From the outside, it's hard to tell the lesser variant apart from the all-powerful IS 350, except for the telltale IS 250 or IS 250 AWD

The one thing that makes the IS 350 entirely unique, not only when compared to the IS 250 variants, but also to its rivals, is its outrageously engaging powertrain. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

badge on the right rear quarter. Of course, when looking inside it's easy to see that base cars expose a manual transmission and cloth interior, features not available with the IS 350.

The one thing that makes the IS 350 entirely unique, not only when compared to the IS 250 variants, but also to that Mercedes-Benz C280 I spoke of previously, or its BMW 330i, Audi 3.2 quattro, Jaguar X-Type 3.0, Acura TL, Infiniti G35, Cadillac CTS 3.6L and Lincoln Zephyr rivals, is its outrageously engaging powertrain. With 306-horsepower on tap, and a eagerly responsive paddle-shifting six-speed

With 306-horsepower on tap, and a eagerly responsive paddle-shifting six-speed automatic that actually holds its gear at redline, the IS 350's acceleration is in a class of one. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

automatic that actually holds its gear at redline, only Chrysler's audacious 425-horsepower 300C SRT8 duo can duel it out with Lexus' new sport sedan in head to head acceleration tests, and then win every so slightly with a 5.0 second run to 100 km/h compared to 5.3 seconds to 100 km/h for the IS, but in reality, despite being priced about the same, I don't think the two cars really target the same audience. I should mention here, mind you, that the 5.3 second 0 to 100 km/h time was mentioned during the IS 350's technical introduction. A quick search on the net shows real times (by Car & Driver, Road & Track and other reputable sources) that span from 5.1 seconds to 5.9, most likely differing because of elevation levels and weather conditions. Lexus has now officially stated this number is 5.7 seconds, but as usual with this brand it is most likely an overly conservative figure.