LEX IS500 - Serious competition?

[Leadfoot]

FrenchAudi,

I'm glad to see you felt the same as me about the Lexus IS250. Great car but not as sporty as the A4. I will still hold judgement on the IS350 and IS500 until I sample them.

[FrenchAudi]

Was not able to test drive IS350 but I know that it is a very, very, very quick car.
Having said that, the lack of a manual transmission on that particular model I think was a mistake from Lexus and why it will never be considered as sporty as the Germans..
Same thing goes for the IS 250 AWD which is only available in Automatic.

[Leadfoot]

Originally posted by FrenchAudi
Was not able to test drive IS350 but I know that it is a very, very, very quick car.
Having said that, the lack of a manual transmission on that particular model I think was a mistake from Lexus and why it will never be considered as sporty as the Germans..
Same thing goes for the IS 250 AWD which is only available in Automatic.

But you have to remember that the IS350 is at present a US product and is not available in Europe. I hope Lexus fix this soon, as I really would like to sample it.

[FrenchAudi]

Well Lexus is pretty much U.S only.
It was designed for the U.S market primarely.
The problem with Lexus in Europe is that they are sold through Toyota dealerships.
American drivers are for the most part not as "driving" focused as the Europeans.
For the U.S a car is a mode of transportation, in Europe it is often leisure time and the Lexus are for the most part way too soft of the European market and European roads.

[Erik]

LEXUS = Luxury EXport USa

[AndyBG]

Originally posted by Erik
LEXUS = Luxury EXport USa

[audi713]

I think their design language is pretty poor..and refinement seems to be the only feather in their hat.....a feather in their hat lol good stuff!!!

[Z07]

Another option:

http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/Y50_FUGA_650S.htm

[Benman]

Originally posted by Z07
Another option:

http://www.impul.co.jp/products/model/Y50_FUGA_650S.htm

Infinity M45s are very popular here but really compare better to the Lexus GS models.