Used 2011 Lexus IS 350 for sale 

The Lexus IS 350 is available as a single trim with an option to configure the sedan as a rear-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive variant. While the RWD variant is priced at $39,720, the AWD variant is priced higher at $42,180. The major advantage of buying the IS 350 is its extensive list of features which include dual-zone front climate control, cruise control, and keyless start.

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We recommend buying the rear-wheel-drive variant of the Lexus IS 350. Considering its price tag, the RWD feels like a viable choice. It comes equipped with all features available with the all-wheel-drive variant and in addition has some optional packages on offer to make the car even more practical.

The engine that sits under the hood of the Lexus IS 350 and grants the car with a wee bit of sportiness is a 3.6L V6 unit. It is capable of producing 306hp of engine power and 277lb.-ft of torque. The IS 350 comes mated to a standard transmission setup which is a 6-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission with an overdrive facility and paddle shifters. 

The sedan is available as both an all-wheel and rear-wheel-drive variant. While Lexus has tried to build an unblemished sedan, its transmission system does let the car down. The transmission is slow in its working and does have an effect on the performance of the car.

In comparison, the Cadillac CTS uses a similar transmission setup as the Lexus IS 350 and also comes mated to a 6-speed-automatic transmission. However, it churns out relatively lesser power and torque output. It is capable of granting the vehicle 304 hp of power and 273lb.-ft of torque. The BMW 3 Series uses the most distinct setup among the three vehicles. Unlike the other two vehicles, the 3 Series makes use of a 3.0L inline-6 engine and is channeled to a 6-speed-manual transmission that bestows upon the car 300hp and 300lb.-ft of torque.

The 2011 Lexus IS 350 does stand to impress with its decent fuel efficiency when considering the performance of the competitors in the segment. The Lexus IS 350 averages a mileage of 20 MPG while cruising through the busy streets of New York and that of 27 MPG when sprinting on the highways. Combined, it manages 22 miles per gallon of fuel. It features an adequately sized fuel tank that has a total capacity of 17.1 gallons and can cover a range of 342 and 461.7 miles in the city and on the highway respectively.

In comparison, the BMW 3 Series manages similar combined fuel efficiency as the Lexus IS 350, averaging 23 miles per gallon of fuel despite lower efficiency in the city and highway individually. The Cadillac CTS remains fractionally behind with a combined mileage of 21 MPG. However, the Cadillac does feature the largest fuel tank in the segment and a capacity of 18 gallons. In terms of range, both the Cadillac CTS and BMW 3 Series cover lesser distances.

If you are looking for empirical evidence of how sport and luxury can be unified into one, the Cadillac CTS is the perfect example. While on the outside the CTS adorns a sporty stance, on the inside, it is a marriage of opulent and practical design elements. The leather-wrapped steering feels good to hold, while the alloy trims on the door and handles add to the upmarket feel. 

There is ample storage space, that when accompanied by the practical and utilitarian infotainment system makes the cabin a luxurious place to be in. While the front seats feel poise and comfortable, it is the rear seats where the problems actually start to surface.

The Lexus IS 350 has a total head-, shoulder-, and legroom of 37.2/54.4/43.9 and 36.7/52.7/30.6 inches for the front and rear passengers respectively. While the Lexus IS 350 has a total seating capacity of five passengers, the rear seats have minimal space on offer and are best suited for kids. In terms of cargo volume, the Lexus sedan has a total capacity of 13.3 cubic feet.

In comparison, the Cadillac CTS has the maximum amount of space on offer for the rear seat passengers with a total head-, shoulder- and legroom of 37.2/53/36.1 inches respectively. The BMW 3 Series also possesses more space for rear-seat passengers. In terms of cargo capacity as well, it is the Cadillac CTS that emerges victorious while the BMW 3 Series lurks at the bottom of the table with a total trunk volume of 13.6 and 12.3 cubic feet respectively. Some standout interior features include:

• Driver seat with lumbar support
• Trunk net
• Cargo mat
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Front and rear cupholders

How intuitive is the 2011 Lexus IS 350’s infotainment unit?

Considering that the IS 350 is available as a single trim only, Lexus has packed all necessary and hi-tech features into the car making the infotainment system one of its strongest suits. As standard, the Lexus IS 350 comes equipped with satellite radio, USB connection, and AM/FM stereo.

As one opts for optional packages, Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system, and a 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system become valuable additions. Other salient infotainment features include:

• Radio data system
• 13-speaker sound system
• Speed sensitive volume control
• Auxiliary audio input
• AM/FM stereo

Athletic, robust, and versatile design elements appropriately describe the Lexus IS 350’s styling. While some cars in the segment still continue with the subtle traditional design, Lexus’ idea of introducing an aggressive design has worked well in their favor. Upfront, the IS 350 is unmistakably a Lexus with the traditional grille and the headlights that have some resemblance with higher-end models of the brand. The presence of sun/moonroof reassures the buyer of the IS 350 being luxurious as well.

The Lexus IS 350 has a curb weight of 3703 lbs making it the lightest car in comparison. It is 180.3 long with a wheelbase that measures 107.4 inches. The IS 350 is 70.9 inches wide and has a total height of 56.1 inches. The ground clearance is 5.7 inches which feel adequate for a car of its segment.

In comparison, the Cadillac CTS is the largest car when overall dimensions are concerned. It is 191.3 inches long, 72.5 inches wide and 58 inches tall. Its wheelbase is 113.4 inches long, while the BMW’s measures a little under 109 inches. In terms of curb weight as well, the CTS is the heaviest vehicle at 4118 lbs. The BMW 3 Series is relatively light and weighs 3814 lbs. Some standout exterior features of the Lexus IS 350 include:

• Rear lip spoiler
• Sun/moonroof
• Paint protection film
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Luxury Plus Value Edition package

The Lexus IS 350 scores seemingly well in the crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, making the sedan safe and reliable. The Lexus IS 350 makes use of hi-tech safety features on both variants. Some standard safety features include traction control, turn signal mirrors, and daytime running lights. Like every other car in the segment, the IS 350 comes equipped with driver and passenger airbags and in addition also hosts some other features like:

• Engine Immobilizer
• Child Seat Anchors
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Emergency braking assist
• Post-collision safety system

There is a lot that the Lexus IS 350 has on offer to make it a viable choice against the offerings of other giant car-makers. Its engine feels powerful, it sports a finely crafted cabin and provides a hassle-free riding experience. However, its transmission is a big letdown. In addition, the IS 350 has minimal rear-seat space and the cabin does feel noisy at higher speeds. While the Lexus IS 350 has a lot of potentials, if you’re looking for a car that can at all times ensure top-notch ride quality, the Lexus IS 350 may not be ideally the car for you.