Overview

The new Lexus IS 250C is equipped with the same engine as the IS 250 saloon, a 205bhp 2.5-litre direct-injection V6 petrol unit matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual paddle shift control.

The coupe/convertible uses the proven double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension design from the IS saloon, giving a sporty, agile driving experience. Significant chassis revisions have been made to provide greater ride comfort suitable for a convertible, and to achieve consistent dynamic performance, roof up or roof down.

Numerous body structure changes, bracing and reinforcements improve collision strength and offers greater torsion rigidity, minimising cowl shake and optimising chassis control. The IS 250C also has the world’s fastest deploying three-part metal folding roof, which means owners can enjoy quiet, turbulence-free top-down motoring with the minimum fuss. The car combines the superior ride quality, responsive handling and excellent NVH characteristics of the IS saloon with the elegance, comfort and refinement of a convertible.

The car is equipped with the highest active and passive safety technology in its segment, including Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM), incorporating Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) that is tuned for an open-top car. SE-L versions feature Lexus’s Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) systems.

Power and performance -2.5 Litre V6 Petrol Engine

The chain-driven, double overhead cam, 24-valve 2,500cc V6 Dual VVT-i petrol engine is compact and lightweight, with an aluminium die-cast cylinder block and intake manifold and a resin intake chamber.

Using direct injection, it has a high, 130-bar injection pressure and develops 205bhp at 6,400rpm and 252Nm of torque at 4,800rpm. Acceleration from nought to 62mph takes 9.0 seconds and the car’s top speed is 130mph with 30.4mpg combined cycle fuel consumption and 219g/km CO2 emissions.

Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing – intelligent) control of both the intake and exhaust valves supports strong and efficient engine performance. The layout of the stainless steel exhaust system has also been modified to accommodate the car’s extra under-body bracing without compromising the exhaust note or back pressure performance.

Transmission

The six-speed automatic transmission has a sequential range selection mode, operated using paddle controls mounted on the steering wheel. Gear range selection can also be made using the gear lever. With faster downshift times than in fully automatic mode, it gives the option of greater driver involvement and the chance to fully exploit the car’s dynamic abilities. An artificial intelligence (AI-SHIFT) control automatically changes the shift pattern according to road conditions and individual driving style.

Air Conditioning and cabin comfort

The IS 250C’s electronic climate control is configured for top-down motoring, improving the consistency of cabin temperature and comfort. The system automatically adjusts the air outlets, temperature and airflow, with airflow volume changing in line with outside temperature and vehicle speed; temperature control additionally takes the amount of sunlight into account.

The air intake is isolated from the engine compartment to reduce engine noise intrusion. An automatic air recirculation mode, linked to NOx detection, prevents exhaust gases from entering the cabin. There is also an air filter with a deodorising active carbon layer, which filters dust, pollen and small particles from the airflow, while simultaneously removing unpleasant smells. A switchable, face-vent pollen removal filter works with 97 per cent efficiency in removing airborne allergens.

Audio and Navigation

Both the standard, eight-speaker, 246W premium sound system and the 12-speaker 365W Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system featured in multi-media option models, feature a new equaliser setting to ensure consistent audio quality whether the roof is up or down, and automatically adjusting to the natural loss of bass when the roof is stowed.

Both systems are DAB-ready, with DAB tuners available as an accessory, or fitted as standard with the Mark Levinson system. USB and audio jack plugs are also provided for fully controlled use of portable music players and Bluetooth is provided for mobile phone connectivity with an audio streaming function.
When integrated with the Lexus Navigation System’s 40GB Hard Disc Drive (HDD), the Mark Levinson system benefits from a 10GB sound library for storing music files ripped from CD.

The new navigation system covers the whole of Europe, including traffic information infrastructure for each country. The voice recognition function has been upgraded and the menu can be operated in 14 languages.

Models available

The new IS 250C will be available in two core models: SE-I and SE-L.
Key features of the SE-I model include six airbags, Vehicle Integrated Dynamics Management (VDIM), front and rear parking sensors, automatic windscreen wipers, eight-speaker premium audio system, six-CD changer, USB and Aux-in sockets, Bluetooth, smart keyless entry and push-button start, cruise control, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear view mirror, electric folding and heated door mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels and aluminium sports pedals.

The SE-L versions add auto-dimming door mirrors, illuminated scuff plates, semi-aniline leather upholstery, front seats with integrated heating and ventilation, High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (I-AFS), HDD-based satellite navigation and Rear Park Assist Monitor.

The SE-I can be ordered with Lexus’s new HDD-based satellite navigation system, which comes with a Rear Park Assist Monitor. The SE-L can be upgraded which includes the HDD navigation, Rear Park Assist Monitor and a 12-speaker Mark Levinson 5.1 Surround Sound audio system, plus smart card entry, Pre-Crash Safety (PCS) system and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).

The new Lexus IS 250C will serve as a flagship model for the IS range in the UK, strengthening Lexus’s reputation for design and innovation. Its target customers will be men and women, typically with grown-up families, who want a second car for the household that has style, prestige and a “fun factor”, but which doesn’t compromise comfort or convenience. Lexus car leasing pricing is available on all Lexus models now.