As far as interior design goes, Lexus takes a slightly more conservative route with its IS than BMW does with its 3, at least when

As far as interior design goes, Lexus takes a slightly more conservative route with its IS than BMW does with its 3, at least when comparing the upper dash and door panels, but then again offers a much more modern cabin than that of Mercedes' smallest sedan. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

comparing the upper dash and door panels, the latter of which I happen to like a lot more in the new IS, but then again offers a much more modern cabin than that of Mercedes' smallest sedan. I'm also a big fan of Acura's TL and Lincoln's Zephyr interiors, although the way Jaguar goes about old world charm in its  X-Type is lost on me, and new-edge plastic and poor fit and finish of Cadillac's CTS leaves me cold and unsatisfied.

That brings up another point, interior quality. If you're a first time reader you haven't been subjected to my tirades over unacceptable plastics quality and ruddy awful fit and finish, corners that shouldn't be cut in entry-level compact cars (and aren't with new Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas, Hyundais and Kias) let alone luxury nameplates, and to this end the new IS becomes the new beacon

The IS 350's switchgear is as good as that in the class-leading LS 430, with no side-to-side play between the well-damped audio and HVAC buttons, not to mention that ultra-slick "Engine Start Stop" button.  (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

of refinement. Is put together better than Audi's delightful A4? Maybe not, but it's executed at least as well to the naked eye, with all surfaces pleasant to touch and the alignment of interior panels achieving zero tolerance - an engineering term that describes no visible space between abutting objects.

Likewise, its switchgear is as good as that in the class-leading LS 430, with no side-to-side play between the well-damped audio and HVAC buttons, not to mention that ultra-slick "Engine Start Stop" button, a precise feel to steering wheel stalks, and substantial "weight" yet exacting accuracy for all ancillary knobs and switches. Lexus included an Audi-like dial-actuated multi-position sunroof switch, very nice, surrounded by an overhead console that includes a large "dome" light, two spot lamps and the requisite sunglasses holder.