2006 Lexus IS 350 Road Test

Better than a 3-Series and the C-Class?

I was driving home from a meeting today, behind the wheel of a shiny new Mercedes-Benz C280, not the much more powerful C350,

Since when has Lexus built cars that Mercedes drivers lust after? Since now. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

mind you, but an extremely nice little car just the same, and I couldn't help finding myself wishing I was behind the wheel of new IS 350. Since when has Lexus built cars that Mercedes drivers lust after? Since now.

Rather than point out everything that the IS 350 does better than the C-Class, leaving that for a future road test review on the Mercedes, suffice to say that the three-pointed star car felt somewhat dated, with older technology, other than its slick seven-speed automatic that is, and attractive but rather conservative styling inside and out.

Just

Just looking at the IS sets my heart rate racing, a feeling that appears evident with the other journalists present at the Toronto, Ontario press launch. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

looking at the IS sets my heart rate racing, a feeling that appears evident with the other journalists present at the Toronto, Ontario press launch. Its clean, flowing front end styling is actually quite beautiful, a word I don't usually associate with cars this side of a Jaguar E-Type or Mark II sedan, Alfa Romeo Veloce coupe, BMW 3.0 CSi, or pretty well any pre-70s Ferrari. To say this about a Lexus is truly a turning point for Toyota's luxury division in my minds eye. The intricate folds of the rear taillights, that can't be fully appreciated in photos, are exquisite bits of automotive design, and then, stepping back to take in the entire rear three quarter view, the way the car's rakish profile plunges forward as if physically diving into the tarmac is pure athleticism incarnate.