The 2023 Lexus IS takes everyday driving to an entire new level
No one understands the appeal of the Lexus IS better than Jaylen Rudisell of Hendrick Lexus. He not only enjoys talking about the vehicle with his aspiring base of Charlotte, North Carolina-area customers, but he is a big enthusiast for the car as well.
“I have personally had four IS’s,” said Jaylen, who currently has a blue IS 500. “I have owned all the way from a 2012 ISF with the V8 engine. It was a special car. I had a white-on-white car and was sad to get rid of it. However, I had the chance to get into an IS 500, which is pretty cool -- that car is exceptional.
“I know when it comes to reliability (of the Lexus) is second to none,” Jaylen added. “I think that’s what a lot of clients are looking for when it comes to getting a car, daily driving it and not having to worry about anything. It is one of my biggest wants in a vehicle. My passion for the car comes from not having to worry about anything.”
Choosing Luxury and Performance
Jaylen’s passion for the brand is similar to that of the people he serves. Starting with the entry level IS 300, customers can outfit their Lexus luxury sedan experience any way they desire. There are three different engine configurations to choose, beginning with the IS 300’s inline four cylinder that produces 241 horsepower or the 3.5-liter V6 option that powers the IS 350 F Sport models, two luxury dailies that get you back-and-forth swiftly and efficiently. Rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options are also available.
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For enthusiasts, the 5.0-liter V8 planted inside the aggressively styled Lexus IS 500 F Sport produces 472 horsepower at 395-foot pounds of torque. With a 0-60 mph of 4.4 seconds and an estimated highway mile per gallon of 25 miles, its power, efficiency and ‘new for ’23’, 19-inch Enkei wheel combination is hard to beat in the current market. There’s a lot of choose from in the IS family of vehicles.
“Going from the IS-F to the 500 is all about technology,” Jaylen said. “Just knowing that I can get on that engine and not have any problems. I always go back to reliability because that engine. I got 120,000 on the IS-F, and it had no problems.
“Customers are coming in, most looking for an IS 350,” Jaylen continued. “That’s going to be your middle trim, but it’s a very high level trim. If you are looking for the best bang for your buck, the IS 300 is going to be in that category. Top tier is going to be that IS 500, which is someone who wants reliability and to go fast. You can’t go wrong with any of the vehicles.”
Unique Experience for Every Taste
While the IS 300 may be the perfect everyday commuter, the IS 350 F Sport version may be the best of all worlds. The DOHC, 24-valve V6 outputs at a robust 311 horsepower and 280-foot pounds of torque, carrying the sedan 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds with a fuel mileage efficiency between 26-28 miles per gallon.
“It’s a very competitive market, and Lexus is a stand out,” Jaylen said. “From the F-Sport line, which makes a big difference, especially when you consider the visual aesthetics of the vehicle. It’s a reliable, pretty vehicle. You know what you are getting when you get into one of these. Most customers know exactly what they want.”
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As Jaylen noted, the Lexus IS emphasizes comfort, luxury and reliability. Premium interior materials goes with a corresponding high-end experience, where standard features include power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and push-button start, along with options that include a sunroof and interior leather appointments. When combined with its durability and reasonable maintenance costs, Kelly Blue Book has rated the Lexus IS as an award winner for best-in-category resale value.
“When it comes to fit and finish, you have that stitching, the bolstering of the seats – its built around an everyday driver,” Jaylen explained. “You never really see things wearing out which is very unique for interiors.”
Technology is also present throughout the IS lineup. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard, with an optional, larger 10.3-inch display bundled with the brand’s latest navigation system also available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa come compatible. Safety features are also paramount for the Lexus brand.
“Lexus shows up to the party correct,” Jaylen said. “These cars will always be right when it comes to technology.
“Lane-keep assist, radar-assisted cruise control,” Jaylen continued, describing Lexus safety. “A big one, if you are in a grocery store or shopping center, you have your rear cross traffic alert which lets you know which way someone is coming. That’s definitely a big one with the auto braking.”
Racing Program Translates
As a performance vehicle, the F branded platform is put to the test every IMSA Weather Tech Sports Car Series race weekend throughout the year. By supporting its factory GT program, the engineering teams are able to improve the road-going Lexus IS as well.
“When you think about our F lineups, and the IS 500 Sport FCs, a lot of that racing suspension translates over to these road-going vehicles,” said Jaylen, who is also the dealerships motor sports ambassador.
“IS 300 is going to be your standard suspension,” Jaylen added. “Smoother ride, versus the IS 350 F-Sport which has the bucket seats, the suspension is tuned a little different and steering is tighter. It feels more like a sportier vehicle, which (is what) a lot of customers are looking for. Then (its) really enhanced with the IS 500, where the suspension is tuned again differently, with different exhaust notes – with the reliability of the entire lineup. It’s the pinnacle of the IS line.”
If you value a great look, comfort and reliability, the IS may be the car for you.
“It’s the perfect daily driver,” Jaylen concluded. “I really try to think of something else that I want to drive every single day, look this good and be this cost efficient – it’s hard to think of one.”
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