Tight cockpit
As with most luxury compact sedans, you can't really drop yourself into an IS; you climb down into it. Once in place, the transmission tunnel is fairly high and there is barely enough space for two cupholders.
The dashboard, like the one in the ES 350, boasts a one-piece, low-glare rubber top and high-quality materials compose the center stack and door panels, but the overall look is subtle rather than spectacular. Still, everything feels bank-vault tight, and the control layout is straightforward.
The rear-seat is pretty tight; two adults will fit snugly but three is almost unimaginable. Climbing in is a fairly easy task for grown-ups, but my children have a hard time setting foot inside, since the floor is pushed way forward compared to the door opening. The trunk is reasonably big, but the short deck makes for a narrow cutout.
Competition
Three option packages are offered on the IS 250, and all come with multi-adjustable, heated leather seats as well as 17- or 18-inch wheels and a sunroof. Most people will opt for the 6-speed automatic with manual mode, which costs an extra $1,600. The all-wheel drive version can also be fitted with a navigation system.
Here's what the competition offers to battle the IS 250:
Acura CSX, 155 hp, $26,990
BMW 323i, 200 hp, $34,900
Chrysler Sebring Limited, 189 hp, $29,595
Infiniti G37, 328 hp, $37,990
Lincoln MKZ, 263 hp, $36,499
Mercedes-Benz C230, 201 hp, $35,800
Saab 9-3, 210 hp, $36,255
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Touring, 170 hp, $29,495
Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TSI Highline, 200 hp, $31,800
Volvo S40 2.4i, 168 hp, $31,695
The IS 250's relatively low base price makes it a compelling choice against adversaries such as the Acura CSX, Chrysler Sebring and Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, base models from BMW and Mercedes are several thousands of dollars higher. The Volvo is about equal in size and price, but is a little less powerful. Audi should offer a front-wheel drive version of the A4 soon.
Conclusion
The IS 250 is the first rung on the Lexus ladder, and allows a greater number of people to access a luxury brand.
The IS isn't a sports car and there are lots of more amusing cars to drive for the price. But it embodies all of Lexus' virtues: it's solid, quiet, comfortable, a smooth operator, but is quite enjoyable. For many people, that's exactly what they're asking for, and they won't be disappointed.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
As with most luxury compact sedans, you can't really drop yourself into an IS; you climb down into it. Once in place, the transmission tunnel is fairly high and there is barely enough space for two cupholders.
The dashboard, like the one in the ES 350, boasts a one-piece, low-glare rubber top and high-quality materials compose the center stack and door panels, but the overall look is subtle rather than spectacular. Still, everything feels bank-vault tight, and the control layout is straightforward.
The rear-seat is pretty tight; two adults will fit snugly but three is almost unimaginable. Climbing in is a fairly easy task for grown-ups, but my children have a hard time setting foot inside, since the floor is pushed way forward compared to the door opening. The trunk is reasonably big, but the short deck makes for a narrow cutout.
Competition
Three option packages are offered on the IS 250, and all come with multi-adjustable, heated leather seats as well as 17- or 18-inch wheels and a sunroof. Most people will opt for the 6-speed automatic with manual mode, which costs an extra $1,600. The all-wheel drive version can also be fitted with a navigation system.
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| The rear-seat is pretty tight; two adults will fit snugly but three is almost unimaginable. |
Here's what the competition offers to battle the IS 250:
Acura CSX, 155 hp, $26,990
BMW 323i, 200 hp, $34,900
Chrysler Sebring Limited, 189 hp, $29,595
Infiniti G37, 328 hp, $37,990
Lincoln MKZ, 263 hp, $36,499
Mercedes-Benz C230, 201 hp, $35,800
Saab 9-3, 210 hp, $36,255
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Touring, 170 hp, $29,495
Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TSI Highline, 200 hp, $31,800
Volvo S40 2.4i, 168 hp, $31,695
The IS 250's relatively low base price makes it a compelling choice against adversaries such as the Acura CSX, Chrysler Sebring and Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, base models from BMW and Mercedes are several thousands of dollars higher. The Volvo is about equal in size and price, but is a little less powerful. Audi should offer a front-wheel drive version of the A4 soon.
Conclusion
The IS 250 is the first rung on the Lexus ladder, and allows a greater number of people to access a luxury brand.
The IS isn't a sports car and there are lots of more amusing cars to drive for the price. But it embodies all of Lexus' virtues: it's solid, quiet, comfortable, a smooth operator, but is quite enjoyable. For many people, that's exactly what they're asking for, and they won't be disappointed.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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