its marketing fluff for people who dont know much better tbh. the identity of the camry is the practical sedan that lasts forever without paying up for a lexus

My first thought was not wanting to compete with the Lexus IS 350, but there’s a > $10,000 price difference, and the Lexus is marketed as more of a sporty luxury car.

nah the IS competes with 3 series and that ilk. camry is much more on the practical side and wins price wise.