First Impressions
Out of all the outstanding vehicles built by Lexus, the IS (view photos) line is the sportiest, best looking and soul stirring. I was concerned when I caught wind of a convertible entering the line a while back. Often, when cars are made into convertibles, they gain weight, loose rigidity and tend to handle poorly. Of this, I am delighted to say I had nothing to fear. The new Lexus IS 250C and 350C are dynamic, attractive and superb driving machines.
The Lexus IS 250C and 350C (which shares just about everything with the exception of engines) have something rather unique to Lexus—soul. Normally, a Lexus is so completely filled with electronics, gizmos and wiz-bangs that the overall driving experience “feels” more digital vs. analog. In other words, the feel is more video-game-like. Precise, but less tactile.
Not so with the IS line as they impart good feel and enough sensations at the seat of the driver’s pants to create a great bond with the vehicle. This feel and packaging competes directly with the BMW 3 series, Infiniti G convertible or Audi A4.
Styling of the Lexus IS convertibles is smooth and strong while maintaining a close family resemblance. The front looks like a regular IS sedan while the (very) long flanks, high shoulders and dual-headrest lumps blend smoothly to the heavy rear. The overall look is purposeful and lacks the playfulness of other convertibles, which works well for a company like Lexus.
Top up or down, the new Lexus IS convertible makes a stunning, powerful statement. Although the trunk area is downright massive, soft shaping and a rather brilliant (and subtle) double hump leading back from the rear seat hoops adds potent visual interest. Still, it is a big rear—bigger looking than competitors’.
The hardtop convertible system is whisper quiet and takes about 20 seconds to fold or unfold. Use it (as I did) in front of a bunch of school kids and watch their faces light up as they watch a real “Transformer” move and bend before their eyes (the roof has 15 electric motors).
Pricing, Trims and Options
The 2.5 liter Lexus IS 250C manual has a base price of $38,940 and comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. The regular Lexus IS 250C with a 6-speed, automatic transmission has a base price of $40,110 and the 3.5 liter Lexus IS 350C’s base price is $44,390.
Some of the popular options include:
- Navigation system/Mark Levinson® Premium Audio System Package which comes with a desperately needed, integrated backup camera ($4,015)
- Heated/ventilated front seats with perforated leather trim ($1,040)
- The ($1,500) Dynamic Cruise Control is not available in the manual 250C
- The Initiative Parking Assisting system costs $500.
Popular performance upgrade options include:
- F-Sport™ 19-in Forged Alloy Wheels ($2,196)
- F-Sport performance air intake ($455)
- F-Sport performance exhaust system ($1,470)
- F-Sport performance front brake upgrade ($3,025)
- F-Sport performance rear brake upgrade ($2,550)
- F-Sport shock absorber set ($740)
- F-Sport lowering spring set ($299)
- F-Sport sway bar ($495)
Interior Features
All Lexus IS variants have superbly crafted interiors. The convertible models have form-fitting seats that may be a bit tight for large-bodied people(at 250 lbs and 6’2” I was comfortable as long as I had not just eaten). Rear seat space is virtually non-existent. While I was able to squeeze in a child and infant seat, the driver and front passenger seats had to move so far forward that my chest was nearly touching the steering wheel.
This is a convertible, after all. If you’re looking for a family vehicle, look elsewhere.
The center console has a sliding armrest, storage bin, USB and mini-jack input, as well as an accessory outlet. There is a second drink-holder inside the armrest storage bin, which is a plus given the lonely, folding cup-holder located south of the shifter.
Both driver and front passenger seats have three memory settings.
Optional heated and cooled perforated front seats are a major plus in a vehicle that’s a lot more fun to drive with the top open. Even on a chilly late fall Colorado afternoon I was able to crank up the heated seats for some top-down driving fun. I was very comfortable.
Controls are top quality, although I was not a fan of the navigation/multimedia touch screen since my fingerprints made smudges that were noticeable when the IS was shut down. Simple, metallic-like plastic accents were tastefully laid out in the interior. Every touchable surface felt high quality and seemingly expensive.
Convertible controls are essentially all managed within one rocker-like switch on the left-hand side of the driver. When actuated (you have to hold it down until the roof is finished moving) a digital representation of the Lexus is displayed on a small center screen. A growing line shows progress of the top’s movement. When the movement is completed, an audible beeping tone is sounded. It’s pretty cool and completes the process in XX seconds.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
The 2010 Lexus IS convertibles have not been rated at the time of this writing. The 2010 Lexus IS sedan’s score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is: 4-stars for frontal driver crash rating, 4-stars for frontal passenger rating, 5-stars for side driver rating, 4-stars forthe side rear passenger rating and 5-stars for 2-wheel-drive rollover rating.
This is a new model that has many components from previous IS models. Lexus’ past reliability and quality is superb.
The Basic Warranty coverage is for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Wheel alignment and balancing are covered for 12 months or 20,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The Powertrain Warranty is for 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever comes first. Corrosion coverage is 6 years/unlimited miles.