Old-School V6 Vs. High-Tech Ev: 2026 Lexus Is 350 Faces off Against Tesla Model 3

Your complete guide to Old-School V6 Vs. High-Tech Ev: 2026 Lexus Is 350 Faces off Against Tesla Model 3, covering key takeaways.

Stepping on the pedal in the Tesla Model 3 Long Range produces instant, violent acceleration. The dual-motor all-wheel drive setup catapults the car from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds without a hint of tire slip or a single gear change. Passing maneuvers on two-lane highways require nothing more than a momentary flex of the right foot. The Model 3’s center of gravity sits extremely low beneath the passenger floorboards, creating flat cornering dynamics and sharp directional changes.

The Lexus IS 350 F Sport tells a different story on a winding back road. Generating 311 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, the rear-wheel drive IS 350 hits 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while the all-wheel drive variant does it in 5.7 seconds. Yet the stopwatch does not capture the chassis balance. Developed at the Shimoyama test track under the brand's unified tuning philosophy, the IS features a stiffened chassis structure, lightweight coil springs, and forged aluminum suspension arms. The car communicates road imperfections through the rim of the steering wheel with genuine weight and progressive resistance. You work for the speed, braking late and holding gears through the paddle shifters, which rewards disciplined driving technique.