One transmission, one engine, one body style. The 2011 Lexus IS 350 doesn’t try to satisfy every craving and scratch every itch, it simply aims to be a very good… well, there’s not really a good label for the IS 350. Premium compact, entry-level executive, or luxury sport vehicle, this rear-wheel-drive, four-door sedan offers V6 performance, luxury features, and taut handling in an aggressively sexy package. A new grille and front bumper grace the 2011 IS 350, along with HID headlights with washers and daytime running LEDs to mimick the nearest Audi. Around back the changes continue, with an updated rear fascia and redesigned exhaust tip. Not one to leave all that space between the bumpers unchanged, the standard 17- and optional 18-inch wheels have been redesigned as well for a more symmetrical and aggressive look.

All of this is overshadowed, however, by the introduction of the first-ever all-wheel-drive (AWD) IS 350, adding four-wheel stability to this already nimble performer. Double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension offer a compromise that is no compromise with a tuning setup that allows for comfort in a straight line as well as lean and roll control in the curves. This isn’t the best-handling car in the class. Both BMW's 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz's C-Class outperform it in terms of cornering ability and straight-line comfort, but the IS 350 performs more than adequately. Watch for wheel thump when roads get hairy, and some testers have noticed a bit of wallow over larger dips at speed. The optional sport suspension does little to improve handling and takes away a lot from the ride, but thankfully the AWD setup manages to maintain the driving characteristics of its RWD stablemate, while still improving handling in wet or snowy conditions.

The 3.5-liter Toyota GR engine in the IS 350 made the Ward’s 10 Best list from 2006 to 2009. It utilizes fancy features such as a twin injection fuel system that combines direct and traditional port injection, and it has a high compression ratio of 11.8:1 and all-aluminum construction. DOHC design means four valves per cylinder, and all this adds up to 306 horses and 277 lb-ft of torque at 6,400 and 4,800 rpm respectively. Lexus claims 60 mph can be reached from a standstill in just over 5.5 seconds, and the 3.5-liter V6 feels every bit as quick. The six-speed automatic is precise and quick as well, and may be an even better transmission alternative than the eight-speed that comes in the high-performance IS F, which tends to hunt around, spoiled for choice with too many gears.

Despite all this power, the IS 350 still manages an EPA estimated 20/27 mpg, or 18/25 with AWD. That’s not a bad showing for a car with guts like this, even though you’ll find yourself needing to push the “premium” button at the pump.

And don’t forget, some call this a luxury car as well. That means you’ll get all the upscale amenities you’d expect in a snobmobile like a Lexus, such as dual-zone climate controls, remote access and start, leather upholstery, and a 6-CD, satellite-ready stereo. Honestly, these features can all be found at least as options on more and more cars, limiting their exclusivity. But they’re standard here, and the options list is long with the IS 350. Heated and ventilated front seats, front and rear obstacle detection systems, a Pre-Collision Safety System, and even headlight washers can all be added just by throwing a bit of money at her, but there’s plenty of safety to be had standard as well. Eight airbags come with every IS. Traction and stability control are included too, along with brake-assisted four-wheel antilock discs, automatic headlights, and daytime running lights.

In all, the IS 350 is an attractive alternative to the BMW 3 Series or the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, even if it doesn’t manage to best either of them. In order to do so, attention will need to be paid to the suspension to provide better handling with less sacrificing of comfort. The engine could use more grunt down low, and a sturdy manual option for the transmission would be welcome, too. With changes like that, the IS 350 could be a legitimate candidate for whatever you want to call it.