Rear tail lights in fact changed in 2017. They made them uglier and included an amber portion for the turn signals and angled the ( L's )

Oh man... when this car first released back in 2014, it was jaw dropping and just sooo futuristic looking especially compared to the german stuff up until 2017/2018. Now, I still love it but ut seriously needs an update mostly in the rear

Lexus, no matter what edition is this, just release the all new IS...

The IS is such a sweet nimble vehicle. Yes its behind in technology and some performance but something about this car that I’ll pick over the competitors. Those f sport seats are one of the finest in the industry

I agree with you, this car holds near the top for Best Looking sedans.

Great video (as always Kirk), I love the black accents and trim!! I actually just bought a used black IS 250 today :)

I hope Lexus never gets rid of this engine. It’s naturally aspirated and unbelievably reliable..they can reach up to 300,000 miles or more with good maintenance.

Your reviews and camera shots have gotten so good! Keep up the great work brotha.

We know the refresh is coming but I don’t know about a redesign because the IS and GS were killed in China. Hoping the refresh adds power folding mirrors, LED turn signals and CarPlay.

Great review man! I just bought a 2018 IS350 F Sport AWD, and LOVE it. They actually do have an option for power steering wheel, and rain sensing wipers now.

I got a 1st gen IS I love it! My girlfriend has a 2nd gen IS she loves it! Im going to “retire” my IS as a daily lower it and fix it up and also get a 3rd gen IS! Hopefully this year!

I'm all for newer cars but I do appreciate how mechanicaly sound these cars are. If they did a tech update to this car it would be a real winner

I’m the opposite, I’ll sacrifice mpg for power. As thatdudeinblue says, “smiles per gallon”

Congrats on 11k subs!

You read my rant last time, this is an amazing car that needs to be put to pasture at this point. I agree the 6 speed is way better than the 8 speed. Great review I appreciate how straightforward you are and call out areas that need to be improved. The new Luxurious Fleet icon looks cool! As far as the trim goes It would be cool if they could give us some kiriko glass trim (or something that looks like it) with ambient lighting behind it in the “new generation”. Awesome video as always.

Love the blue touches inside!

Nice review , cheers from Portugal !

Nice review, luv the car.

Kirk You’re the man to answer this question for me has the Mark Levin sound system ever been offered in any black line trim? I want a 2022 GX but I really want the Mark Levinson as well maybe the chip shortage made it so I won’t get it this year but if I wait till 2023 it might be an option let me know yr thoughts If you say negative I’ll bite the bullet get the 2022

Im drooling.... excellent video!

I get low-mid 20s and I drive pretty hard 90% of the time. I’m ALWAYS in sport s+, full trac disable and M mode. If I drove like a grannie, I can get mid-hi 20s. I can hit over 29mpg on a 30mi freeway trip. It’s got a drive by wire throttle. I’ve done extensive testing in all modes for best mpg. I did the testing for the first 6 mos I had the car. I learned that you need to really modulate you’re foot on the throttle. It makes a huge difference in mpg. It’s the difference of the eco light being on or off.

On the styling, I agree with you 100%! I have a 2016 350 FSport in Ultrasonic Blue and the air scoops from the 2014-2016 model years look so much better than the ginormous plastic bits on the 2017+. I can go either way on the taillights. I like them both.

It’s really nice, I’ve loved the IS since the SXE10 Generation to XE20 to the 30! For me I don’t care about Apple car play and the tech but today’s world people need updated tech and features and manufacturers need that to sell well. It’ll be sad to see the IS series go, I’ve been loving my 2014 IS250 F SPORT rwd very fun car, push it to the limits in corners feels like an 86/ frs very responsive. And out of all the competitors have turbo I don’t mind, because of instant power even though I wish I had more HP. But hey what can I say it’s my first car and I still love it!!.

Not ugly, but please Lexus, for the love of God, give us a redesign already

Still a 6 speeds for the AWD is350? I TD a 2015 , and I found the transmission was slow and not too smart . I ended up with a S4 DsG

This IS lines need to be in the museum

I had a Lexus 2003 es300 with automatic windshield wipers. When I bought my 2014 Lexus is350, I was shocked they didn’t include that when previous Lexus had that 11 years prior to that.

Just waiting on the 2021 model.. hoping for an updated infotainment system. Love the design but hard to pull the trigger on a 2020 when it’s competitors are so far ahead on inside tech and features... CarPlay, ambient lighting, rear led turn signals(maybe sequential🙏) and other things.

It's a shame that the IS350 is not sold in Europe. It's a splendid little sedan that would be a killer on our cury roads.

The is350 is going backwards no CarPlay no memory settings what are they thinking.

My IS in my profile has been mine since new 2016 and 33k miles later it’s been great. It’s not the fastest car but it is faster than most on the road. The refinement of Lexus is what makes this car worth it. Not a single issue with this car as reliability is concerned. My last lexus was an SC400 and never skipped a beat either. It was a 20 year old car when I had it and no rattles and creaks at all!

I’m sorry this is a huge kick in the 🥜 with no Apple car play! I want to get this car but it lacks some basic futures. Do any of the 250 come in AWD ? Or it’s only the 350 and 300 ? What are all the models that come with awd because I want to get 2014- is I am going back to Japanese cars I’m tired of my bmw and audi always breaking just little things and a Sensor goes off.

In South Africa, the IS comes with auto wipers and also the NX has the panoramic sunroof. I'm not sure why they omitted those for the American market. we also have auto folding mirrors too.

Yeah, they have got to re-do this car soon. I was planning on getting one but I can't do with the lack of Apple CarPlay in this day and age. Also, depending on where you are in the US (I'm on the West Coast), Mark Levinson is basically non-existent on dealer lots. You have to order a car from scratch.

When is your next live stream? I’m getting caught up on everybody’s videos. Lol

I’m waiting for the Coach Edition ES with the luggage to boot. Now that would be a true home run.

The rear taillights is similar but not the same on a 2014 IS350. Also 2014 IS350 has an 8 speed automatic transmission. For 599.00 add Beatsonic apple CarPlay and Android auto module.

IS350 vs GS350 which one would you pick both f-sport and both of them 2017 models with 8 speed automatic... Do they both have the same acceleration feel... On paper from 0-60 their within a tenth from each other...

Guys like this are why I like The Grand Tour.

14-16 looks the best, but 17+ got the nicer interior updates and bigger screen

Good review! With all the flaws this IS 350 has it's a red flag that Lexus may let the IS GO.😔

What a shame for such a beautiful car like this that they did not included the Mark Levinson audio and still have the mechanical pedal hand brake! I think it's one of the must beautiful car in this segment with the Giulia

No apple carplay is what turns me off from getting one

6:14 I’m surprised because my 08 is350 has rain-sensing wipers. I thought this would be standard equipment by now

I love the Lexus, It's a great car.

I think the newer headlights and older taillights would look stunning on this lexus!

The IS does have automatic wipers, just not in the model that you reviewed. You should have also mentioned the AWD system, as it is something that Lexus doesn't really seem to talk about. It has a planetary geared center diff like some of the best Subaru / Audi AWD systems, and it is full time at 30% front / 70% rear with a clutch pack that can vary that up to 50/50 automatically. Also, the turning radius on the car is fantastic, I can't get over how tight the steering is, it is one of those things that you don't really appreciate until you're actually using it in everyday life. Those parts of the review where you're downshifting to 2nd and going wide open throttle are my favorite parts about the review - the 2GR V6 engine under the hood really does sound brilliant under load. The IS350 isn't a slow car, by any means, and people need to look past the paper specs and actually try one out for themselves. I test drove a demo IS350 in manual mode and Sport S+. Let's just say that I tested out 1st gear - 2nd gear extensively, and that totally sold me on the car - it has more than enough power for the street as it is!

I wish Lexus made an IS-F for this generation

How does the chrome around the windows not get blacked on the black like edition??? Come on Lexus. A refresh for 2021 instead of a redesign will be the end of the IS... that pains me to say as a former owner of the first gen IS (01 IS300 in Solar Yellow. God I loved that car)

Why do these black line edition IS's get matte venting/mesh in their grills rather than the usual gloss black? I noticed that yesterday when I saw a 300 black line edition at a dealership.

I don’t think of this car as “small”.

The ppl you’re talking about can get the new es model that is very sleek in a hybrid if they give a rip about mpg. I get about 40

The IS300h can get between 50-55 UK mpg year round, which is about 41-45mpg US, with same performance of the 250V6, about 8 secs 0-60.

I can't help but feel how under specced the American IS is compared to say...Our Australian one. The only thing we miss out on are the heated steering wheels and noise amplifier in the turbo 4. All IS come with the triple beam as standard except for the base model of each drive train. All have full LED tail lights which include the turn signal. My is300 fsport has a moonroof and the mark Levinson. It's a shame how low rent the American equivalent is compared to ours. I don't think (correct me tho if I'm wrong) the American is300 f sport has the full remote touch? All that aside tho...sometimes I regret not getting the 3.5v6 but I still love my turbo 4. Yeah it lags. And it drinks. But it is so refined yet has this raw element to it when I drive it a little harder. It also sounds pretty good.

Kirk Kreifels, IS 350 looks nice but no USB that's a zonk right there Thank You for posting.

I have the Lexus is300h 223bhp 55mpg summer approx mid 40s in winter very happy with it mostly town driving. Better than my last is250 which I was getting 16mpg

This special edition makes it almost certain the new gen is coming

One thing I like about Lexus is that they don’t do copy cut,

Why would it not pick the right gear instantly? Does anyone know if Lexus did anything different to the 2020 trans compared to the 2014? Software would be the only difference...

I don't understand why the special editions are not fully loaded either..

The IS must be so dated since it's been introduced...It needs a new chassis and platform to catch up with it's rivals.

How does the Mark Levinson sound system compare to the stock one?

Nice review Kirk! Even though the IS is somewhat aging, it still looks good. On this Black Line Edition, the wheels seem a bit too small IMO. A larger wheel would make this even more aggressive. Keep up the good work!

Fuel mileage isn't one of the IS350's strengths, especially when you compare it to the newer C8 Corvette with the rear engine V8, which actually gets better fuel mileage than the IS. Still love our 2016 IS350 F Sport and our 2016 RX350 (Lux). One is great to ride in & the other is quite fun to drive. Bought them both pre-owned.

Lexus IS teasing with the blue accents and stitching as I recall the Is-F had the blue accents 🤔

Posting from 3 years in the future, the 2021 "redesign" turned out to be simply a refresh, but a quite handsome one if you ask me. Yes the IS is dated compared to cars that have released the past few years, but imo it's dated in a good way. What do I mean by that? I mean if this thing is ever completely redesigned it likely moves to Toyota's TNGA platform that is the base for all their new products, and now that the GS is gone there will be even less reason to keep a standalone platform for the IS. Why is that likely a bad thing? I can see a TNGA IS losing the double wishbone front suspension...thats something that's usually only found in dedicated sports cars and what sets this current generation apart from even BMW who have moved on to front struts. Lexus has already dumped the 2.5l V6 and I can see the 3.5l also going bye bye soon...with the IS having only a single engine choice...a 2.0t and 2.0t hybrid. Thats just my speculation, feel free to tell me why I'm wrong. (I'll be happy if I am wrong😋)

Just bought a 2020 gs 350 f sport!!!!

hope these cars aren't gone by the time I can afford one lol

I'm 6'3", 190 pounds and was wondering if anyone around the same size can comment on the comfort in the driver's seat, especially the AWD model (hump). I have never been inside the IS350, I'm seriously considering one, but right now with due to Covid- 19 I can't even sit inside of one at the dealership. Thanks for any input!

Would this be a good starter car?

The IS. is a great car but the ES is more popular with daily commuters. And young families but in North America people just love suv,s. For me nothing beats a naturally aspirated engine

Wheres the "LFA intro"?

I swore the new models came with Apple car play the 2019 and up

Oh God, Lexus, whatever you do, please never get rid of that 3.5 V6. Keep it sporty. Keep it simple. Just need to simplify the dash a bit with a larger screen with Apple/Google car, give a tad bit more leg room everywhere and that's it. Sincerely, Your future car buyer and 2012 IS250 owner.

They need to update this vehicle with the new Acura coming out next year.

You should do a video on a 2020 lexus nx 300 black line edition!

@6:54 Complains that there isn't enough room when the front seat is pushed back All THE Way. Awesome logic there dude. I own an IS and im 5'8" and me sitting in the backseat isn't a problem at all.

I like it 👍

Lexus is basically making tweaks to their unsold IS and GS lines and selling them. They will not remake the two lines because of poor sale rates. It really pisses me off and people need to be fired for sabotaging Lexus with it's no apple car play and android auto, hideous grills and track pad that customers continued to complain about, under perfroming cars, no innovation such as suv coupes and 4 door sportsbacks like the Audi A7 and BMW 640, infact, The GS should have been a sports back. Some cars have panoramic roofs while most don't, and some have no ambient lighting at all. The infotainment center is outdated, and the dashboard cluster is yet to be fully LED. Cars like Ikea, Hyundai and even American car makers offer this and much more. Lexus can no longer depend on reliability for sales.

My 2017 IS300h has rain sensing wipers and I thought all Lexus models have this. Even my previous base model CT had it. Despite the short comings, the IS is a fantastic sedan, and Lexus would be crazy not to take it to the next level and keep progressing it. Mark my words, the current SUV fad will end when everyone realises they want a real car again that drives well and has much better fuel economy, and the IS should be ready and waiting...

The RWD platforms of the IS/GS is awfully neglected by Toyota and is long overdue for an update. They really need to step-up there game again you can only bank on the reliability game for so long.

My 2006 is had rain sensing wipers 🧐

Toyota should just slap a supercharger on that V6 and call it a IS-F. Maybe include the hybrid system. I would be happy with that. 🤷🏿‍♂️

That's a really outdated IS. I have a 2016 350 F Sport and I have the automatic wipers and some other features that this car seems to be missing. Really a head-scratcher for me.

Lexus killed the GS, Acura killed their flagship sedan RLX What's next ? Save the sedan & station wagon ! Great review

No phone/ auto integration is a bonus to me.

3IS BEST Design Ever. Lexus is known for Design + Reliability; Performance is toned down because they don't over-stress the engine like Euro/American Cars, so they never break down lol.

Don’t like what they did to the taillights. Looked better on the 16, but the headlights look better on the 17+. They switched it up. The curve of the headlights look better on top vs the 16 curve on bottom. Just don’t like the tail in general. It looks like a sagging ass and the lights are like melting

The tail lights are different. 2014 model had a slightly different style

welcome in 2014 Lexus, no chance to the German Competitors, Lexus and Toyota are far behind with new technology and Infotainment Systems as the German, Korean, American and other Japanese Brands, can someone tell me why ? I don`t Understand it ?

Well, we now know they managed the 19-inch wheels without a full redesign.

Great video however no CarPlay still!!!! I rather get FWD ES unbelievable

Lmao, Lexus Black Line with blue accents....oookk! Honestly, I'm not tired of the exterior design. The interior needs a completely rework. The power train needs to be replaced badly. Honorable mention to the GS....you got the side eye regarding the negatively. GS is still the best model Lexus makes

I have that exact car

That’s when bmw and Mercedes has to step up their grill and bumper spliter game to Compare

Same engine from 2005-06.....damn. Funny that 2006 IS350 is faster then 2020. Probably same 6-speed as well

Who puts passenger seat all the way back

I just want a Japanese alternative to the m3, lexus needs to catch up

Looks like a half-hearted effort by Lexus to keep interest in the IS without investing big money refreshing it.

I thought he worked for a Lexus dealer?