The Lexus IS 350 is a luxury sports sedan that embrace performance, comfort and style to give its users the best. Among all the decisions to be made while purchasing a Lexus IS 350, the most crucial decision is whether to buy the F Sport trim or the regular trim. They are differentiated in a way that the F Sport has extra features modified to accommodate driving aficionados. In this blog post, the writer will seek to explain the differences between the IS 350 F Sport and the standard model to enable the reader make the right decision.
Performance: Power train and Handling
Base Model Performance
There are three models of Lexus IS 350, the basic model equipped with an engine 3,5-liter V6 that produces 311 horsepower and 280 first-rate N*m of torque. It produces sufficient power for commutes and comes with an 8- speed automatic transmission (RWD) and 6-speed auto- transmssion (AWD): all these featured smooth and fast shifting. The base model provides a good combination of comfort and nice level of driving performance.
F Sport Performance
The basic engine is shared here with the base model, but the performance here is refined more to sport-tuned features in the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. One of the key differences include the adaptive variable suspension (AVS) that enable the driver to tweak the suspension for enhanced control and turn. This feature makes the F Sport model much more interesting to handle, especially when driving through curving roads or during other enhanced driving.
The F Sport also comes with better brakes and also has an optional Torsen limited slip differential on the rear wheel drive variant which is an enhancement in the handling when performing power delivery in race like conditions.
Exterior Design and Styling
Base Model Design
Layout of the new Lexus IS 350 base model is rather elegant and sleek with attentive details on lines and angles and of course the distinctively large spindle grille. It has a rather more classy look than the F Sport with emphasis on luxury rather than power. The basic trim level includes the 18-inch alloy wheel, which fits the overall stylishness endowed on the vehicle.
F Sport Exterior Enhancements
Like its above companions, the IS 350 of F Sport offers the converted handsome and athletic look. It comes with exterior F Sport components, including a larger dark chrome plated grille a lower body and 19-inch wheels. Such improvements increase the road presence of the F Sport and differentiates it from the standard variant of the car. Furthermore, the F Sport has new sporty contours for the bumpers and side skirts, and F Sport logo would hint at this vehicle’s performance potential.
Base Model Interior
Interior Comfort and Features
Under its hood, the IS 350 has a base model with smooth interior and exterior design, high-quality materials, and state-of-art technology all crammed in a small luxurious cabin. 1.5-liter base has faux-leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control and an 8-inch touch display for infotainment. Other options include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa’s voice control compatibility, and a ten-speaker audio system.
The chairs of the base model are slightly more comfortable and provide good support for long trips. But it does not have some elements that are included because of the F Sport performance-inspired look.
F Sport Interior Upgrades
F Sport model’s interior is the place where trim level should really excel. It comes with lot of sports-related enhancements including sports seats with F Sport logo embossed to help keep the occupants properly anchored during cornering. The F Sport steering wheel is a proper leather-wrapped one with mounted paddle shifters for approaches to a purer driving experience. Moreover, there is aluminium pedals, the digital cluster specific to the F Sport trim, and, the heat and cool front seats, optional.
There is a huge difference in the trim levels of F Sport and most of the features are derived from the high-end variants of other cars available in the same portfolio of Toyota The standard features of F Sport also include a 10 .3 inch the infotainment system screen, however this is optional upgradable with mark Levinson premium audio system for music lovers.
Innovation and related protective systems.
Base Model Tech and Safety
The Lexus IS 350 has numerous standard features as the base model for this line of luxury sedans is fully loaded with technology and safety. All grades come with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 with adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. The LATCH child-seat anchors and tether are standard across the base model, along with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The base model doesn’t fall short of connectivity options when it comes to tech, it features an 8-inch touch screen, smartphone integration, and a voice recognition system.
F Sport Tech Enhancements
Like with the base model, the F Sport comes equipped with Safety Sense, but it features a few more things that make the car enjoyable to drive. It has been stated before that the larger 10.3-inch infotainment screen is available only as an option, as is the upgraded Mark Levinson sound system. Another option standard on the F Sport is the Dynamic Handling Package, which adds the adaptive suspension and a better driver mode controller for even more versatile it is customizing depending on the terrain and driver’s preference.
Price Difference
Base Model Pricing
The base model of Lexus IS 350 is cheaper than the other model. Generally it begins at $43,000, though the rear- or all-wheel drive variant will definitely influence the amount. For those seeking comfort and dynamics, but refuse sports trims, the base model is truly a great choice.
F Sport Pricing
Whereas, the F Sport model is the upgrade model starting at about $46k, with options even including the Dynamic Handling and premium audio. So, in terms of, handling, performance and look F Sport gives more to customers but one must ask whether that extra money would be worthy for the extra kick and features.
Which One Should You Choose?
The conditions of choosing between the Lexus IS 350 F Sport and base model directly depends on personal driving style and personal finances. In particular, if you value comfortable and prestigious ride, as well as great power for a daily use, it is better to take the base model. It offers an exceptionally good highways ride and is very quite while offering all the imperative features needed for run abouts or long trips.
On the other hand, if one has to go through the rough car roads, use their car for racing or just love the feeling of hearing and touching, then F sport is a perfect choice for you. Its adjustable height and external design give it a more exciting appeal for enthusiasts who prefer improved responsiveness and muscular appearance.
Conclusion
All the options of the Lexus IS 350 are rather impressive and the difference between the base model and the F Sport is based on the targeted audience. The base model is for those who doubtlessly will receive luxury with reliability, and the F Sport model is for the people who would like to have a more exciting drive. In any case depends on the given model, the Lexus IS 350 does promise a satisfying power-to-luxury ratio, coupled with contemporary technologies.
