Current Lexus IS 250
Lexus sells the IS 250 in a single trim level, with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. For power, the 250 comes with a 2.5-liter V6 rated for 204 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Rear-drive models can be had with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic, while the AWD car is only available with the automatic.
The standard equipment list includes 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition/entry, power front seats, leather upholstery and a 13-speaker sound system. Major options include xenon headlights, heated/ventilated front seats, a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system, a navigation system and an F Sport package that includes a sport-tuned suspension and sport seats.
On the move, the Lexus IS 250 is smooth-riding and quiet but a bit light on emotion. Handling is secure and precise, particularly with the sport package fitted, but the IS never communicates with its driver the way a BMW 3 Series sedan does. Otherwise, the IS 250's dynamics are certainly on par with the other leading entry-luxury sedans. Acceleration is adequate for a car in this price range, but with 0-60-mph estimates falling around the 8-second mark, we'd hardly call it pulse-quickening.
Inside, the leather-lined Lexus IS 250 feels luxurious even in standard spec -- something that can't be said of many entry-level luxury sedans in this price range. Seat comfort and passenger room are excellent up front, but the backseat offers considerably less legroom than most competing luxury sport sedans do.
See also:
2011 Lexus RX 350
After a week test-driving the 2011 Lexus RX 350, a headline in the Wall
Street Journal's April 18, 2011, edition caught my eye: "Lexus Falls Behind
Rivals." The timing of this article wa ...
Floor mat
Use only floor mats designed specifically for vehicles of the same model
and model year as your vehicle. Fix them securely in place onto the carpet.
Fix the floor mat in place using
the retaining ...
But does it go?
With less horsepower on tap than its V8 rivals, the GS 460 won’t win
stoplight races. That hardly means that it’s a slouch, however, its eight-speed
automatic firing off quick shifts even when lef ...