autobeach

The IS300 didn't sell in the UK due to no manual being available. Lexus GB do not know their market, or perhaps, where they wish to position themselves. Lexus have peerless build quality - but do they wish to be a prestige sport brand (BMW, Audi, MB all have close motorsport tie-ins) or take the executive barge market? The very limited engine choice on the 2nd gen IS in the UK is baffling and disappointing, quite why the prestige arm of the largest, most successful car manufacturer in the world won't sanction a risk or two is beyond me, maybe Lexus GB didn't ask. I'm sure they are losing sales - but hey, Lexus GB will point to a 44% increase in overall sales and say they're doing the job. Hate to use the example of BMW, but here goes. For the new 3 series coupe (e92), in Sept/ Oct there will be a choice of 5 engines (3 petrol/ 2 diesel). Now BMW have developed a new 3 litre engine which maxes out at 272bhp in the new coupe. They also have a flagship model, the 335i, (before the new M3) based on a 3 litre engine which chucks out 300+ bhp, but the clever bit is that this is the old 3 litre used on the e46 models with 2 turbos grafted on. Point is, they are using up their parts bin. Lexus have the engines in the locker, unfortunately they are not available to the customers.

Although I'd welcome the IS500, I don't really see the point. If Lexus are pitching at the next gen M3 and the current RS4 then good luck....it will have to be a helluva car to take on badge snobbery and established sport heritage, and it will cost over £50K. You'll then have the flagship model, then a big, big gap to the IS250. Contrast to how BMW do business, new and old engines overlap due to model cycles ( 3 series, 5 series) and the engines interchange with each model be it 3er, 5er, X3, X5, Z4, etc. So the 3 series hierarchy goes like; Next M3, 400+ bhp 335i, 300+ bhp 330i, 272 bhp 325i, 218 bhp 320i, 150 bhp then the rest MB's, BMW and Audi seem to be doing it right. I have no idea what Lexus are up to.

I would like to add my tuppence worth, since I was a Lexus owner and now have a BMW M3 ! Can’t comment on the IS350 since, sadly, I haven’t driven it. But in most reviews it is compared to the 330 BMW, seriously doubt if it could live with the M3. If Lexus had made the IS350 available in the UK I would still be a Lexus owner. A while back on this forum when the IS250 was released, I, and a few others, were concerned at the price of the car and it's relative (weak) performance. Example, I was looking at a IS250 Sport with all the trimmings - took the car to £30K, at the time I said it was close to used M3 value - for me anyway. Fast forward and I've bought a 04 plate M3 (SMG, SatNav/ TV, most of the toys) in the £30K range, and I bought it from a Lexus dealership. The car is absolutely stunning, the howl from the straight 6, 3.2 litre engine (343 bhp !!) is absolutely staggering. I wanted to stay with Lexus but their range of cars was too limited – I told the dealer this, and he said, funnily enough there had just been a dealer’s get together with Lexus asking what the dealers wanted. From what I can gather Lexus will not offer a whole range of engines like BMW, MB or Audi – but they will be bringing in a top of the range IS (possibly based on 4.3 litre engine) when the IS receives a mid life face-lift scheduled in 2008/ 2009. I just don’t get this logic – they’re taking on the German exec class with one hand tied behind their back, they have the engines (the 3 litre from the GS, the 3.5 litre) but seem reluctant to use them. I honestly think Lexus could cover their costs by bringing in a limited number of cars (say 500 to 1000 of IS350’s, enough to cover the Euro tests/ certs) and create demand. Right now the company on the move seems to be Audi – their latest cars are receiving rave reviews, they have publicly said they will develop on UK roads and they are open about taking on BMW as the ‘drivers’ option. For me it should be Lexus, but they don’t seem interested.

Down South, You'll find them at smmt.co.uk (i'm crap with links) in the data section - you can download the (small) files, gives an excel table. Pretty good info imo. For instance BWM sales have fallen nearly 25% comparing April '06 to April '05 (the new 3 series was launched a year ago). As the site points out, the price of fuel is one factor causing fewer sales in 2006.

Vitasoy, I reckon you have a chance, just don't appear to be too keen... (1) the whole car industry is struggling this year, sales are down. (2) rather incredibly, Lexus sold fewer cars this April '06 comapred to April '05 (912 v 922) (3) there are plenty of used IS250's on the Lexus site, keep an eye on these to see how quickly they are selling (4) Good luck and let us know how you get on

True, the IS300 did have decent power to weight ratio - however, Lexus shot themselves in the foot by offering the UK public the power sapping auto box, this as much as anything else contributed to the poor sales. Lexus are out on a limb; Audi, BMW and Mercedes offer punters the choice.

Lexus need more power since they made the IS so damned lardy - 200 lbs heavier than your direct competitor ! Normally over 200 hp would be fine, not so when the car creaks in at a whopping 1600 kilos - more than the old 5 series.

I think it's a cert Lexus will be bringing out different variants for the IS 2nd gen, don't know if it'll include the IS350 though. Before the IS launch, Lexus management made reference to learning from BMW, that is, include different engines, models, mid-life re-skin to keep the public/ trade interest. Lexus UK targets for 2006 are 12-14K (that's a 20-40% increase), the 2007 target is in the 20K range. There is not an earthly they'll do that with the current IS line up (2 engine variants), so expect new models/ engines to appear. One hope for the IS350 in the UK is if Lexus sales are good. I know they are hitting targets in USA, UK, Canada and Japan - don't know about mainland Europe. I absolutely believe there is a market in the UK for more powerful IS models, Lexus just need to pitch it right, create demand so that they don't get their fingers burned. Obvious examples of how to do it right are the Nissan 350Z and Mazda RX8 - great cars at very competitive prices. So Lexus, if you're looking in........ IS300 (250 hp V6 from the GS, presumably already passed all Euro tests) starting at £25K IS350 (306 hp), starting at £28K These 'base models' fall within what people are spending on IS250's loaded with MM - so how can Lexus say there is no market?

I used the SMMT site as outlined by Spike69. For calender year 2005 Lexus sold 10.5K cars (an +5%), I mention this because I was told that Lexus were aiming for 12-14K in 2006, can't remember if this figure was only IS sales or for the brand. The interesting bit is that I was also told that Lexus are aiming for 20K+ in 2007 - which to me means new models/ variants must be in the pipeline - don't you just wish Lexus would publish the info! Even at those sales levels BMW will sell 5 cars to every Lexus - which will help protect Lexus residuals and the marque.

So the Jan 2006 for the UK are in; Lexus = 1157, +73% increase on Jan 2005 BMW = 3875, -13% downturn on Jan 2005 Sounds bang on what Lexus were expecting, would be good to know exact IS sales and how they are doing in Europe.

That's great news MCUK23, perhaps you could let the good folks at lexus.co.uk know as well since I got the following reply today! Anyway, I'll be contacting my local dealer asap. Thank you for your email to Lexus GB. I can confirm that the release of the NG IS250 was on November 19th, the NG IS220d was in January and the Sports variant of the NG IS250/IS220d will be in April. I have included the website links for your reference: http://www.lexus.co.uk/lexus_cars/is_new/is250/index.asp http://www.lexus.co.uk/lexus_cars/is_new/is220d/index.asp If I can be of any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind Regards, Gerry P Lexus Customer Account Manager

Here's the reply I got from Lexus UK regarding the IS Sport. Thank you for your email to Lexus GB. I can confirm that the release of the NG IS250 was on November 19th, the NG IS220d was in January and the Sports variant of the NG IS250/IS220d will be in April. I have included the website links for your reference: http://www.lexus.co.uk/lexus_cars/is_new/is250/index.asp http://www.lexus.co.uk/lexus_cars/is_new/is220d/index.asp If I can be of any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to contact me. Kind Regards, Gerry P

Ivan, Lexus UK site states that the IS Sport will be released in April '06. I'm seriously hacked off with this and posted in the Official IS250 topic on this site. Originally, Lexus had the Sport to be released in April, they then moved it to Jan '06 (as per EVERY advertisment that they have undertaken for the IS launch - all ads show the Sport model with Jan release). Now, via the Lexus site, it appears they have moved back to plan 1. I've spoken to Lexus dealers - they are not singing off the same sheet as the UK site, either the dealers don't know or are bluffing. April makes sense from a business perspective - boost sales, but it blows my plans. Hopefully, it's the UK website that is wrong. Mr Mole pls post.

What are Lexus up to? I thought that the IS Sport versions would be available Jan 2006. Now the UK Lexus site is showing Sport version in April (again) - this is really peeing me off. All publicity shots in UK are of the Sport version (with the Jan 2006 comment), I need to test drive one to find out how the ride will fare with 18" wheels, lowered + stiffened suspension. If the damn thing isn't available and has a leadtime then it's pushing into May/ June - not exactly as per my plan ; test drive Jan, if I like purchase in March for the new plate. It might be good planning by Lexus - trying to create 4 or 5 high activity months (launch Nov, diesel Jan, new plate March, Sport April, new plate Sept, etc) but I'm afraid it's going to make me look elsewhere.

Autocar has road tested the IS220d, quite a poor rating for a premium new car. Summary of scorecard Engine - Strong, narrow powerband, refinement questionable for a Lexus (3/5) Transmission - Balky and obstructive, no auto (3/5) Steering - size, weighting, precision fine, missing feel since electric (3.5/5) Brakes - Big discs cope with quicker IS250 (4.5/5) Handling - Good poise and grip, surprisingly quick cross country, no flair or fun (3.5/5) Ride - Worryingly firm at low speeds, fine on motorway, no class leader (3.5/5) Economy - High engine output and hefty car, lags class leader (3.5/5) Driving Position - Beautifully judged, no issue (4.5/5) Instruments - Clear dials, sound ergonomics, minor switches scattered (4/5) Equipment - Keyless entry std, sat nav steep proce, SE spec to have (4/5) Liveability - Great in front, poor rear, boot size smallest in class (3/5) Quality - Lives up to a Lexus, solid, will last decades (4.5/5) Value - Lot of kit, diesel should be residually strong (4/5) Safety - Should get full 5 star NCAP (4.5/5) OVERALL - 3.5/5 Interesting but flawed diesel exec. Some other key points from the review - it's a mile behind the class leader (BMW 320d), and is also ranked behind the Merc 220 CDi...........Sat Nav is probably the best in the world............noticeably rattly at idle, OK for a Toyota but not a Lexus.

javeeds, I test drove an IS250 SE-L (Glasgow), there was a rattle/ creak from centre dash -the car did have Sat Nav. To be fair to Lexus the car was made available for test drives/ demo immediately and had not been through initial pre-checks at the dealer.

Tailpipe, If Lexus are serious then they will have to push what you have outlined. I'm just disappointed that Lexus don't offer some sort of roadmap up front to their customers - although they have given heavy hints that they'll offer more variants on engine type, body type a la BMW. As an indication of the task ahead for Lexus I read that the BMW X3 (which is another dog, even the UK press said it was cheap quality) sold 7000 in the UK and 34000 in Europe - 1 model in the Munich range outsells all of Lexus. Off topic, see that Lexus can (sort of) break the magic 100bhp/ litre 2.5 IS = 204 bhp 3.5 IS = 306 bhp 1 litre = 102 bhp ! Why is the IS250 output so low in the UK (215 bhp in Japan)? I'll be gutted (and angry) if Lexus announce IS350 for the UK after I buy the 250.

nicnac, Toyota are the best car manufacturer bar none - but that does not mean they don't make mistakes, they just make fewer. Toyota are also getting paranoid that other manufacturers are catching up, and that they are making more mistakes (recalls, etc). Wall Street values Toyota more than GM, Ford and Daimler-Chrysler combined since they make big money year in year out. Being the best manufacturer, however, does not mean that you have the best engines, best design - though, thankfully, this seems to have improved with the latest IS. There are loads of manufacturing stories about Toyota - I like the one that Toyota builds a defect free car in the time it takes Mercedes to fix the problems on an assembled Benz at the end of the line.

The Mole, It may help if you were a bit more gracious re BMW's. Are you telling us just about every journalist in the Northern hemisphere is in the bankroll of Munich? From where I'm sitting it looks like the new IS is a very close 2nd - that's a hell of a result considering this is the 1st gen Lexus built IS. Also, I'm pretty sure the Toyota/ Lexus corporation has more money to fling about than BMW. You guys (Lexus) should be considering the fixes for the most common complaints; (a) rear legroom (B) low speed ride © overweight car. You could also follow Audi's recent admission that UK cars need a seperate suspension set-up. BMW's genius is how they utilise parts and engines across their range, have phased releases of new products whilst burning off old parts in niche models. An example is the old Z3 model - sold loads but used previous generation 3 series rear suspension/ axle set-up. Compare and contrast with Lexus, humming and hawing that it costs too much to release different engine variants - when backed by the richest and best car manufacturer in the world. Anyway, how are sales going?

Article is fairly comprehensive, obviously cupholders are a big thing for the Yanks. Autoweb are to be congratulated for finally stating what every review, article has be hinting at, namely, the new IS is the better overall package. My only gripe with the article is that I now want the IS350 even more! So a question for the Mole. At what point do Lexus take action when they see grey imports coming in, I know for a fact that Lexus are well happy to service grey imports. Would Lexus help with english manuals, etc? My guess is that quite soon you're going to see IS350's advertised in the motor press at £25-30K range (considering the Yen/ £ exchange rate), and that'll be very tempting indeed. Final question, for those who know, how much work requires to be done to a Japanese IS350 for it to conform to UK standards.

Moley, what will define sales success or sufficient quantities? Fairly sure, when I went for my test drive in the IS250, that the sales guy told me that the target in the UK was 12000 - 14000 cars (for the whole Lexus brand) in 2006. Would you like to confirm or deny. My tuppence worth is that you guys will easily do this figure, especially with the diesel and the latest reports showing Lexus' cost less to maintain/ repair. Lexus should be a bit more open about future IS plans in the UK. I'd love to see the following; IS300 (using the GS 245bhp engine), IS350, another diesel model to match up against BMW's latest 3 litre, an entry level IS200 (V6 or I6). With that lot you would be taking aim at the higher end of the market and avoid the 318 chaff. Another thing, the new auto is so good I'd be happy with the paddles for the higher power models.

autocar.co.uk has 1st drive of IS220d. Some contradictions compared to IS250, shows individual comparisons I suppose. I'll let you guess how it compares to 320d.

First impressions, some good and some not so good. On arrival at the show room the first car I saw was a base IS250 in dark blue, with 16” wheels. This model looks slightly dumpy from the side and left me slightly underwhelmed since it was my 1st IS250 in the flesh. The SE models looked much better when I got up close and personal. The best angle is front on from a slight distance, the high waist, slightly pinched in cabin looks very sweet. Inside the car is absolute class, too many details to take in (it was a SE-L auto), but you’re going to have lots of ‘ooh and aah’ discovery moments when you live with the car on a day-to-day basis. Press the button, the display/ dials do ‘that’ thing and you ‘re off… Steering, very Lexus light, and very easy to live with - the car goes where you point it. What more do you want? I does load up more when cornering and I found it very easy to put the car where I wanted. Although the car is bigger than the old model it doesn’t feel like it when driving. I had only one brief chance to exercise the engine up an incline, the car feels swifter then the outgoing IS200, but it aint going to break your hair, at this point I noted how smooth the engine is, how slick the auto is, and how quiet the engine had been under next to no load. What Car had previously said that tyre roar was an issue, I’m glad to say I didn’t find this at all – although I didn’t have the chance to cruise at 70 on a motorway – in fact the cabin ambience is a delight. Now to the not so good. The car I test drove was on 17” wheels (didn’t see brand, interestingly, I think of the 2 SE models in the showroom 1 was on Dunlops, the other Bridgestone) and the ride was very firm – touching harsh. The car doesn’t glide bumps as per my current Is200 (17”, Dunlops SP9000, tell you what Lexus really did sort that chassis, suspension) and you can tell/ feel this on the first road imperfection you come across. The chassis isn’t unsettled in any way, and you don’t feel the bumps through the steering wheel, but you are aware of the car/ cabin pitching and rising slightly with the bumps. Now there could be a number of factors at play here, new car, tyres, tyre pressure, suspension still to bed in, or it could be that Lexus need to soften the set-up slightly for UK roads since they haven’t done testing here. Anywhichway, something for people to look out for. Me. I’m still very interested because the car is a standout inside and out, I’m aiming for a March 06 car. Another longer test drive nearer the time will be required. Lexus will sell loads of the new IS (especially when the diesel arrives) and deserves the success. Note to The Mole. I was informed that for the IS and GS launch (Monaco and Barcelona) you get days to drive new cars, stay in David Coultards’s hotel) and you’re telling us it’s a hard life…..

Bit worried about the What Car review (3/5). Generally, What Car prefers 'softer' set-up cars compared to Autocar/ Evo, so disappointing to hear the refinement and ride comments. And to think I was considering the Sport with 18" wheels! Anyway, I'm going to test drive the IS on Sat, and I'll check out the BMW 325se for a comparison - although I have zero interest in buying the Beemer. Another thing, the 325 is forecast to retain only 48% after 3 years - is this likely for the IS250, I for one thought the 6 cylinder 3 series were good for residuals.

Autocar review was to be expected, run the 325 close but no cigar. I'm guessing the real point is that if you don't drive every minute of every drive at 9/10 ths then the Lexus is the better car. Seems to be the common theme so far in reviews. You get slightly confused when reviewers start to point out that the speedo isn't clear enough or that the Lexus turns in better than the BMW, but this is unexpected and not a good thing !? The Mole, I have now seen a couple of full page adverts (What Car, Autocar) stating in the small print that the IS250 Sport will be available in Jan 2006. Is this correct since I thought it was a April launch for the Sport?