The IS is at least a segment size smaller than the 300, probably two, a more appealing scenario to those who regularly buy

Comparing the IS 350 to its peers, mind you, must be embarrassing for the entire group as it completely annihilates them off the line. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

premium level compact sport sedans. Comparing the IS 350 to its peers, mind you, must be embarrassing for the entire group as it completely annihilates them off the line. The best of the rest is Acura's 270-horsepower TL, which while only available in front-wheel drive zips to 100 km/h in a respectable 6.0 seconds, especially considering its larger size and reasonably low price. Mercedes-Benz's 268-horsepower C350, however, puts up a comparatively futile 6.4 second time to 100 km/h, while BMW's new 255-horsepower 330i runs an even less impressive 6.5 seconds to 100 km/h, dawdling along almost a second slower than the IS 350, even when using the more conservative official Lexus 0 to 100 km/h sprint, and that with the BMW using a manual transmission.

Audi's new 255-horsepower 3.2 quattro, while labouring with all-wheel drive

Even the 204-horsepower IS 250 out-muscles some of its top-line competitors. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

can only manage 6.6 seconds to 100 km/h, while Jaguar's X-Type 3.0, using a slightly modified Ford Duratec 30 V6 producing 227-horsepower and also running all-wheel drive, is the first to break the somewhat unsporting 7.0 seconds to 100 km/h mark. I was a bit shocked to see that Cadillac's edgy 255-horsepower CTS 3.6L could only overcome the 100 km/h velocity in 7.1 seconds, and even more shocked that Infiniti's 280-horsepower G35, although larger and heavier than the IS, can only muster up enough muscle to achieve 100 km/h in a somewhat lethargic 7.3 seconds. I suppose I was also a bit shocked that Lincoln's 221-horsepower Zephyr did as well as it did. While the slowest of the bunch, breaking 100 km/h in only 7.4 seconds, its time should improve dramatically when the new 250-horsepower 3.5-litre V6 is factored in next year. Again, these numbers may vary depending on which publication you're reading, which is why I've deferred to manufacturer estimates in all cases.