS 500 F Sport Performance even receives an exclusive startup animation just in case you forget that you’re working with nearly 500 horsepower.
The sedan’s dimensions also set the IS apart from some of its closest rivals in the luxury segment. While it might be a compact sedan, the IS defies the designation with a roomy cabin that’ll have you riding in comfort. The 2024 model offers a spacious 44.8 inches of front legroom, not to mention 10.8 cu.ft. of cargo space in the trunk. That's more legroom than competitors like the Acura TLX, Genesis G70, or BMW 3 Series, making the IS a more practical choice for those who value the opportunity to stretch out on longer rides.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The 2024 Lexus IS is packed with a full complement of cutting-edge tech that goes a long way toward improving the everyday driving experience; you'll see this as soon as you walk through the showroom of a Lexus dealership. From a long list of Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 advanced-driver assistance features like a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that come standard on every trim to a robust 17-speaker premium sound system and some clever parking features that’ll make navigating Brooklyn streets just a little bit easier, Lexus hasn’t pulled any punches when it comes to the IS.
The sedan’s 1,800-watt Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system is an obvious highlight, treating drivers to a high-fidelity mobile listening experience that goes out of its way to faithfully recreate the sound of the original recording. This is thanks in large part to Mark Levinson’s exclusive QuantumLogic Surround (QLS) technology, which employs a three-dimensional approach to fully envelop the cabin in the highs and lows of your favorite tunes. QLS’s proprietary algorithm enhances the audio signal before sending it out to each of the car's 17 speakers, allowing drivers and passengers to experience a song in a whole new way. Combine this with the Lexus’ whisper-quiet interior, and the IS is an audiophile's dream, providing studio-quality sound while minimizing any unwanted interruptions.
The Lexus IS offers a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that serves as your one-stop shop for a wide range of comfort, convenience, and entertainment functions. This includes the usual list of suspects like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa but also features some proprietary Lexus software like Enform Dynamic Navigation. This advanced GPS system provides real-time map data, routes, and points of interest and is offered at no charge for the first three years of ownership. If there’s any confusion about a particular route––or you just appreciate the human touch––Lexus Enform Destination Assist is there to help. The 24/7 cloud-based service connects drivers to a live Lexus Enform agent who can help plan a route and even recommend nearby dining options.
It’s never easy to find parking in Brooklyn, but the Lexus IS makes it easy to squeeze into even the tightest spot thanks to its Intuitive Parking Assist feature. This convenient system leverages the sedan’s front and rear-mounted sonar sensors to give drivers a handy audio alert when driving at low speeds. Ideal for parallel parking on the notoriously crowded streets of Brooklyn, Intuitive Parking Assist will increase the frequency of the beeps the closer you get to a nearby object. The feature can help to prevent the sort of minor scratches and fender benders that can come with inner-city driving, keeping the stylish exterior looking as good as it did the day it rolled out of our showroom.
A Reliable Luxury Car
The 2024 Lexus IS doesn’t just excel in terms of performance, advanced tech, and style––it’s also one of the most reliable models on the road. While many are familiar with Toyota’s reputation for dependability, the automaker's luxury division manages to outshine even its parent company. Lexus was ranked the number one automaker in predicted reliability by Consumer Reports, which gave the brand a stellar 79/100 rating. That’s three points better than Toyota itself and easily tops other luxury brands like Acura (70), BMW (64), Infiniti (53) and Audi (43). Whether you’re looking for a reliable ride that’ll keep you out of your local repair shop, a true performance experience that’ll have you itching to put the pedal to the medal, or an eye-catching sedan that’ll ferry you through Brooklyn traffic, the Lexus IS is certainly worth a test drive. The team at Lexus of Manhattan is here to help you find the perfect IS for your particular driving needs, and we have a wealth of information on the entire Lexus lineup. Contact us today to get started.
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