The new Lexus IS doesn’t have a diesel variant, which in Europe, is not a good thing for sales. However, the Japanese sedan does have an economical model, the IS 300h hybrid. The folks at Auto Express thought about comparing it with two diesel competitors, the segment leader BMW 320d and the Audi A4 TDI.
Whereas fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbodiesel engines power the German cars, the Japanese car features a 2.5-liter petrol mill linked to an electric motor to save on fuel.
At least on paper, the Lexus IS 300h delivers the economy and emissions of a diesel engine, with its combined fuel economy of 65.7 mpg UK (4.3 l/100 km) being better than the Audi’s 61.4 mpg UK (4.6 l/100 km), but behind the BMW’s 68.9 mpg UK (4.1 l/100 km).
The Lexus is closer to the BMW in terms of performance too, with both cars sprinting from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.8 seconds, while the Audi needs 8.4 seconds.
But what’s it like to drive compared to its rivals and how does its interior stack up against the competition? You’ll have to watch the review in the video below to find out.
By Dan Mihalascu
VIDEO