What does the IS350 compete with?
The IS350 competes with the core players in the compact-luxury sedan class: BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Genesis G70, Volvo S60, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Jaguar XE.
Understanding what the IS350 competes with means looking at how it stacks up on power, ride quality, technology, and brand appeal. The IS350 is a V6-powered, rear- or all-wheel-drive sedan that emphasizes balanced handling and a refined cabin, targeting buyers who want a sporty alternative to mainstream sedans without stepping up to a luxury-oriented flagship. It faces these rivals across price bands and feature sets.
Primary rivals in the compact-luxury segment
Below is a snapshot of the main contenders, spanning German, American, and Korean brands, that typically rival the IS350 in spec and price.
- BMW 3 Series – The evergreen benchmark for handling, with the 330i (turbo four) and M340i (turbo inline-six) offering strong performance and a refined chassis.
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class – Comfortable setup with upscale interior and a choice of turbocharged engines, including the C300 and performance-oriented variants like the AMG C43.
- Audi A4 – Compact sophistication with quattro all-wheel drive availability and a tech-forward cabin using the latest infotainment.
- Genesis G70 – A strong value proposition with confident ride/handling, bold styling, and a high-quality interior.
- Volvo S60 – Scandinavian design, strong safety features, and distinctive turbo- and supercharged engine options.
- Alfa Romeo Giulia – Sporty character and engaging dynamics, with distinctive styling and a choice of turbocharged engines.
- Cadillac CT4 – American compact-luxury option with a punchy turbo-four and a focus on value, especially in higher trims.
- Jaguar XE – British sedan with stylish design and driving engagement, available with a range of engines.
Taken together, these rivals illustrate the IS350's niche: a well-rounded, driver-focused sedan that balances performance with comfort in a price range that appeals to buyers seeking European-driven thrills plus a touch of Japanese reliability and Lexus refinement.
Performance, tech, and value: how the IS350 stacks up
To understand where the IS350 stands, it's useful to compare it across a few dimensions that matter most to buyers: power and handling, interior experience and tech, and ownership value.
Powertrain and handling
The IS350 uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing about 311 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available. In this segment, many rivals offer similar or stronger straight-line speed, particularly the M340i, AMG C43, and Giulia variants, but the IS350 is tuned for balanced, predictable handling and a comfortable ride rather than outright track prowess.
Interior, tech, and comfort
Lexus cabins are known for quiet, refined comfort and reliability; the IS350 offers high-quality materials, a well-regarded infotainment system, and standard safety tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are typically available, and the interior emphasizes ergonomic seating and a serene ambiance. Some rivals edge ahead in interior ambience and driver engagement, notably the Genesis G70 and Alfa Romeo Giulia, while Volvo’s S60 highlights premium design and strong safety tech.
Pricing and ownership costs
Pricing for the IS350 sits in the mainstream of compact-luxury sedans, with total ownership costs varying by option level, maintenance, and depreciation. In general, Genesis can present strong value, while European rivals may command higher initial prices and potentially higher maintenance costs but strong resale value in some trims. The choice often comes down to whether buyers prioritize initial price, brand prestige, or long-term ownership experience.
Summary
The Lexus IS350 competes in a crowded but well-defined segment of compact-luxury sedans. Its main rivals include the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Genesis G70, Volvo S60, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Jaguar XE. It differentiates itself with a smooth V6 powertrain, refined ride quality, and Lexus reliability, while some rivals surpass it in tech integration, interior ambiance, or outright sportiness. Buyers should weigh performance, comfort, and ownership costs to determine which model best fits their preferences and budget.
Is the IS 350 considered a sports 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.
Is the IS 350 the same size as a Camry?
This contrasts with the Lexus IS 350 F Sport AWD, which is shorter at 183.7 inches and has a wheelbase of 110.2 inches. Width-wise, the Camry TRD FWD is 73.1 inches, while the IS 350 F Sport AWD is narrower at 71.3 inches.
What is the Toyota equivalent to the Lexus IS 350?
And the 2025 Toyota Camry XSE. Now the better comparison would be the Toyota Camry TRD which is has been discontinued for the 25-year.
What's faster, IS 350 or IS300?
The IS350 is faster than the IS300 due to its more powerful engine. The IS350 has a V6 engine that produces 311 horsepower, while the IS300 has a turbocharged 4-cylinder or a detuned V6 depending on the model, both of which have less horsepower. This power difference leads to quicker acceleration, with the IS350 achieving a 0-60 mph time of around 5.6 seconds compared to the IS300's 6.1 seconds for the AWD model.
This video compares the acceleration of the IS350 and IS300: 48sBen HardyYouTube · Jan 9, 2023
Performance comparison
- Engine:
- IS350: 3.5-liter V6 engine with 311 horsepower.
- IS300:
- AWD models: A detuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 with 260 horsepower.
- RWD models: 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 241 horsepower.
- 0-60 mph Acceleration:
- IS350: Approximately 5.6 seconds for AWD and RWD models.
- IS300: Approximately 6.1 seconds for the AWD model.
- Torque:
- The IS350 has more torque, which allows it to accelerate more quickly without needing to downshift as often.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the IS350 if: You want the best performance and a more spirited driving experience.
- Consider the IS300 if: You need a more budget-friendly option and your primary use is commuting or city driving, where the power difference may be less noticeable.
