2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Interior Review: A Luxurious Yet Sporty Cabin Experience

When the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport hit the market it was clear that Lexus aimed to redefine what a sports sedan should offer in terms of comfort quality and luxury. Stepping into this car you're welcomed by a meticulously crafted interior that speaks to both driving passion and upscale refinement. With premium materials and a host of impressive features Lexus has ensured that this vehicle delivers a memorable experience each time you're behind the wheel.

Interior Space and Comfort

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport might not be the roomiest of sedans but it’s designed to be more driver-focused than anything else. The front seats are incredibly supportive with leather upholstery that hugs your body during tight turns. Both seats offer heating and ventilation making it ideal for both winter chills and summer sweats.

However the rear seats can feel a little cramped especially for taller passengers. While legroom and headspace in the back could be better it doesn’t mean they are uncomfortable for shorter trips. Alex Collantes a car enthusiast noted “The rear space is a bit tight but honestly this car was built for those who love to drive not those who plan to chauffeur their friends around. The front seats are where the magic happens.”

Lexus has designed the interior to keep outside noises at bay. Thanks to an exceptional amount of insulation the cabin stays quiet even on a bustling highway. For those long drives the Mark Levinson sound system delivers crystal-clear quality turning even the dullest commute into an immersive experience. You won't hear much road noise—just your favorite music on full blast.

Features at a Glance

• Heated and ventilated front seats

• Leather upholstery adds a touch of luxury

• A smooth and well-insulated ride even at higher speeds

• The Mark Levinson sound system for ultimate audio satisfaction

Infotainment and Technology

The infotainment system in the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport offers a mix of high-tech features and some quirks that not everyone might enjoy. The 10.3-inch touchscreen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. It’s a significant improvement from a decade ago when Lexus tech was sometimes criticized for being outdated.

However Lexus kept their Remote Touch touchpad for controlling the infotainment system—this is where things get tricky. The touchpad can be a bit fiddly to use especially when you’re focusing on driving. Some users might find it awkward and maybe even frustrating at times but it’s still manageable once you get the hang of it.

The standard features of the car include adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning. These additions enhance the safety aspect of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport and make it more practical for daily commuting. Pairing your device with the Bluetooth is also straightforward and the connection rarely drops.

Infotainment Highlights:

1. 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

2. The Remote Touch touchpad takes some practice but adds a unique twist

3. Standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning

Interior Design and Features

Stepping into the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport means stepping into a world of refined sportiness. The designers have made few changes to the overall layout but those that are present significantly enhance driver engagement. The steering wheel is thick and sporty and gives a reassuring sense of control over the vehicle. The F Sport trim also introduces exclusive elements like a unique shift knob and aluminum pedals.

The dashboard layout focuses on making everything accessible for the driver. The instrument cluster uses an LED display which is clear and easy to read whether you’re driving in broad daylight or during a midnight run down a deserted road. The interior also includes plenty of LED lighting for an ambient glow adding an extra element of luxury during night drives.

One potential drawback though is that the storage options inside aren’t as extensive as other sports sedans in the market. While the glove box and door pockets are useful there's not an abundance of small-item storage. Again Lexus keeps the focus on driving.

Key Design Features:

• LED instrument cluster that's crisp and easy to read

• Aluminum pedals and sporty trim in the F Sport

• A unique blend of luxury and sportiness tailored for the driver

Performance and Handling

With a 3.5-liter V6 engine the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport puts out 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This ensures more power under your foot when you want a thrilling experience. It might not be the fastest sports sedan on the market but the rear wheel drive ensures an engaging experience every time you take a turn. The balance between power and handling is superb and you can definitely feel the connection to the road as you drive.

The drive modes range from Eco to Sport+ and allow the driver to decide how responsive the chassis and steering should be. The Sport+ mode makes the car even more dynamic adjusting the suspension and throttle for the ultimate sporty drive. The steering is precise and communicates the road surface well giving you full confidence through twisty roads.

But is the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport fast? It certainly isn't the fastest in its class but the acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.6 seconds is still quick enough for most drivers. If you’re after sheer speed then there are faster options in the market.

Performance in Numbers:

• 311 horsepower from the V6 engine

• 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds

• Engaging rear-wheel drive dynamics for those who love to drive

Practicality and Value

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport isn't just about power and sporty dynamics—it also delivers in terms of practicality. The fuel economy stands at about 30 MPG on the highway which is respectable for a sports sedan with a 3.5-liter engine. Though there may be vehicles in this market segment with better numbers it’s a fine trade-off considering the fun you get.

The trunk space isn’t as generous as some rivals but still allows enough room for everyday items. However the rear seats don’t fold entirely flat which might limit the cargo capacity. Lexus has balanced these aspects by focusing more on the driving and passenger experience.

The reliability factor of Lexus vehicles is something that sets them apart from competitors. Whether it’s the engine components or the luxury fittings the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport promises a reliable experience with fewer stops at the garage. It’s a testament to Lexus's quality engineering.

Rear Wheels: A Crucial Part of the Test Car Experience

The rear wheels play a significant role in defining the driving experience of the test car version of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. Unlike many front-wheel-drive competitors, the rear-wheel-drive layout provides a more balanced chassis, allowing the driver to feel a stronger connection to the road. During our test drives, the rear wheels ensured that power delivery felt more natural and engaging, particularly when accelerating out of tight turns. This setup also contributed to a more dynamic experience, making the test car not just about luxury but also about a responsive and balanced drive that brings out the true essence of a sports sedan.

Conclusion

So what does the F Sport add to the IS 350? Simply put it adds a level of driving engagement that’s missing in the standard versions. From a sport-tuned suspension to the unique steering wheel and interior trims the 350 F Sport makes driving an exciting experience. It's also packed with standard features that many competitors charge extra for making it an attractive buy for those who value performance and luxury.

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport does come with some drawbacks. The infotainment touchpad could be more user-friendly and the rear seats aren’t the most spacious in its class. However these are minor inconveniences compared to the overall driving pleasure and luxury that this vehicle offers.

For those seeking a sporty sedan that combines refinement with fun, the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is worth every penny. It’s a car that encourages you to take the twisty roads, push it a bit harder and truly enjoy the drive. It's not just a vehicle—it's a promise of engagement and a reminder of why people love driving.