Lexus IS 250C SE-L
What is it?
A COUPE-CONVERTIBLE version of the Lexus IS 250 saloon, the luxury maker’s sports saloon range aimed directly at the BMW 3-Series. Called the IS 250C, Lexus claims the three-part metal roof is the world’s fastest folding. There are two grades: SE-I and the car tested here, SE-L with an on the road price of £40,200.
What’s hot?
- The sheer class of the beautifully built and executed interior
- Direct steering gives positive feedback
- Tight turning circle for easy city driving
- Firm suspension is supple enough to cope with most bumps
- Super smooth V6 engine mated to super smooth autobox
- Push button start up with auto driving wheel presentation…
- …which also retracts the wheel when you stop and want to get out
- Has a neat party trick when you start the engine…
- …White speedo and rev needles spin around on blacked-out dials
- Automatic open and close roof at the push of a button
- Metal roof provides coupe-like quiet in cabin
- Vast array of standard equipment and standard safety kit
- Front seats provide both heated and cooling facility
- ‘Smart’ climate control senses closed or open roof…
- …and delivers warming air volumes accordingly
What’s not?
- Boot has to be arranged before you can lower roof…
- …and with roof down badly robs otherwise good boot area
- Awkward ‘humped’ styling of rear deck
- Boot is stiff to close, doors heavy
- Engine is lovely but fuel consumption less so
- Rear view is restricted so standard park assist monitor vital
- Inevitably, with roof down, you feel some chassis shudder
- Americanisms abound: ‘hood’ for bonnet; ‘trunk’ for boot
What you need to Know?
P11D Value: | 39, 930 |
Monthly Rental*: | 695 (CH)/£817 (PCH) |
Tax Band when posted: | 31% |
Monthly BiK: | 206 (20%)/£413 (40%) |
Engine: | 2.5-litre V6 |
CO2 Emissions: | 219g/km |
Power/torque: | 205bhp/252Nm |
Economy: | 30.4mpg |
Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.