HERE we test the top-of-the-tree Lexus IS 350 Sports Luxury, Japan’s answer (alongside the Infiniti Q50) to German arch-rivals such as the BMW 328i and Mercedes-Benz C250.

Launched late last year, the third-generation IS brings a number of improvements over its well-regarded predecessor, most notably in its far more cohesive cabin design and significantly better rear passenger space.

The IS also has a silky smooth large-capacity V6 engine against its rivals’ smaller turbo fours, plus a humungous list of standard features for its $84k list price.

Couple this top-notch build quality and noticeably sharper handling characteristics than before, and you have a worthy rival to the German elite.

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