Lexus IS 250C Review & Road Test
Lexus is a showcase for pure determination. A company that has spent the last two decades fighting against all odds to take on the Germans in the luxury car market and in many respects convincingly winning. Its latest convertible is the Lexus IS 250C based on the popular IS 250.
Lexus’ previous attempt at a convertible was the SC430 which still retails at $165,000. The SC430 never really gained momentum in Australia so the IS 250C, although a very different type of car, is here to make up lost ground.
For a starting price of under $80,000 the Lexus IS 250C is competing directly against the likes of the Volvo C70, BMW 3 Series convertible and equivalent Audi and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
So how does the IS 250c rate against the onslaught of European contenders? Rather well actually. From the outside it exudes a sense of class that Lexus has become popular for. The overall shape is unmistakably a Lexus but makes do with sweeping lines generally found in coupes with the added visual appeal of a convertible.
The IS 250c is distinguishable form the front thanks to new elliptical fog light and air intake surrounds whilst the rear has had some major cosmetic surgery thanks to a unique sculpted ducktail boot lid and rear quarter panels. An all-new combination tail-lamp cluster featuring LEDs and two distinct horizontal lines finish off the rear.
Although looks are completely subjective, for me the IS 250C is a great evolution of the IS range which has now been around for some time. The transition to a convertible shape works rather well without being too out-there.
Whilst we eagerly await the arrival of the Lexus IS 350 (which will slot in nicely between the IS 250 and IS-F), the IS 250 range both in sedan and convertible variants are powered by a 2.5 litre, V6 petrol engine that puts out 153kW of power at 6400rpm and 252Nm of torque at 4800rpm. That means a 0-100km/h time of 9 seconds flat.
The powertrain is arguably the weakest link of the Lexus convertible, while it makes do with every bit of power and torque available (and sends it to the right end of the car), it does feel somewhat sluggish at times. Nonetheless it would be unfair to criticise the IS 250c for performance as that’s not what the convertible is all about.
If performance convertibles are your thing, you must check out the range from BMW (particularly at the 335i and M3), however if luxury, relaxed, open-air motoring at a very reasonable price is sounding more like your needs, the IS250c is the car for you.
What the IS250c lacks in power and driving dynamics, it certainly makes up for in features and interior luxury. There are three different variants of the Lexus convertible; Prestige ($79,900), Sports ($84,900) and Sports Luxury ($99,900). That leaves a relatively large $20,000 gap between the base model Prestige and the range-topping Sports Luxury.
The base model comes standard with a six-speed sequential transmission, six airbags, reversing camera with guide assist and Lexus’ unique VDIM stability control system (more on this later). Lexus’ touch screen satellite navigation and an seven-inch multi-information display, heated seats, electro chromatic rear vision mirrors, parking sensors and space saver spare are also all standard across the range.
The base model rides on 10-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels with Bridgestone 225/45 R17 tyres front and 245/45 R17 tyres rear.
Feature list aside, it’s more about look and feel that distinguishes the Japanese convertible. The interior is made up of soft plastics that feel great to touch and little features around the cabin such as the metallic shift paddles give a well-deserved up-market ambience.
Handling wise it does the job, it’s not floaty but it doesn’t give that sportcar feeling either.
Safety is paramount with every active safety feature you can think of. The Sports and Sports Luxury models even get Lexus’ radar Active Cruise Control (ACC) and the Lexus Pre-Collision System (PCS) which means you can set the cruise control to follow the car in front to a maximum speed and never worry about running into it. It will slow down and speed up all by itself.
Overall a great car for its market. Best to drive this head to head with the BMW 320d convertible before purchasing.
Karl Peskett :
Finished in Arctic Light Blue, our test car in Perth was also swathed in a light cream leather. An unusual colour combination, yes, but not a displeasing one. The light leather serves to give the impression of increased space inside, even if the rear seats are rather snug.
The main problem with the rear seats is access. To flip the front seat forward on every other convertible, the handle is on the outboard side of the front seats. However, Lexus, in its infinite wisdom, has seen fit to install the forward-flipper on the inboard side of the front seats.
This means getting in is a rather difficult affair (especially when the roof is up), as you have climb in, reach across the front seat to lift the lever, then climb out and then climb in to the back.
Once you’re in, it’s a lot easier to get out, as you can access the lever easily, but it’s no easier than if the lever was on the outer edge. Spending time in the back seats is not really a problem as they are very comfortable, but you’ll want to be of a light build – heavy set people won’t have enough shoulder room, as well as reduced foot room.
In the IS250 sedan, it’s often said that the engine is underpowered, and lacks personality. One of the benefits of being a chop-top, though, is aural access to engine noise. And let me tell you this engine actually sounds fantastic – a melodic assortment of timing gear whine, howling induction and rorty exhaust – and it’s only the 2.5-litre. Just wait until the 3.5-litre comes to Australia.
Sure, it lacks a little grunt and needs a fair prod of the loud pedal to get it moving anywhere, but if you’re after a highly involving, quick convertible, then I’d suggest you look to the German stables. The Lexus is a far more comfortable, relaxed, cruisy drive which is more suited to watching the scenery go by, rather than blurring the scenery at speed.
You see, if it’s quality you want, then the IS250C has got it in spades. Soft touch plastics, classy wood highlights and one of the best built cabins in the business – Lexus must be commended for putting out such an impeccable product.
Slipping into the ridiculously comfortable seats, you’ll find they’re heated and cooled, perfect for all temperatures. In fact, during our couple of weeks behind the wheel, there wasn’t a day (or night) that we didn’t feel comfortable. Despite temperatures that soared over 40 degrees, and then nights which slipped below 10 degrees, the IS250C kept us warm or cool, regardless of whether the roof was up or down.
And with its creamy-smooth six-speed automatic, coupled with a ride which defies the 18-inch wheels it sits on, it’s a pleasure to drive or be driven in. There’s even rear-wheel-drive and evenly weighted steering with a decent heft, for those who like to be connected to their car. Just don’t expect it to break traction at any point.
The Mark Levinson 12 speaker stereo is another evidence of Lexus’s quest to envelop its passengers in quality – it’s hard to find a clearer system in any convertible at this price point.
When you add it all up, and take a look at the standard features, the IS250C is one helluva good car. If you want something that won’t wobble like a Saab, is cheaper than a Merc or BMW and is better quality than a Volvo, then this will fit the bill perfectly.
Smooth, serene, calm, relaxed – I love it.
Damn, I must be getting old…
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating: 
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine: 2500cc V6
- Power: 153kW @ 6400rpm
- Torque: 252Nm @ 4800rpm
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- Brakes: Four-wheel discs
- Top Speed: 210km/h
- 0-100km/h: 9.0-seconds
- CO2 Emissions: 219g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 9.3-litres/100km (ADR combined)
- Fuel Consumption: 11.1-litres/100km (as tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 65-litres
- Fuel Type: 95RON petrol
- ANCAP Rating: N/A
- Airbags: Four
- Safety: ABS brakes with EBD and BA, plus ESP.
- Spare Wheel: Space-saver
- Suspension: Independent double wishbone (front)/Independent multi-link (rear)
- Cargo Capacity: 553-litres
- Tow Capacity: N/A
- Turning Circle: 10.2m
- Warranty: Four-years/100,000km
- Weight: 1730kg
- Wheels: 18-inch alloy with 225/40R18 tyres
How does it compare to the VW Eos?
And whats up with that picture of the dials?
Revs over 2000, no seatbelt on, in drive and on empty..
It’s in P actually not in D
The driver probably just started the car.
Bloody hell, the haters here. A good car for what it is, excellent interior and looks great. Comparing this to an MX-5 is stupid as they are completely different cars.
Good work Lexus.
What about scuttle shake or whatever it is. and you said you would get back to the unique ESP system but never did. Also I would like to know all of the differences between the base and top of the line models. Is there enough stuff in there to justify the $20,000 difference
Point me out if I am wrong. But from what I remember attending a car show, don’t you just press and hold the black button on the front seats’ seatbelt holder thing on the shoulder and it would release the seat locking mechanism electronically. (The button also slides the seat forwards electrically)
I believe The inside lever is for occasions like, when the rear passenger need to get off by them selves, when the driver is assisting passengers to get on board by folding down the seat for them, or in case of seat electric malfunction for whatever reason.
“The inside lever is for occasions like, when the rear passenger need to get off by them selves”
Teenagers and the porn industry will love this car then :lol:
You’re correct…the buttons can be seen in the photo labelled as No. 41
Regarding the front seat folding and sliding for rear occupants to get in, it is clearly visable on the picture taken by the writer that there are buttons to fold and slide the seat on the outer side of the seats. Seriously did they not know about the buttons? I dont know how you can miss them.
I also dont know if the IS350C is coming to Australia. From what I understand from the Lexus press release, there will only be a IS350 sedan. I hope I am wrong. Also wonder what the premium will be over the IS250 equivalents.
Excellent ride for the money, and loved the comfy leather seats – you can’t find plusher seats in even the new E class cabriolet. However that IS interior is getting a little retro, and I’m surprised it hasn’t been given at least a modest makeover prior to the convertible’s release. And space is a little tight in there (even for a convertible).
One of these with the 3.5 V6 would be great, Loving the Colour Combo, although The Floor/Boot Carpet needs to be a Darker Shade, looks like its Showing up the Dirt already…
It’s coming for the sedan. Not sure whether there will be a 3.5 v6 available for convertible.
yeah the 3.5 can’t come soon enough
fills the yawning gap between the 2.5 and the… ISF?
Please Lexus hurry up and bring in the 3.5
This seems to be a half decent deal when you look at the price of the competition, but 0-100 in 9 seconds? That’s about the same as a Prado. Absolutely woeful performance for 2010. In reality, that’s the main reason the SC430 never realy took off. It looks nice, pretty decent interior, reliable and cheaper than the competition (kind of) but no balls. People spending 80 grand and upwards in this catagory usually have some sort of performance benchmark, and this falls very, very short.
I gotta agree. Spending $80-100k on a convertible which does 0-100 in 9s seems a little odd. Sure its not about speed, but at that kinda money you’d like to be faster than the average falcadore.
And how much do you think you will be spending on a fully optioned BMW 320i four banger? That thing is even more slower, yet plenty of people buy it. Not everyone needs to very fast car.
Actually, it’s the same time. With 2 less cylinders.
Not sure about the IS250c, but the IS250 is significantly quicker than the 320i. I have one, and my next door neighbour has a 320i. We tried it out once and mine was significantly quicker. Didn’t time it or anything. Also roll on accelleration was significantly better in the IS250 as well. The 320i is quite a slug.
I wont deny that it is a very nice car, but if it was my money i would probably put it on the Mercedes or BMW
Well, you’d go the BMW if you wanted performance, but i dont think MB have a direct competitor for this. They dont have a C-Class Cabriolet
Despite the name, the E-class cab is really a C-class cab, just with some different mechanicals and features to justify it’s higher price. Anyway, with the C-class coupe recently announced, it is likely that a cabriolet version will follow.
I know, but naming wise, people think the E-Class Cabriolet is much bigger.
I’ve only looked at the Coupe and the Cabriolet is supposed to be identical – the E class does feel wider, and there seems to be a little more legroom at the back.
Hmm…i dunno, looks good from all the angles apart from the rear – kinda too Camry-y…nice car though
Just because Lexus’s parent is Toyota, is it? Well, Holden looks too much like Chevrolet to me.
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People who buy Lexus vehicles are not about how big the engine is under the hood, or how fast it gets them to the next set of lights. Those who are bagging this car before seeing it in the flesh and appreciate the Lexus quality is a dill. Stick to your Falcondores and Camrys and keep dreaming about owning a Lexus.
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So you are suggesting anyone not aspiring to hoon his/her car is superficial?
Not an attractive car at all… BMW 320d is a better buy.
But then again Lexus quality and service is impeccable.
I look forward to seeing the IS350 in Oz.
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Hell yeah. Lexus has earned its place amongst the highest of the high. When people think Lexus they think pure luxury, but when People think BMW, or MB they think Luxury Sports.So yeah Lexus is damned good enough to be up there with the best.
I can easily understand people would dream about owning a lexus, after all didn’t the Ford’s own CEO Alan Mulally call the Lexus LS430 the ‘finest car in the world’.
The real question why would anyone aspire/dream about owning a hsv/fpv falcadore, yet many people do!!
Well I am currently driving a BMW, and I can honestly say I dream about a car with a much plusher ride and less austere interior (BMW Individual notwithstanding) – ie Lexus or Benz. Having said that, the new runflats are supposed to be better.
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I have seen this car on the street a few times already. I have to say it looks just as nice as a Mercedez-Benz. Though the performance falls short, IS250 is also cheaper than their Mercedez-Benz counterpart.
When PPl compare cars from brands to brands. They should think about the price factor too. Many ppl praize BMW and MB and talk shit about jap cars when they can only afford a Hyundai, or worse a proton.
that white interior makes me wanna sleep in there
The tail lights look VERY Aurion to me.