The IS has an unmistakable body with a wide, squat rear end and a body-line that muscles forward and swoops toward the vertical-slat grille. It’s suggests potency, and one glance from any angle shows that the IS means business. Its exciting presence is undeniable anywhere it goes, and it grabbed attention like machines costing twice as much money.
Interior
Just like the exterior, it’s all luxury-sport inside. There are powered leather seats flanked by a wood-trimmed centre console which flows upward into a tall centre stack. Metallic accenting adds flare, and a six-speed gear lever takes centre stage.
The instruments are beautiful, and so are the controls, the materials and the build quality. A sense of pride oozes from every inch of the IS 250′s interior.
Completing the package is a mighty stereo system, one of the best in recent memory. There’s a sunroof overtop too- which when coupled with the nighttime LED mood lighting adds up to a magical experience.
Entry and exit are reasonably easy, though the interior is just a touch too small. Headroom is only adequate, and the rear seats are just for the youngins. It feels more coupe like up front- no doubt a plus for smaller drivers, but not this one.
Additionally, at-hand storage is limited, and neither cupholder offers a really great place to leave your Mocha Latte without hitting it while shifting gear.
The overall beauty and style make up for these shortfalls- as long as you aren’t significantly larger than average.
Gadgets, gadgets everywhere
Every car can be had with power leather seats and a CD player, but it’s the rarer features which help to differentiate a model from its competition, and the IS 250 is full of themLittle electronic doodads to amuse are scattered throughout the car. Keyless access means leaving a small fob in your pocket then accessing the vehicle without ever using a key. Push a button to fire up the engine, and amaze your friends who will all think it’s really slick.
Drivers can program ring-shaped indicators on the speedometer and tachometer to light up at certain speeds and revs too.
Useful?
Not really, but neat to watch.
There is electronic tire pressure monitoring, a “snow mode” for the electronic throttle system which makes it harder to surprise the rear tires, and even ventilated front seats.
The Drive
Underhood is a 2.5 litre V6 engine with 204 horsepower. That puts the IS 250 into the excitement ballpark of an Acura TSX or BMW 323- so it’s swift though not particularly fast. The engine sounds delicious when pushed, and power delivery is very liquid and smooth.
The six-speed manual gearbox is an ideal match for the engine, though its throws and feel are less than you might expect from such a machine. The clutch is light and forgiving, though precise as well- showing off the IS’s well-balanced intentions.
It’s perhaps the perfect balance of power and performance that impress the most. IS 250 has enough power to quicken the pulses of all but seasoned performance veterans, though all the while it’s pleasantly fuel efficient- using about 11L/100km in the city when pushed and 8L/100km on the highway.
While there, the ride is quiet and comfortable, with more than enough tightness and rigidity dialed into the suspension to remind drivers of its sporty demeanor.
The car changes direction and brushes off speed with urgency thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, razor-sharp steering and powerful, exceptionally precise brakes.
Have it your way!
Another plus, the IS carries several premium-sedan must-have options. You can order one with AWD- just like a BMW or Audi. A larger engine is available with a 306 horsepower punch for drivers after more jam. There’s an upcoming ultra-high performance offering too. BMW has their M3, Audi has their S4 and RS4, and next year, the Lexus IS F will debut with a “400+ horsepower V8″.
Sounds like the perfect cut-price alternative to a German machine!
Not quite. For one, the electronic throttle system is frustrating. It feels too artificial and makes it more difficult to rev-match downshifts or heel-and-toe. Compared to the response from the steering and brakes, the throttle feels like its out to lunch.
The electronic stability control cannot be disengaged completely either, and should you experience even a small skid, the machine jams on the brakes and beeps at you, which gets old quickly.
Conclusion
If it’s stunning looks, an incredible cabin and some serious fun-to-drive hardware your looking for, the IS 250 delivers. It plays the same game as the big boys but doesn’t have to pay homage to many decades of heritage with its design and looks- so it’s just a bit funkier, cutting edge and fun in the styling department. Throughout a week of testing, the IS 250 proved a terrific partner for entertaining, economical and luxurious driving thrills.