2015 Lexus IS 250/350: The Brand’s Sporty Looking Entry-Level Sedan
Highlight: The IS offers a 2-door hardtop convertible, which is known as the IS-C.
Test vehicle’s MSRP: $37,485 (IS250 Base Price $43,715)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: airbags; LED daytime running lights; fog lamps; ABS; electronic brake distribution; a brake assist system; a traction control system; a first aid kit; and Lexus’ Enform Safety Connect System (automatic collision system, collision notification system, emergency assistance and enhanced roadside assistance)
Standard Equipment: 17-inch wheels; steering wheel mounted paddle shifters; a manually-operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; dual chrome exhausts; push-button keyless ignition starter system; an automatic rear view mirror; power front seats; pseudo-leather; and a power sunroof
Options On IS 250 Review Model:
IS 250: 18-inch wheels; LED headlamps; rain sensing wipers; auto dimming exterior mirrors with reverse auto feature; leather interior; heated and ventilated front seats; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; driver’s seat memory (mirrors and steering column); blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert system; a navigation system, a rear back up camera; parking assist aids; trunk mat; cargo net; and wheel locks
Suspension System: double wishbone (front); mult-link (rear)
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker, 293-watt AM/FM/HD/CD with satellite radio
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 4 years or 50,000 mile warranty
Powertrain Warranty: 6 years or 70,000 mile warranty
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 6-cylinder/204-hp
Recommended Fuel: Premium
Standard Fuel Mileage: 21-city/30-hwy
What’s New: The exterior design is unchanged for the model year. Tweaks have been made inside the vehicle. The entry-level premium compact sedan offers a more sports-like instrument gauge similar to that found on the brand-new RC coupe, when the F-trim package is selected. A heated steering wheel is available for all-wheel drive models. And for the first time, vehicles equipped with the F-Sport package now include ventilated front seats.
Pros: The sporty designed IS is a solid built four-door luxury, compact sedan that is available with two powertrains: a rear-wheel drive configuration and an all-wheel drive configuration. Whether one opts for the 2.5-liter engine or the larger 3.5-liter engine, both are quite adequate. However, for approximately $2,500 more, one can get an extra 102 horses by stepping into IS350, while only losing 2-mpg.
And like all Lexus vehicles, the IS is available with a number of high-tech safety driving aids: a rear camera with a cross-traffic alert system, blind spot mirrors and a radar-activated cruise control system.
Moreover, the maze of information available through the instrument gauges and the infotainment screen, which can be accessed by either using a mouse-like application or the touch screen, are both helpful and easy-to-use.
The IS also can be accessorized with a high-end 15-speaker audio system. We did find the standard audio system to be more than adequate for the IS we reviewed.
Lastly, for those seeking a more sports oriented vehicle in either the IS250 or IS350, they can opt to add-on the F-Sport package, which includes larger brakes, a sports tuned suspension system, a modified grille (and taillights); an intake sound generator; a black headliner; aluminum sports pedals; and F-sport badging throughout the vehicle. This package runs between $3,200 to $3,400, depending upon the model selected.
Cons: The IS luxury, compact sedan has a higher starting price point than two of the newest entries in the segment, the Audi A3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA, which both have starting prices near $30,000. Along with the price, this compact’s interior space leaves minimum legroom for rear occupants. In fact, when the IS AWD is selected, the driver’s side legroom is severely limited, too, as a result of a lack space due to the engineering design.
Furthermore, it’s shocking that Lexus has a 6-cylinder engine that produces less horsepower and mpg than many of today’s more powerful and fuel-efficient 4-cylinder turbos. It’s time for Lexus to follow the crowd, offering a fuel-efficient turbo that doesn’t require premium fuel.
Lastly, it’s too bad the IS isn’t available with a manual transmission. This would be great for the F-sport package, heightening the fun-to-drive factor. While the design is sporty, many critics won’t say the same for the performance, especially when the F-package is added on the slower IS250 model. In our eyes, that just doesn’t make sense to us, especially when the goal is to emphasize performance, which the IS250 lacks, when compared to the IS350.
Verdict: The solid built IS is a worthy luxury contender in the growing compact, luxury segment. Unlike some of the competitors in the segment, it has a proven track record in the quality arena. The IS also offers a number of luxury and high-tech amenities that easily reminds one that they are buying a Lexus. Furthermore, Lexus even offers their pseudo-version of a high-performance vehicle, with the F-package. While it’s not Caddy’s V-package, BMW’s M-package or the Mercedes-Benz’s AMG package, it’s still a worthy start for a brand that is trying to drive more toward the lane of BMW, offering a more engaging driving experience in a luxury brand.
Competition: Audi A3; BMW 2-Series; Cadillac ATS; Infiniti Q40; and Mercedes-Benz CLA
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Jeff Fortson is an auto analyst and editor of a car-buying website for women and minorities. To learn more about his popular car-buying workshop and/or to price a new-vehicle, drive on over to www.JeffCars.com. Follow him on Twitter/JeffCars.
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