The fiveseat IS 250 sedan and fourseat IS 250C convertible are Lexus' sporty competitors for the BMW 1-series and 3-series. Rearwheel drive is conventional, and allwheel drive is discretionary in the sedan. Challengers are the 328i and BMW 128i, Audi A4 and MercedesBenz C300.

New for 2013

The IS 250 is not offered with a stick shift, leaving only the automatic.

An extra Special Edition sedan that reaches dealerships November 2012 features F Sport frontend styling, 17inch wheels and 2 - tone leather upholstery.

The available navigation system features the most recent edition of App Suite smartphone and Lexus Enform communication system - program integration.

Outside

Lexus' LF-collection concept cars affected the IS 250's styling.

Exterior features include:

Standard 17inch alloy wheels
Optional 18inch alloy wheels
Optional xenon highintensity-discharge headlights
Optional rainsensing windshield wipers
Inside

Up-to five occupants can fit within the IS 250 sedan, although backseat is limited. Bright electroluminescent devices light up the dash.

The optional navigation system's voicerecognition applications sees casual-language instructions, and also the conventional stereo includes a USB port to better incorporate iPods or other MP3 players. Lexus' Enform service, integrated with the navigation program, can help in locating street addresses, restaurants and much more. It has a year of complimentary service; after this, you must pay a monthly subscription charge. Inside features include:

Dualzone automatic climate-control
Power moonroof
Manual tilt/telescoping steering-wheel (power variant optional)
Optional ventilated and heated front seats
Underneath the Hood

A sixspeed automatic transmission is common within the 250. The automatic's steeringwheel-mounted paddle shifters provide the driver additional engagement when preferred. Mechanical characteristics include:

204-hp, 2.5liter V-6 with 185 poundsfeet of torque
Doublewishbone front suspension
Multi-link rear suspension
Safety

Lexus' Safety Connect service, which immediately notifies authorities within the event of the crash, is conventional. Like Enform, a year's support is contained, but next you'll need to pay a subscription.

Alldisc antilock brakes
Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, that's meant to incorporate all systems to predict skids and respond quicker than an electronic balance program only
IS 250C

The IS 250C convertible features a retractable hard-top that Lexus says can function in only 21 seconds. The interior features antiglare gauges, plus climate and sound systems that automatically change their settings to pay for topdown sound and temperatures. Other security and luxurious features stay similar to all those to the IS 250 sedan. However, the IS 250C convertible isn't available with allwheel drive.