ROAD TEST: LEXUS IS 350

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By Tara Weingarten

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Lexus is known for its luxe, fast, smooth cars. Now with the second-generation IS 350, it wants to rule the sports sedan category. Sorry, kids: we're not quite there yet. Yes, the IS is as speedy as a rocket--zero to 60 in 5.6 seconds--from a 3.5-liter, V-6, 306-horsepower engine. (That's a full half-second faster than its main rival, BMW's 3 Series sedan.) And its acceleration is sure almighty. But during a day of racetrack testing, the IS shuddered while braking under very high speeds, the result of myriad safety-related electronic braking interventions. I found it disconcerting. Of course, few people will have the chance to push the car near its 142mph limit. And under normal and even high-speed driving, the IS is very safe, and won't exhibit its braking glitches. But because of it, BMW needn't worry about ceding its crown.

So where does that leave the IS? Solidly at the top of the luxe, fast and smooth strata, with the added benefit of sportlike features. It's the perfect match for drivers who crave speed but don't want to forsake comfort. Other perks: you'll get the quietest ride, with sun visors and a windshield designed to minimize noise. There's keyless entry and a fun red start button, dual climate zones, an optional backup camera to see everything the rearview mirror can't pick up, and standard metallic or optional bird's-eye maple trim. Yummy features with power to spare. Lexus mostly gets it right.

Tip: Splurge on the $940 Mark Levinson Audio System for surreal sound quality.

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