2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 15:44
The Lexus IS 250 C comfortably crosses the streets. Apart from a clumsy engine, the convertible from the noble subsidiary of Toyota offers maximum comfort when sunbathing.
By Holger Holzer
Hustle and bustle is alien to the convertible driver. Where others race doggedly along the motorways, he relaxed up and down the country road. The perfect companion is the Lexus IS 250 C, the luxurious quiet step among the open mid-range cars. The relaxed noble Toyota with six-cylinder gasoline engine costs from 49,650 euros.
Slim proportions
The premium subsidiary of the world's largest automobile manufacturer is responsible for fun and emotion in the vehicle range. Where the parent brand Toyota has home cooking like Auris, Avensis and Yaris in its program, Lexus is setting a counterpoint with the IS series. The latest addition to the fast V8 version IS F is the convertible IS C. The key data: four seats, a foldable hardtop and plenty of high-tech equipment.
Externally, the 4.64 meter long middle class is relatively slim for a steel roof convertible. The often pudgy rear of such models is also well concealed here. When closed, the IS C even looks like a chic coupé at first glance. Otherwise, the Japanese is inconspicuously elegant, the big appearance is not his thing.
Poor trunk
The space in the interior is good, the front is pleasantly draft-free even with the roof open. The back seats are naturally a bit narrower and more drafty. The trunk is rather puny, which holds 420 liters with the roof closed, but shrinks to 165 liters with the hood open. Even in the group of metal roof convertibles, that is not much.
The open four-seater with a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with an output of 153 kW / 208 hp is on the move. Coupled with a gentle six-speed automatic, the vacuum cleaner works smoothly and rather comfortably. Anyone who expects biting draft and performance similar to a sports car will be disappointed. 9.0 seconds are required for the sprint to 100 km / h, the top speed is reached at 210 km / h.
Wellness flair in the interior
The consumption values are less restrained. The manufacturer specifies 9.3 liters, in practice it is a good ten liters - many competitors are much more frugal despite the higher performance. Since the tame six-cylinder is the only engine in the range, the IS C as a whole is a car for the leisurely pace. This also fits the very comfortable handling of the rear-wheel drive vehicle.
The interior is also based on the wellness flair of the engine and chassis. Lots of leather, chic materials and very good workmanship create a feel-good atmosphere. A whole armada of comfort features such as CD changer, automatic climate control and heated leather seats are part of the standard equipment. The latter two are so efficient that the roof can be opened even in the cold season without the risk of catching a cold.
Extensive equipment as usual
Among other things, six airbags, active headrests and parking beeps at both ends of the vehicle ensure safety. A cruise control with a distance warning system can be ordered for an additional charge, which activates all safety systems in the event of an impending collision. The extensive equipment that is familiar from the brand puts the proud price of almost 50,000 euros into perspective. Competitors like the BMW 3 Series Convertible are available with comparable driving performance from 38,700 euros, the Audi A5 Convertible with a fabric roof costs from 37,600 euros. The G 37 convertible from Nissan premium brand Infiniti, comparable in terms of equipment, costs 50,800 euros, but with 320 hp has significantly more power under the hood.
The bottom line is that the Lexus IS C suffers from its temperamental engine and the very small luggage space. Beyond these weak points, however, the Japanese can score with relaxed glider qualities and a high level of comfort. (mid)
