Driving Impressions So there you have it – the best IS happens to be the IS 350 with the manual six-speed transmission. Go ahead and buy one today. Failing that – and you will, since it doesn’t exist – you could go with any of the actually available models and be very happy with your purchase. On the road, the IS 250 and the IS 350 provide a spirited driving experience.

Impressive. Few people will be able to drive the new Lexus IS and walk away unimpressed with its energy and handling ability. Those who are, well, perhaps they are too jaded or simply need to get a job that pays the wage they need to afford the car they desire. The worst transgression here is the lack of a six-speed manual transmission on the IS 350. In order to compete for the hearts and minds of the luxury sport crowd you’ve got to have a stick in your 300-horsepower beast. The paddle shifters are fun, granted – but serious drivers expect a clutch to go with the finest engine in the model lineup.

That will hurt. Also not so hot is the grunt generated from the IS 250; buyers will find themselves wishing for a little more when going fast in a straight line. Of course, Bob the Lawman lives where it matters, and if you are a consistent guest in that man’s house – perhaps a Prius is the more responsible choice, given the speeding tickets that likely litter the back seat of your car.

So there you have it – the best IS happens to be the IS 350 with the manual six-speed transmission. Go ahead and buy one today. Failing that – and you will, since it doesn’t exist – you could go with any of the actually available models and be very happy with your purchase. On the road, the IS 250 and the IS 350 provide a spirited driving experience. Steering feel is remarkable, especially given the amount of electronics going on under the hood. Brake feel is much improved over the GS, and the ever-present and looming VDIM has been “dialed” back in order to provide a more thrilling driving experience. So Lexus says – though it’s not really clear what “dialed” back means. Whether the result of changes to the system by engineers or a convergence of brake size, wheelbase, powertrain and curb weight, the IS largely escapes the velvet hammer of Toyota’s VDIM safety system.

With more freedom from VDIM’s electronic choke chain, and two great engines to choose from, the Lexus IS loves to roam – and you will love going along for the ride. Those engines, in fact, are a major reason for this vehicle’s appeal – even though the base model’s powertrain is a little light in the britches. Both the 2.5-liter, 204-horsepower V6 or the 3.5-liter, 306-horsepower V6 provide plenty of continuous power; torque is spread across a wide band for an instant boost when needed, and the 306-horsepower version will punt you fairly far back into your seat when you mash the slender pedal.

As for us, make ours the IS 350 – even over the GS – for driving spirit, steering accuracy and brake feel. Just one question: Can we special order one with a stick?