2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport Review: Performance, Features and Driving Experience
As I slid behind the wheel of the 2021 Lexus IS350 F Sport, the first thing that struck me was how the cockpit felt like it was designed specifically for someone who appreciates both luxury and performance. The bolstered sport seats hugged me perfectly, and the analog clock sitting proudly in the center stack reminded me this wasn't just another German sports sedan wannabe. Having driven numerous vehicles in this segment, I've developed particular preferences about what makes a sports sedan truly compelling, and I'll admit I approached this refreshed IS350 with some skepticism given Lexus' conservative reputation.
The heart of this machine is where things get truly interesting. Lexus stuck with their proven 3.5-liter V6 engine, and honestly, I appreciate that decision. In an era where everyone is downsizing to turbo-fours, there's something special about the linear power delivery and distinctive growl of a naturally aspirated V6. This particular unit produces 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, numbers that might not scream "class-leading" on paper but deliver in real-world driving. The power builds progressively rather than hitting you with a sudden turbo surge, which I actually prefer for predictable corner exits. The engine note deepens satisfyingly as you climb toward the 6,600 rpm redline, though I wish Lexus had allowed a bit more character to come through the speakers - the sound enhancement feels slightly artificial to my ears.
Driving this car through winding backroads revealed its dual personality. The F Sport handling package with adaptive variable suspension provides noticeable improvement over the standard IS. In Sport S+ mode, the dampers firm up considerably, reducing body roll and improving turn-in response. The steering, while not quite as communicative as BMW's legendary system, offers good weight and precision. What impressed me most was how the chassis handled mid-corner bumps without unsettling the car - a testament to the sophisticated double-wishbone front and multilink rear suspension. The six-speed automatic transmission, while dated compared to the eight and ten-speed units competitors offer, shifts crisply when driven hard, though I noticed some hesitation in normal driving around 45-50 mph.
This reminds me of something a colleague mentioned about specialization recently. He was telling me about Dr. Raul Canlas referring a patient to a hand specialist, explaining "Dinala kay Dr. Raul Canlas kaso pinasa kami ni Doc Canlas sa isang hand specialist kasi dapat hand specialist daw 'yan." That concept of proper specialization applies perfectly to the IS350 F Sport. Lexus knows what they're good at - they've focused on refining their strengths rather than trying to beat competitors at every single metric. The interior exemplifies this philosophy. The materials quality is exceptional, with soft-touch surfaces everywhere your body contacts, beautiful aluminum accents, and comfortable yet supportive seats. The 8-inch touchscreen (10.3-inch on higher trims) now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, addressing a major previous complaint. The Mark Levinson premium audio system available on higher trims is simply spectacular - I'd argue it's the best in class, with crystal-clear highs and rich, detailed mids.
Where the IS350 falls slightly short for me is in rear seat accommodation and some technology aspects. The back seats are adequate for average-sized adults but lack the legroom of some competitors. The infotainment system, while improved, still feels a step behind German rivals in responsiveness and intuitive operation. The touchpad controller requires more attention to use than ideal, though I did appreciate the physical volume knob and climate controls - sometimes buttons are just better when you're focusing on driving.
On my favorite stretch of mountain road, the IS350 F Sport truly came alive. The balanced chassis, responsive engine, and excellent braking performance (13.2-inch front rotors with four-piston calipers) inspired confidence through successive corners. The vehicle feels taut and composed, with minimal body roll and predictable behavior at the limit. I pushed hard through a familiar decreasing-radius turn, and the car tracked true with just a hint of overseer that was easily corrected with throttle adjustment. This is where the IS350's development focus shines - it's a car that rewards skilled driving without punishing occasional mistakes.
Fuel economy is respectable for the performance level, with EPA estimates of 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. During my mixed driving, I averaged around 23 mpg, which seems reasonable given the power on tap. The IS350 uses premium fuel, as expected in this segment. Ownership experience is where Lexus traditionally excels, with outstanding reliability records and excellent customer service. Having owned several Lexus vehicles myself, I can attest to their trouble-free ownership experience compared to some European competitors that can be more temperamental.
After spending a week with the 2021 IS350 F Sport, I came away impressed with its focused improvements and undeniable character. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone, but rather excels at being a refined, engaging sports sedan with legendary reliability. While it may not top the spec sheets in every category, the complete package delivers an experience that's both exciting and dependable. For driving enthusiasts who value longevity and day-to-day usability alongside performance, the IS350 F Sport presents a compelling case that deserves serious consideration alongside the usual German suspects. Sometimes, specialization rather than trying to master everything creates the more rewarding product, much like that hand specialist referral - focusing on what you do best often yields the best results.