The idea of an affordable luxury car might sound like an oxymoron. But take a spin in one of Lexus’ IS sedans and you’ll discover that brisk performance and desirable luxury features are no longer reserved for the super-rich.
The compact IS sedan is offered in two main variants, the IS 250 and IS 350. Under the hood, IS 250 models get a 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The IS 350 we tested was an absolute joy to drive, thanks to its 3.5-liter V-6 that sends a healthy 306 horsepower to the rear wheels via the quick-shifting automatic gearbox. The sport-tuned suspension produces above-average handling, though its slightly stiff ride quality may not every luxury sedan buyer’s cup of tea.
Step inside and you’ll find all the top-drawer amenities you’d expect, plus a wide range of upscale options including soft perforated leather upholstery and bird’s-eye maple trim, heated and ventilated front seats, a voice-activated navigation system, rearview camera, and power-operated rear window sunshade. The well-bolstered seats up front are comfortable, but back-seat passengers will find their quarters a little tight.
All of which leads us to conclude that A) the idea of “affordable luxury” in not a contradiction in terms, and B) the Lexus IS sedans deliver it in abundance.
Strengths:
Unique styling
Quality materials
Comfortable driving position
Weaknesses:
Cramped rear seat
Front seats may be too narrow for larger individuals
Bottom Line:
One of best alternatives to the BMW 3 Series we know of.
Pricing:
Base Price: $30,855
As Tested: $45,411
Safety Features:
Antilock disc brakes
Electronic stability control
Multi-stage front airbags
Side-impact airbags (front seats)
Knee airbags (front seats)
Side-curtain airbags (front/rear seats)
Pre-collision system
Tire pressure monitoring system
Crash Test Ratings:
NHTSA/Frontal: Four stars
NHTSA/Side: Five stars (driver); Four stars (rear passenger)
Six-speed manual|Six-speed automatic with manual shift feature
Wheels
17-inch alloy|18-inch alloy
Options
18-inch alloy wheels|Sport suspension|Xenon HID "adaptive" headlights|Power sunroof|Rain-sensing windshield wipers|Ultrasonic rear parking assist|Auto-dimming outside mirrors|Perforated leather upholstery|Heated/ventilated front seats|Wood interior trim|Memory feature for front seats/steering column|Power-adjustable tilt/telescoping steering column|Power rear window sunshade|Pre-Collision System|Adaptive radar cruise control|GPS navigation system|Rear back-up camera|Bluetooth cell phone compatibility|Premium Mark Levinson surround sound audio system with 14 speakers
Safety features
/*Antilock Brakes:*/|Standard|/*Electronic Stability Control:*/|Standard|/*Traction Control:*/|Standard|/*Multi-Stage front airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Impact Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Side-Curtain Airbags:*/|Standard|/*Active Front Head Restraints:*/|Not Available|/*Tire Pressure Monitor:*/|Standard
Standard features
/*IS 250:*/|2.5-liter V-6 engine|Six-speed manual transmission|Front foglights|LED taillights|Dual polished stainless steel exhaust tips|Power-adjustable, heated outside mirrors|Variable intermittent windshield wipers|Rear window defogger|Cloth upholstery|Automatic climate control with filter|Universal garage door opener|Keyless entry|Cruise control|Auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass display|Outside temperature display|Power windows|Power door locks|Floor mats|Tilt/telescope-adjustable steering column|Trunk pass-through|First aid kit|Tool kit|Premium 194-watt audio system with 13 speakers|Six-disc in-dash CD changer |Auxiliary audio input jack|/*IS 250 AWD Adds:*/|All-wheel drive|Six-speed automatic transmission |/*IS 350 Adds:*/|3.5-liter V-6 engine
Warranty
/*Bumper-to-bumper warranty:*/|4 years/50,000 miles|/*Powertrain warranty:*/|6 years/70,000 miles|/*Corrosion warranty:*/|6 years/Unlimited miles
