The outstanding Lexus build quality and attention to customer needs was translated into booming sales figures that threatened not only the Germans but the traditional American luxury automobile lines. Lexus hasn't been the answer for everyone. Conservative styling that has bordered on bland, and products that have lacked personality and cutting edge performance have kept people out of Lexus showrooms. The performance issue was addressed in 1998 with the introduction of the GS400 sports sedan. The flagship LS was also given a dose of new power in the late '90s that endowed it with better acceleration numbers than the S Class and the 7 Series.
Interior dimensions vary only slightly between the two models.
Walk around the IS 300 and you get the sensation of a BMW, especially from the front corner where the short overhang, 17-inch wheels and compact, athletic stance are unmistakable BMW cues. But it takes more than looks to duplicate BMW's ultimate driving machine persona. The proof is in the driving. There are surely no chuckles in BMW board rooms this time around. Driving passion has been added to the Lexus lineup.