German Car Zone

Something seems to be up with Lexus.

Overhere in Europe, the IS250 is being torn apart for being "underpowered", wobbly handling, poor brakes and poor fuel economy. My question is, why all the hype about the IS being a 3-series killer? The 3-series walks all over this thing, even in IS350 form. Straightline speed doesn't make the better car, which Lexus fans don't seem to get. They look at the IS350's 0-60 time and compare it to the 330i and boom, "the IS350 is obviously the better car". Now that the 335i is out, the Lexus fans change tactics and scream "But the IS is so much more reliable..."

The Lexus GS, my favorite Lexus is also being spanked for poor brakes in Europe. Also, I'd never thought I'd hear this, but the new GS has gained weight and the GS300 is according to some European magazines "underpowered". The engine struggles with moving this heavy car. And this is the entry-level engine in Europe. They don't even offer a diesel.

The new LS is a good-looking car. Classy indeed, but it still lacks that special something that the A8, S-Class and XJ seem to have. A type of presence that Lexus has never managed to recreate (or copy). And the braking issues on the LS are pretty bad given the C&D review and comparison against the competition. Lexus really seems to have a problem with their brakes. Hey, maybe they copied MB's SBC brake!? j/k

The 8-speed automatic also didn't help its 0-60 time I see...

Peformance really means little to me in a car like this and if Lexus is good at anything it's making comfortable cars.

Agreed that when I think of Lexus, I think comfort first, performance probably last.

But I think Lexus is trying to change that image (i.e. IS)

I`ll agree to that but I`m still not expecting to much of a difference...

Don't think so either.

IMO, they market the IS as a "3-series rival" to generate interest in the Lexus brand amongst younger buyers with the goal of getting them hooked on the brand.

To me, no matter what the Lexus advertisements claim, the IS will always be a C-Class competitor. You need more than sheer horsepower to topple the BMW 3-series. What makes the 3-series so special is its balance of sport, luxury, handling and performance. Given Lexus philosophy, they're not really a BMW competitor but more of a Mercedes rival. Also, where's the manual transmission on the IS350? That is one of the selling points for an enthusiast who wants a sports sedan.

At least the C350 comes with a manual as standard.

I didn't mean to compare models to model etc... just sayin that I think Lexus will slowly try to change it's image as just a comfort/luxury car maker.

I'm expecting Lexus to start advertizing its cars more and more as performance machines.

They have to change their image in order to attract younger buyers. I see Lexus as being an "old man's car", even moreso than MB.

The IS is really the on car in their lineup that radiates a degree of youthfulness.