Elegant style and unparalleled quality set IS 250 apart
I had a business professor who often used to use the example of Lexus's original brand goal to illustrate his point during lectures. "They wanted to build a Mercedes, but for 30% less- simple. Look at them now."
The market has changed considerably since the inception of Toyota's premium marque or its champagne-glass balancing V6 engine. But it's certain that Lexus has carved a niche for themselves- and a look at their entry-level IS 250 will help to explain how.
A real looker
The IS has an unmistakable body with a wide, squat rear end and a body-line that muscles forward and swoops toward the vertical-slat grille. It's suggests potency, and one glance from any angle shows that the IS means business. Its exciting presence is undeniable anywhere it goes, and it grabbed attention like machines costing twice as much money.
Interior
Just like the exterior, it's all luxury-sport inside. There are powered leather seats flanked by a wood-trimmed centre console which flows upward into a tall centre stack. Metallic accenting adds flare, and a six-speed gear lever takes centre stage.
The instruments are beautiful, and so are the controls, the materials and the build quality. A sense of pride oozes from every inch of the IS 250's interior.
Completing the package is a mighty stereo system, one of the best in recent memory. There's a sunroof overtop too- which when coupled with the nighttime LED mood lighting adds up to a magical experience.
Entry and exit are reasonably easy, though the interior is just a touch too small. Headroom is only adequate, and the rear seats are just for the youngins. It feels more coupe like up front- no doubt a plus for smaller drivers, but not this one.
Additionally, at-hand storage is limited, and neither cupholder offers a really great place to leave your Mocha Latte without hitting it while shifting gear.
The overall beauty and style make up for these shortfalls- as long as you aren't significantly larger than average.
I had a business professor who often used to use the example of Lexus's original brand goal to illustrate his point during lectures. "They wanted to build a Mercedes, but for 30% less- simple. Look at them now."
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| The IS attracts attention. |
The market has changed considerably since the inception of Toyota's premium marque or its champagne-glass balancing V6 engine. But it's certain that Lexus has carved a niche for themselves- and a look at their entry-level IS 250 will help to explain how.
A real looker
The IS has an unmistakable body with a wide, squat rear end and a body-line that muscles forward and swoops toward the vertical-slat grille. It's suggests potency, and one glance from any angle shows that the IS means business. Its exciting presence is undeniable anywhere it goes, and it grabbed attention like machines costing twice as much money.
Interior
Just like the exterior, it's all luxury-sport inside. There are powered leather seats flanked by a wood-trimmed centre console which flows upward into a tall centre stack. Metallic accenting adds flare, and a six-speed gear lever takes centre stage.
The instruments are beautiful, and so are the controls, the materials and the build quality. A sense of pride oozes from every inch of the IS 250's interior.
Completing the package is a mighty stereo system, one of the best in recent memory. There's a sunroof overtop too- which when coupled with the nighttime LED mood lighting adds up to a magical experience.
Entry and exit are reasonably easy, though the interior is just a touch too small. Headroom is only adequate, and the rear seats are just for the youngins. It feels more coupe like up front- no doubt a plus for smaller drivers, but not this one.
Additionally, at-hand storage is limited, and neither cupholder offers a really great place to leave your Mocha Latte without hitting it while shifting gear.
The overall beauty and style make up for these shortfalls- as long as you aren't significantly larger than average.
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| Radio and HVAC controls are easy to operate. |