By: Emily Bunn x Vaughn Lowery
360 Magazine took the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport out for a spin along California’s golden coast. We drove the Grecian Water model- an electric blue color that surely was the star of Hollywood Boulevard. As compared to other luxury sedans, such as a the BMW 3 Series, the Lexus IS provides unrivaled steering feel, safety features, and price. The low to the ground position of the vehicle–30mm wider than its predecessor Lexus model–makes for a dramatic, aggressive, and sleek reimagined design. A pure sports sedan, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport promises peak performance, craftsmanship, and technological innovation.
The intriguing, proactive layout of the Lexus IS 350 F-Sport inspired 360 Magazine to revamp our LA workspace to reflect the vehicle’s beautiful interior and exterior. During our trip, we drove the Lexus IS to several Home Depots as we worked on renovations. Thanks to the agile driving ability of the IS, we were able to get to our destination smoothly in a matter of minutes. The lean design of the Lexus IS allowed us to easily maneuver into tight parking spaces and around busy corners. The ferocious agility and powerful drive of the vehicle made for a comfortable journey as picked up revamping supplies.
We reimagined our LA location to exude sophistication and innovation, as the Lexus IS represents. With new shelving units and countertops, modern metallic flooring, a chandelier with LED lights, repainted matte countertops, and installed bejeweled glass knobs, the 360 team transformed our area into a completely redesigned and elevated workspace. To maximize the space’s function, we also added surrounded sound, subwoofers, and a TV. Just like the ergonomically compact and versatile construction of the Lexus IS, 360 Magazine’s refurbished LA workspace reflects how we will efficiently utilize the space for future events, dinners, and live performances. For trips to Home Depot, work commutes, grocery runs, cruises along the Golden Coast, and more, the Lexus IS 350 F-Sport is the ideal vehicle.
Design
The Lexus IS 350 F-Sport was designed in tandem with BMW and Lexus, mixing the utmost quality of German and Japanese engineering. Some of the most noteworthy design features of the F-Sport include heated and ventilated power sears for the driver and passenger, as well as a shift knob and hand-selected leather-trimmed steering wheel and interior trim. Fine accent stitching details car’s the dashboard, creating a very coordinated and sleek ambiance in the vehicle. The large, circular air vents in the car are reminiscent of jet turbines and make every drive in the Lexus a daring adventure to embark upon.
The IS 350 F-Sport has all-wheel drive abilities that grant enhanced traction on many surfaces and conditions. Carpet floor mats lets passengers climb back into their Lexus with no fear after a day out adventuring. The car’s 19 in staggered-width alloy wheels, with a dark metallic finish, allow drivers to take on any terrain. The IS 350 F-Sport has luxurious F-Sport exterior styling including glossy black accents around the grille, lower rocker, and rear lip spoiler and a singular tailpipe that stylishly tapers to mere centimeter in the center. When passengers enter the vehicle, they are sure to notice to the black, geometric film interior trim, which creates a classy, elegant atmosphere in the car’s cabin. Following the perimeters of the vehicle’s lustrous trim, passenger’s eyes are led up to the power tilt-and-slide moonroof.
While we loved cruising in style in the Grecian Blue model, the vehicle also comes in seven other stunning shades: Ultra White, Iridium, Atomic Silver, Cloudburst Gray, Caviar, Infrared, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0.
Technology
Lexus’ impressive multimedia system, comprised of The Mark Levinson navigation/audio package, includes a navigation system with 10.3in touch screen multimedia display, Lexus Enform dynamic navigation (3-year trial included), dynamic voice command (10-year trial included), Lexus Enform destination assist (3-year trial included), and Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium sound system audio system with voice command. Also available on the display is a panoramic view monitor with four high-resolution cameras on the car’s front, side, and rear. The panoramic view monitor allows drivers a bird’s eye view of their surrounding environment, providing helpful assistance with parking and tight maneuvering. All of these tech savvy features make navigating and entertaining a breeze.
Driver need not lift a finger from the wheel, as they can easily listen to music, make lists, hear the news, and control smart-home devices by using voice commands. The digital instrumental of the car’s gauges can also be read aloud to inform drivers when necessary. Or flip between channels and navigate the touchscreen with the Lexus Enform Remote (which includes a 3-year trial.)
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility lets drivers cruise while listening to their favorite music, podcasts, audio books, and more. Or, if you prefer to have someone else curating your driving playlist, crank on the car’s SiriusXM Satellite Radio (3-month trial of such is included.) During our sunset cruise, we listened to “Love Nobody” and Afro Soul by WurlD.
The IS 350 is compatible with smartphones, smart watches, devices enabled with Google Assistant, and the Amazon Echo. Even if you’re traveling in remote areas, Lexus’ Enform Wi-Fi (3-month trial included) lets adventurers stay connected, wherever you are. Further, the Lexus App allows drivers to manage their vehicle on the go. Schedule service appointment and start your vehicle remotely with just a few simple taps.
With dual-zone electrostatic climate controls, drivers can customize their car’s temperature effortlessly with intuitive slide touch controls. Individual settings allow for both the driver and front seat passenger to set their preferred temperatures.
Safety
Lexus knows that their customers travel with precious cargo. Keeping this in mind, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F-Sport was created with a myriad of safety features to keep everyone secure. The F-Sport model has a governmental 5-star for its driver and passenger safety in case of a crash and is also rated 5-stars regarding the safety of passengers in case of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Equipped with the Lexus Safety System + 2.5 Pre-Collision System, this Lexus has pedestrian detection, all speed-dynamic radar cruise control, intelligent high beams, road sign assist, lane tracing assist, and lane departure alert with steering assist. The vehicle also comes stocked with a first aid kit, so you can feel prepared for anything while on-the-go.
Additionally, the blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert smart access takes the stress out of driving in crowded areas. If drivers are hesitant the venture out into stormy weather, the IS 350’s rain sensing wipers allow driver’s a clear view of the road in front of them, no matter what. Even while driving at night, Lexus customers can feel protected knowing that the car’s intelligent high bean headlamps and road sign assist will make navigating in the dark easy. Auto on/off LEF low and high beam headlights with daytime running lights (DRL) will illuminate the night, wherever your adventures take you.
Performance
Standard features of the vehicle include a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 311 HP @ 6600, and 280 torque @ 4800. The engine has an aluminum block, dual overhead cam (DOHC) 24-valve cylinder heads, and a combination of port and direct fuel injection. This high-revving Lexus V6 engine is definitely one for the books and will start to be in stock soon at engine retailers soon like Reman-engine. The enhanced agility of this new model allows for improved cornering, reduced body lean, and greater overall responsiveness. The annual fuel cost of the car totals $2,100, with a 23 MPG– 20 mpg in the city, and 28 mpg on the highway. Further, the F-Spot uses only 4.3 gallons per 100 miles. The fuel economy, greenhouse gas rating, and smog rating of the car is a 5/10.
The IS 350 F-Spot has an exhilarating 8-speed sport direct-shift transmission (RWD only). This model Lexus performs highly, thanks to the car’s rear wheel drive and selection of five driving modes (ECO, Normal, Sport & Snow.) Drivers can also utilize custom drive mode, which enables users to create a unique combination of drive mode settings for a more personalized driving experience.
Drivers to cruise with comfort, thanks to the mounted steering wheel with paddle shifters. For those wanting extra security, the torsen limited-slip differential is available; which shifts power to the rear wheel with the most grip to provide greater traction and command during acceleration and cornering.
Other performance aspects of the Lexus IS 350 F-Sport are included in the Dynamic Handling Package. This package includes adaptive variable suspension turning abilities (with components that are up to 20% lighter to sharpen response and reduce body lean), a moveable meter, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler.
Cost
Upon purchasing your Lexus, the car retailer provides their Lexus Enform Safety Connect, which includes a 3-year trial. Furthermore, the Lexus Enform Service Connect is included for the first 10 years of ownership. The 2021 Lexus 2021 IS 350 F-Sport starts at $39,050.
The model that 360 Magazine took on the road–including delivery, processing and handling fees–cost $53,740.
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