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Is the Lexus IS 350 considered a sports car?

The Lexus IS 350 is not considered a traditional sports car. It is best described as a luxury sport sedan that blends refined comfort with sporty handling, rather than a lightweight, two-seat performance machine built primarily for the track.

What defines a sports car?

In automotive discourse, true sports cars are typically defined by a combination of two-seat (or limited rear seating), low weight, rear-wheel drive or dedicated performance traction, and chassis tuning focused on agile, corner‑carving handling. The Lexus IS 350, with its four‑door configuration and emphasis on comfort and daily usability, sits outside that strict definition, though it adopts sport-oriented tuning and styling in certain trims.

Before examining the specifics of the IS 350, consider these core criteria often used to classify a vehicle as a sports car:

Two-seat layout (or 2+2 with restricted rear seating) to minimize weight and maximize performance focus

Low overall weight and a favorable power-to-weight ratio for rapid acceleration and nimble handling

Rear-wheel drive or performance-oriented drivetrain for balanced handling and steering feel

Chassis and suspension tuned for sport driving, with minimal compromise for ride comfort

A focus on driving dynamics over luxury features in the cabin

By these criteria, the IS 350 deviates from the classic sports-car blueprint. It prioritizes luxury, daily usability, and refined ride, while offering brisk performance within a four-door sedan package.

IS 350: Performance, specs, and lineup

Here is how the IS 350 performs and where it sits within Lexus’s current IS lineup, including related performance models.

Engine and power: A 3.5-liter V6 delivering around 311 horsepower and about 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drive can be rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on trim and market.

Drivetrain and body: Four-door sport-luxury sedan with available F Sport tuning that sharpens handling and styling; not a two-seater and not a pure track car.

Performance variants: The IS 350 sits alongside the high‑performance IS 500, which uses a 5.0-liter V8 with roughly 472 horsepower for a much more aggressive performance character.

Character and use: The IS 350 aims for a balanced blend of everyday comfort, refined interior, and sport-oriented driving dynamics rather than a singularly track-focused experience.

In summary, the IS 350 delivers confident pace and engaging dynamics within the framework of a luxury four‑door sedan. For a purer sports-car experience, Lexus offers the higher‑performance IS 500 and other sports-car‑class vehicles in its broader lineup.

Critic and market perspective

Auto critics typically categorize the IS 350 as a "luxury sport sedan" rather than a traditional sports car. This labeling reflects its four-door configuration, emphasis on ride quality, and the substantial presence of luxury comfort while still offering sporty acceleration and handling characteristics through F Sport tuning and chassis enhancements.

Conclusion

Final takeaway: The Lexus IS 350 is best viewed as a luxury sport sedan with strong performance credentials and sporty styling, rather than a classic two-seat sports car. If your priority is a purist sports-car experience, you’d look toward dedicated performance variants like the IS 500 or alternative two-seat sports cars from Lexus or rival brands.

Summary

Bottom line: The IS 350 sits squarely in the luxury sport-sedan category. It provides brisk performance, a refined interior, and sport-tuned options without aiming to be a traditional sports car. For those seeking a dedicated sports-car experience, consider the IS 500 or other two-seat, track-focused options. The distinction matters for buyers prioritizing seating, weight, and track-oriented dynamics versus daily usability with a sporty edge.

IS the IS350 a sport car?

The Lexus IS 350 F Sport blends luxury styling with thrilling performance. This popular high-end vehicle is part of Lexus' sedan lineup, and fills the spot for those looking for a sporty, athletic style. Explore its horsepower, speed, and key performance upgrades below — then schedule a test drive today.

What IS the most sporty Lexus?

The sportiest Lexus models are generally considered to be the RC F, LC 500, and the limited-edition RC F Track Edition and LFA, which are designed for high performance. The RC F and LC 500 feature powerful V8 engines, while the RC F Track Edition adds extreme track-focused enhancements.
You can watch this video to see a review of the Lexus IS 500 F Sport: 55sBen HardyYouTube · Jun 15, 2025
High-performance coupes and sedans

Lexus RC F: A high-performance coupe with a 5.0-liter V8 engine, offering up to 472 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of about 4.2 seconds.
Lexus LC 500: A grand tourer with a powerful 5.0-liter V8, a top speed of 168 mph, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds.
Lexus RC F Track Edition: A limited-edition version of the RC F with significant weight reduction, carbon fiber bodywork, and a retuned limited-slip differential for track-focused performance. It achieves 0-60 mph in approximately 3.96 seconds.
Lexus IS 500 F SPORT Performance: A sedan that utilizes a 5.0-liter V8 engine to deliver 472 horsepower with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.

You can watch this video to learn more about the Lexus LC 500: 35sMotormouthYouTube · Oct 31, 2025
Legendary and limited-production models

Lexus LFA: A supercar from a decade ago with a V10 engine, a 200-millisecond shift time, and a Nürburgring lap record.
LFA Nürburgring Package: An even more track-focused version of the LFA that was limited to only 50 units.

You can watch this video to see a review of the Lexus RC 350 F Sport: 1mRaiti's RidesYouTube · Oct 7, 2025

What IS the difference between Lexus 350 and 350 Sport?

🔥 The IS 350 delivers luxury and performance, while the IS 350 F Sport adds sportier handling, aggressive styling, and a dynamic driving experience.

What are the common problems with the IS350?

Common problems with the Lexus IS350 include fuel pump failures, steering system issues, and problems with emissions control systems. Other issues can include dashboard melting, discolored interior rearview mirrors, check engine lights, and potential problems with hard starting or the navigation system.
Recalls and major issues

Fuel pump failures: A specific recall addressed a failure in the low-pressure fuel pump that could cause the engine to stall while driving.
Steering failures: Some models have experienced power steering failure.
Takata airbag recalls: Like many other vehicles, some IS350s were subject to recalls for faulty Takata airbags.

Common complaints and minor issues

Dashboard melting: Some owners report that the dashboard surface can become discolored or "melt".
Discolored rearview mirror: The inside rearview mirror may develop discoloration.
Check engine light: Various issues, such as problems with the emissions control system or catalytic converter, can trigger the check engine light.
Hard starting: Some models may experience hard starting issues that can sometimes be corrected with updated PCM software.
Fuel economy: Some owners find the fuel economy to be lower than expected.
Road noise: Certain model years have been noted for having excessive road noise.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.