When you compare the Lexus IS to other sports-luxury compacts, such as the Cadillac CTS, the BMW 3-Series, the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, you'll notice something peculiar; it has a much lower base price.
That wasn't always the case, though. When the second-generation IS was rolled out for the 2006 model year, it has a base price of $36,300, which was more the base models of all the competitors mentioned above, except for the Mercedes. But this year, the rear-wheel drive IS 250 costs $32,350, which is much more affordable for those who want to step up to a luxury brand.
Unique powertrain
The IS 250's 2.5-litre V6 develops 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Think about it: there is no other Toyota or Lexus model sold in North America that offers this engine, and only the FJ Cruiser and Tacoma are available with 6 speeds in their manual gearbox. The term 'badge engineering' doesn't apply here.
The engine and tranny join forces to deliver 0-100 km/h times of 7.6 seconds, and fuel consumption is not that bad, averaging 10.3 L/100 km in our hands. The IS 250 lacks a little muscle, but honestly, for the everyday commute it's speedy enough.
The IS is arguably the sportiest car in Lexus' line-up, but it doesn't turn its back on ride quality. The car is sure-footed and confident, and its linear steering entices you to take curves a little faster, a little sharper. At 100 km/h, the small V6 is spinning at 2,600 rpm, but the cabin is pretty quiet nonetheless.
You can also get an IS 250 with all-wheel drive, which costs an extra $6,150 more and includes a mandatory automatic transmission. However, with a good set of winter tires, the rear-wheel drive IS is quite capable during the snowy season, since the car's stability-control system works very well. There is also a snow mode that be can switched on for more controllable launches on slippery surfaces.
That wasn't always the case, though. When the second-generation IS was rolled out for the 2006 model year, it has a base price of $36,300, which was more the base models of all the competitors mentioned above, except for the Mercedes. But this year, the rear-wheel drive IS 250 costs $32,350, which is much more affordable for those who want to step up to a luxury brand.
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| The IS 250 allows a greater number of people to access a luxury brand. |
Unique powertrain
The IS 250's 2.5-litre V6 develops 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Think about it: there is no other Toyota or Lexus model sold in North America that offers this engine, and only the FJ Cruiser and Tacoma are available with 6 speeds in their manual gearbox. The term 'badge engineering' doesn't apply here.
The engine and tranny join forces to deliver 0-100 km/h times of 7.6 seconds, and fuel consumption is not that bad, averaging 10.3 L/100 km in our hands. The IS 250 lacks a little muscle, but honestly, for the everyday commute it's speedy enough.
The IS is arguably the sportiest car in Lexus' line-up, but it doesn't turn its back on ride quality. The car is sure-footed and confident, and its linear steering entices you to take curves a little faster, a little sharper. At 100 km/h, the small V6 is spinning at 2,600 rpm, but the cabin is pretty quiet nonetheless.
You can also get an IS 250 with all-wheel drive, which costs an extra $6,150 more and includes a mandatory automatic transmission. However, with a good set of winter tires, the rear-wheel drive IS is quite capable during the snowy season, since the car's stability-control system works very well. There is also a snow mode that be can switched on for more controllable launches on slippery surfaces.
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| The IS 250's 2.5-litre V6 develops 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. |