Unleashing Performance and Luxury: A Comprehensive 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review

Are you searching for a luxury sports sedan that truly balances exhilarating performance with the refined comfort Lexus is known for? Do you crave a driving experience that excites without sacrificing everyday usability? If so, you're in the right place. This comprehensive 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport review will dive deep into what makes this sedan a compelling choice in a competitive segment, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your garage.

A Bold Statement: Exterior Design of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport immediately grabs attention with its striking and aggressive design. Lexus gave the IS a significant refresh for 2021, and the F Sport trim amplifies its sporty character. You'll notice redesigned LED headlights, a more prominent front grille, and updated taillights that contribute to its head-turning look.

Opting for the F Sport package brings exclusive aesthetic enhancements, including:

Unique front and rear bumpers.
A distinctive grille surround.
A subtle lip spoiler.
Exclusive exhaust tips.
Bolder, 19-inch staggered-width alloy wheels, often in a matte black finish, which are also lighter than standard wheels. Some models with the Dynamic Handling Package feature 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels that shave off approximately 4 pounds per wheel.
Available carbon fiber rear spoiler and side-view mirror caps with the Dynamic Handling Package.

The refreshed design aims to give the IS 350 F Sport a "faster and meaner" appearance, successfully blending angular edges with sleek curves for an athletic stance.

Stepping Inside: Interior Comfort & Technology

The interior of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is designed to be a driver-centric command center, complementing its sporty exterior. You'll find a cabin adorned with soft-touch materials and F Sport exclusive touches like Ash Wood trim and silver accents. Geometric-patterned trim on the door panels and sporty circular air vents add to the modern feel.

Comfort is paramount, with NuLuxe seats featuring an injected foam molding technique for improved support, making them notably comfortable. The F Sport seats also boast enhanced bolsters designed to cradle the driver during spirited driving, placing the driver's hip point closer to the vehicle's center of gravity for a more dynamic experience. Standard features include:

Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Heated and ventilated front seats.
A heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support.
60/40-split fold-down rear seats for versatility.

A significant upgrade for the 2021 model year is the infotainment system. Lexus finally introduced a touchscreen, moving the display closer to the driver for easier access. You can choose between a standard 8-inch touchscreen or an available 10.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen, which also supports pinch-and-zoom functionality. While a touchpad on the center console still offers an alternative control method, many will appreciate the direct touch functionality. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration.

For audiophiles, the optional Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System is a must-have, expanding to a 17-speaker system with an 1,800-watt amplifier, aiming to reduce interference and improve overall sound quality. The LFA-inspired TFT instrument panel with its sliding bezel remains a cool, performance-oriented touch.

The Heart of the Beast: Performance & Driving Dynamics

Under the hood, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport carries over the familiar 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a robust 311 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. This naturally aspirated V6 offers smooth power delivery, especially as the revs climb, and produces a "throaty engine note at higher rpm".

When it comes to acceleration, the IS 350 F Sport can go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.6 seconds for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version and 5.7 seconds for the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version. While some competitors offer turbocharged engines with quicker low-end shove, the Lexus V6 provides a linear and engaging power band that many enthusiasts appreciate.

The transmission varies by drivetrain: RWD models come with an 8-speed automatic, while AWD models are equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. While the 6-speed in the AWD model has been described as "lackadaisical" by some reviewers, the 8-speed in RWD models generally offers more refined shifts.

Lexus significantly enhanced the driving dynamics for 2021, introducing the "Lexus Driving Signature." This involves a reinforced body structure, lighter coil springs (20% lighter), and other weight reductions to chassis components, all contributing to crisper handling and a more engaged driving experience. The IS 350 F Sport feels nimble and handles spirited driving with confidence.

A key performance feature for the F Sport is the available Dynamic Handling Package (DHP). This package includes:

Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS): This system, improved for 2021, allows the suspension to adapt to driving conditions, offering a balance between composed cornering and a relaxed, smooth ride. It provides additional drive modes like Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom.
Lighter 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels: These wheels not only look great but also reduce unsprung weight.
Torsen limited-slip rear differential: Available on RWD models with the DHP, this helps put power down more effectively.

The steering is precise with good turn-in response, and the ride quality is notably smoother, even with the sportier suspension setup. The chassis feels capable of handling even more power, hinting at its robust underlying structure.

Safety First: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), which received enhanced capabilities for 2021 thanks to improved radar and camera technology.

Key safety features include:

Forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking: With pedestrian, cyclist, and junction-turning detection, and emergency steering assist within the lane.
Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance: Providing haptic feedback through the steering wheel.
Lane-centering assistance.
Automatic high-beam assistance.
Road sign assistance.
Blind-spot warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
10 standard airbags.

Optional safety features include Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking and Rear Pedestrian Detection, and a Panoramic View Monitor (360-degree camera).

Conclusion: Is the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Right for You?

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport emerges as a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish, refined, and engaging luxury sports sedan. It masterfully blends Lexus's renowned comfort and reliability with a significantly sharpened driving experience and a bold, aggressive aesthetic. While its naturally aspirated V6 might not offer the instant torque of some turbocharged rivals, it provides a smooth, linear power delivery and a distinct, enjoyable engine note that sets it apart. The refreshed interior, particularly the new touchscreen infotainment system, addresses previous criticisms and enhances the overall cabin experience.

If you prioritize a balanced driving dynamic, a comfortable yet supportive interior, and eye-catching design, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport deserves a serious look. It's a car that truly connects the driver to the road, offering a "more engaged, sportier driving experience".

Ready to feel the thrill yourself? Consider visiting your local Lexus dealership for a test drive and experience the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport firsthand!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the key differences between the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport and previous model years?

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport received a significant refresh, not a complete redesign, but it brought notable improvements. Key differences include a more aggressive exterior styling, a redesigned interior with a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system placed closer to the driver, and enhanced driving dynamics thanks to a reinforced body structure and updated suspension components as part of the "Lexus Driving Signature". The F Sport trim was also exclusively available on the IS 350 for 2021.

Q2: What kind of engine does the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport have?

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. It produces 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine is known for its smooth power delivery and distinct sound.

Q3: Does the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport offer all-wheel drive (AWD)?

Yes, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is available with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options. The RWD model comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD model is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Q4: What is the Dynamic Handling Package (DHP) on the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport?

The Dynamic Handling Package (DHP) is an optional upgrade for the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport that significantly enhances its performance capabilities. It includes features like the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for adjustable damping, lightweight 19-inch forged alloy BBS wheels, and a Torsen limited-slip rear differential (for RWD models). It also adds a carbon fiber rear spoiler.