It was just a matter of time before Lexus brought a hardtop convertible into the stable. We’re glad that the folks at Lexus decided to build the 2011 Lexus IS250 Convertible and once you drive this luxury open air car, you will appreciate the little things that make the experience memorable.
Exterior
The deep, Matador-red paint of the 2011 Lexus IS250C we had delivered for testing had an elegant but sporty look, with 17-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels and dual chrome exhaust tips. At first glance it’s hard to distinguish that the 2011 Lexus IS250 Convertible is actually a convertible as the power retractable, aluminum alloy convertible top looks like a natural hard top. That’s quite an accomplishment, but when it’s a Lexus we expect the best. When the top comes down, the pop-up rear rollover bars stand out and express a sense of sporty freedom that changes the complexion of the 2011 Lexus IS250 Convertible. The front end is classic IS250 with sleek headlamps and aerodynamic design.
Interior
There is no doubt that the interior of the 2011 Lexus IS250 C has been studied and crafted for both luxury and performance drivers. Our test model was loaded with a three-spoked, leather-trimmed steering wheel with paddle shifters, leather sport seats, Lexus Premium Sound System with 8 speakers and automatic sound levelizer. The navigation system with Mark Levinson Premium Audio pumped 270 watts through 12 speakers and included a DVD-CD changer. The center stack boasted a hard disk driver navigation system, back up camera, Lexus Enform with destination assist. The XM Navigation Traffic system was very user friendly. When you look to the back of the interior, seating space is adequate and pretty much what you’d expect from a coupe. The overall cabin in the 2011 Lexus IS250 C is extremely comfortable and the fit and finish are at the high level we have come to expect from this luxury maker. Both the high-end leather seats and the steering wheel stood out after spending time in the 2011 Lexus IS250 C. Trunk space was fine, but when the hardtop came down there wasn’t a whole bunch of space to be used.
Performance
The 2011 Lexus IS250 Convertible we tested was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission which played a big role in what I would describe as a “smooth as silk” ride. The 2.5-liter DOHC, 24-valve V6 Dual VVt-i sported 201 horsepower and 185 lbs of torque and delivered adequate excellaration with great handling. The double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension provided a ride that felt in control at all times and just gobbled up the bumps in the road. The overall performance of the 2011 Lexus IS250 Convertible was somewhere between a sports car and luxury car and left us very satisfied. The power retractable, aluminum alloy convertible top opened with the touch of a button and, as you can imagine, totally changed the driving experience. Fuel economy in our automatic transmission 2011 Lexus IS250C came in at 21mpg city and 30 mpg in highway driving, which is right in the sweet spot of the entry level luxury market.
Overview
Whenever you get into a Lexus vehicle, expectations are always high. The 2011 Lexus IS250 C is for those looking for value luxury. When you throw in the hardtop convertible this car changes from mostly business to very sexy! Our media loaner stickered out at $46,087 and was pretty much loaded to the hilt. When you throw in superior Lexus customer service and vehicle quality history it’s no wonder the 2011 Lexus IS250 C is doing well at the car dealerships. Lexus really understands how to design their seats, which are both stylish and fit like a glove. That overall feel extends to the ever smooth and high-end steering wheel. Yes, when we’re that intrigued by even the steering wheel you know we liked the car.
