If An M3 Is Too Obvious, Check Out This Used Lexus IS-F

As you may have seen from our recent video review (below), we’ve recently been rolling around in the new 471bhp Lexus RC-F. Given the relatively humdrum line-up peddled by Toyota’s luxury brand, it might seem strange for it to suddenly come out with a fire-breathing V8 coupe that takes on the BMW M4, but Lexus has previous when it comes to cars like this: the IS-F.

Sure, the V10-powered LFA may have been the one grabbing all the headlines, but this ‘roided-up IS was - and still is - an impressive beast. Using an earlier version of the same naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8 found in the RC-F, the IS-F is good for 417bhp.

0-62mph takes 4.9 seconds, and the top speed isn’t electronically-pegged at 155mph like its German rivals: the IS will go all the way to 168mph before hitting the ‘leccy buffers.

It’s not quite as sharp to drive as the E90 BMW M3, and like the RC F it’s lumbered with a bumbling eight-speed gearbox, but make no mistake, these are a credible alternative to the more obvious crop of German super saloons.

Interested? This one is up for £21,494, has a full service history and has done 48,500 miles.