I own an IS300. U are right about not feeling special. Maybe I represent all IS300 owners, we don’t need the car to feel “special”. We only need a beautifully crafted machine by the Japanese and reliable. Nothing more.
It’s a beautiful car and not to mention the reliability. It does not burn a hole in your pocket and drives like a dream. Quiet and great for city driving and the occasional drive across the causeway.
However, Lexus will eat up the miles for you with the least issues, transmission, engine, wear and tear. Amongst all cars parked in the luxury segment, Lexus has the most honest build.
Jon is a really good presenter! Lets have more of him. I feel like he is the ultimate local car presenter. Speaks proper with no fake ang moh accent. His opinions are also very genuine and not trying too hard to impress with very awkward commentary.
Some clarifications: - The climate temperature arrows (above and below the sliders) act as buttons too, and adjusts the temps in 0.5deg steps. - The car has LTA (Lane Tracing Assist), and works pretty similar to Volvo’s Pilot Assist. It only works when DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control) is in use. When DRCC is switched off, LKA (Lane Keep Assist) will take over. - The DRCC on the IS you’re reviewing is full speed and works all the way down to 0kph. When the vehicle in front moves off, it can pick up speed again without any driver intervention. The previous facelift IS’s DRCC works from 40kph. Below that speed, it cuts off. - The sensitivity of the touchpad can be adjusted in the settings. I prefer the previous joystick style control though and I agree that it takes some getting used to. I’d just stick to the touchscreen 😆.
the reason why you should pick this over the merc C class n Conti cars in the same segment or the Camry is simple : this has a full size spare tyre. Repair kits will not assist if u have a sidewall puncture. Having owned several Mercs pre and post 2000, I can assure you will appreciate lexus reliability over so called european prestige branding. The reason more mature ladies n gentlemen choose a lexus is because they have come to an age when they realise that you dont need respectability coming from a 3 pointed star or a prancing horse.
This Lexus is a heavily updated platform and styling but yet selling at a premium price. And I am surprised that it doesn't have ventilated seats! But I guess its reliability will still stands for many years to come.
Lexus by no means a lousy car or brand, just felt they lack a bit of market focus and doesn't have a very clear distinction of selling points, given competition are known for either driving dynamics, comfort, grip, tech, etc. Lexus in my opinion tends to have a bit of everything (conservatively) but might not be enough for buyers for this segment tends to attract younger consumers whom adore specific traits in their purchase.
Just a comment on the video review style and content. Very comprehensive, and informative - two thumbs up for that. We definitely need more of these reviews locally, for local viewers, instead of just watching foreigners reviewing UK/US version of cars. But, tighter editing needed - too much adlib-ing, I also suspect the video would turn out much better if a written script was one in advance. Then the reviewer can also drop in some of his or her personal flourishes or touches. All in all, please keep this up and publish more of these. 👍👍
Similar to the Audi A4 for the car boot, faster than the A4, comparing the two videos reviewed by the same person, the bias is obvious. Not sure if I am the only one felt this, perhaps other viewers can check them out. 😅 Personally, I still find the IS is indeed smart looking and elegant.
1) You can change the sensitivity of the touchpad from the settings menu. 2) You can press the arrows on the sliders to change air con temperature. 3) Surprised that this model do not come with a touchscreen or does it? 4) Shortform for Mercedes is pronounced as 'merk' rather than merss. 5) The IS350 F Sport is the one to get. 6) Old interior but only Lexus will survive the test of time. 7) I agree..go try. There are better choices out there.
I’m surprised that reviewers never even bother to check if you can change/tweak those things they complain about. (The sensitivity settings for the touchpad in this case) It just gives the wrong impression to someone who may genuinely want to buy this car Response to number 3 is that it does have a touch screen as well 👌🏼 One of the minor revisions of the old car Thanks for your comment ! I didn’t know that you could change the sensitivity lol
There is a say : 开不坏的凌志, which means unbreakable Lexus. 😊 you dont need fancy stuff to upkeep the car status. It is by nature that the build quality represent it all.
Yes it is a bias. I am from the same country. Over here people are biased towards Mercedes and BMW especially. It's just the brand image in the culture
Lexus is a car you buy with your head. Not your heart. If you want wow factor and badge then is German competition. Also Lexus still has that uncle brand perception. Just go to their showroom and you will see. Median age at their service centre at least late 40s to early 50s. When u reach a certain age u probably want something reliable yet elegant so this car won't suit young buyers. Jon, from the what you say in the video, I think BMW2 GC or 320i luxury would suit your profile. Or wait till you're 20 years older then get an ES250! My view is if u are driving the previous IS, because of "minor" changes there is no need to upgrade. But if your Coe is expiring and u are planning a new car, can consider the new IS.
This guy gives the vibe that he was ready to shoot down the lexus as compared to the Germans. But then... he was like I have nothing much to complain, the IS 300 is really a pretty good car.... But the entertainment system...
@@sgcarmartreviews well if u are a true ' car reviewer' u might have already be aware that Lexus as a beand itself stands for comfortable and relaxing driving and refine plus it is also more reliable than any Germans u can think off out there so if u expecting 'oomph' than drive an AMGs or Mseries which will last after your ' honeymoon' phase runs out after a month or so after buying your shiny new AMGs this is where the Lexus will shine where it will be more than ' adequate' for those normal use
Won’t buy. If u want reliability, just get a Toyota. 😆 If u want brand, just get a merc or bm. 😆 If u want design, just get a Hyundai avante. 😆 Lexus’ branding is ‘premium Japanese car’ and it can miss its focus and become neither here nor there esp with its pricing so close to german make. All it need to do is to adjust its pricing and can sway people to go try or buy. 👍
Jon should not be viewing this car as a luxury product but more of a driver's car. So how does it feel around the corners of Tanjong Pagar type shit. This car is made for driving enthusiasts and hence the lack of features.
Won’t buy. I don’t think it should be compared to merc, bm, audi & volvo. Because if u do, for the same price point, everybody would probably get the German cars. Outside looks nice but I’m surprised at how dated the interior looks.
Won't buy. Thanks for the detailed description Jon. Exterior does look good. Interior cabin really just so-so. If wanna compare to Double B (Benz & BMW), it will lose out in interior & branding. So I rather Lexus be evaluated on its own. i.e. u paid that much for that much of materials. That way it will sell better. Engine power is never a major consideration for 'luxury' segment. Else the most luxurious car would be formula one f1 cars & not rolls royce, bentley, etc.