Lexus IS F saloon (2009 – 2012) expert review

The Lexus IS F is based on the same platform as the Lexus IS. But there are significant performance differences between the flagship IS F and the rest of the range. Accommodating the car’s V8 engine required designers a larger front overhang which has been balanced by a slightly longer rear. The front has given a more aggressive look with a bonnet bulge, deep front bumper and larger grille and lower cooling ducts. Side vents emphasise the IS F’s wedge-shaped profile. Attractive 19-inch alloy wheels and two sets of twin stacked exhaust pipes catch the eye at the spoiler-laden rear.

Two purposeful, floating blue LED-lit needles catch the eye when the start button is pressed and the car kicks into life. A silver carbon fibre-effect finish around the gear-stick looks good is less satisfying to touch. A three-spoke steering wheel also signifies sporty intent and feels good. The roof lining is black though those preferring a brighter interior can increase the available light by specifying the car’s only option – a sunroof. Drivers should have no problems finding a comfortable position with eight-way adjustable front seats and lumbar support.

Unlike the standard Lexus IS (and its rival the BMW M3), the Lexus IS-F only seats four. Boot capacity of 378 litres is easy to access and there is plenty of cabin storage with cup holders and expandable door pockets.

The Lexus IS F is based on the IS platform but features a reworked, lighter, stiffer suspension system with a lower centre of gravity for quicker handling response. Electronic power steering varies in response according to speed and shift settings detailed in the Performance section below. There is a wide array of responses from which to choose but the car is nimble when required. We found its steering was not quite as sharp as we would have liked, putting it behind the BMW M3’s razor-sharp responses. Ride quality is firm but good with the car perfectly comfortable for long distance travel.

The Lexus IS F features the most powerful engine the Japanese manufacturer has ever produced. Matched to the eight-speed automatic gearbox from the LS 460, the 417bhp 5-litre V8 produces 372lbs/ft of torque. This powers the IS F from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, while the electronically limited top speed is 168mph. We loved pushing the engine to generate its head-turning roar. At lower speeds there’s a distinct rumble but acceleration and higher speeds result in a superb noise. The sound produced when pushing the car closer to its top limit is better still.

CO2 emissions of 270g/km place the IS F firmly in the highest car tax band G which attracts an annual bill of £400. Lexus says it should return an average 24.8mpg – however, given the nature of the car and the likely reason for buying it this isn’t going to happen often.

Lexus and parent company Toyota have a great reputation for reliability: appearing at the top end of the Reliability Index. The Lexus IS F is a new car but the IS saloon also has a good history of reliability. There was nothing during our five-day loan of the car to suggest the IS F will be any different.

The Lexus IS saloon earned a five-star rating following Euro NCAP crash testing and the IS F benefits from the same safety equipment. This includes anti-lock brakes, brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, vehicle stability control and ten airbags including driver and passenger knee airbags. Lexus’ Pre-Crash Safety System prepares the car’s safety system when an accident appears unavoidable with measures including tightening seatbelts and preparing to engage the emergency braking. The rear parking camera should reduce the chances of a bump too.

Lexus has a reputation for supplying fully-loaded cars and the IS F is no exception. All the interior and exterior design features mentioned above as well as front fog lamps are standard The IS F mirrors the trim level available on the IS SE-L grade with the addition of a multi-media pack. The multimedia pack includes a 14 speaker Mark Levinson premium surround audio system, satnav and rear park assist monitor. All specifications mentioned in this review are standard with the only option to consider being an £800 electric tilt and slide adjustable sunroof.

You could buy the Lexus IS F just on noise alone. It’s race car LOUD!