While trouncing its nearest direct competitor by 0.3 seconds to 100 km/h, and that vehicle using a six-speed manual to do

The IS 350 trounces its nearest automatic-equipped competitor to 100 km/h by 0.6 seconds. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

it (an Acura TL equipped with an automatic adds 0.3 seconds to the 100 km/h run, making an apples to apples comparison even more stupefying), the IS 350 even eliminates the sensational sounding 400-horsepower Cadillac CTS-V by 0.2 seconds to 100 km/h if you go by the unofficial numbers, and is only off by two if rating it at 5.7 seconds. It also comes close to matching Audi's mighty 340-horsepower S4 to highway speeds, is only 0.5 seconds off BMW's 330-horsepower M3 Coupe, which really targets Porsche 911 buyers after all, and is only 0.6 seconds away from keeping up with Mercedes' 362-horsepower C55 AMG. Again, only the Mercedes performs such tricks with an automatic transmission, the others using six speed manual units.

So, while I might be sounding more like a teenage boy spouting off stats to his best friend after swiping the keys to dad's new IS 350, than the 40-something father of three that I am, I think I've made my point very clear.

Exterior panel gaps are so tight that if any closer the paint would chip off. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

The IS 350 is in a class of one when it comes to sub-$50K performance sedans, matching the acceleration of those European (and sole domestic) tuners that cost $20,000 to $30,000 more.

Other than its handling, which is better than most and close to the best in this group, I was most impressed with the IS 350's build quality. This has always been a Lexus strong suit, but I think that the Japanese luxury brand has truly outdone itself with this new entry. Exterior panel gaps are so tight that if any closer the paint would chip off, while the paint finish on the multi-coloured examples available for our day's test was of the highest quality in the class. Little things, that to me are massively important, such as the exterior door latches, fit tightly, unlatch with a mechanical crispness that only top quality cars possess, and when stepping inside and shutting behind, deliver that solid "whump" that high-end buyers demand.