2011 Lexus IS250 AWD - First Drive

2011 Lexus IS250 AWD

When the IS came out in 1998, tuners and ricers were all over it. It was the ideal tuner sedan that most people have been looking for from Lexus. Then in 2005, the IS went through a makeover. It wasn't as ricey or tuney as it used to be. It became a true luxury sports sedan with increased power and prestigious presence. It even posed as a threat to the BMW 3-series. Now, in 2011, the IS is back with more luxury and more curves than ever before and I got a first-hand look into it to see if it's tick.

Side View

I drove the IS250 AWD model with a 2.5-liter V6 engine producing only 204 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in 8.3 seconds on its way to a limited top speed of 131 MPH. Gas mileage stands at an average 22 MPG with a certified Ultra-Low Emissions Rating. This all might not sound like much, but let's not forget that this is the redesigned IS. Lexus probably incorporated some tweaks to make this car stand out.

Interior View

And they have. The new IS features an updated interior with stuff that you'll find in a Range Rover or an Aston Martin. For example, heated and ventilated seats are now available on all IS models including the one I drove in Edison. Other features include a 6-speed paddle-operated gearbox, an electronic parking brake, an updated media console, a push-button start, and other new features including an interesting HDD Navigation System. Say you're stuck in a jam and have no idea where the nearest Wendy's is. There is an exciting new feature in which you can call Lexus directly from the car, ask them where the nearest Wendy's is, and update the information into your Nav screen. Combine this with XM NavTraffic and XM NavWeather, and you'll always know where you're going.

Face-to-Face

Ok, let's leave features aside and get on to the driving. Normally, most Lexus's have very, very loose steering. For example, I once drove the old Lexus GX470. It felt like driving a car using shoelaces. With the IS, though, it's like driving a car with a stiff rubber band. The steering is tight and sharp. If you want to go left, the car will take you left. If you want to go right, the car will go right. Mix this with All-Wheel Drive and you've got yourself one hell of a grip car. I tested the steering in Edison and found out that it will it is very useful when doing some high-speed maneuvering through heavy traffic. Though I don't encourage this at all, if you are a Transporter or a James Bond, you may want to look into this car. The IS is also perfect when you want to get out of the city and on to the country road. These roads make it perfect for sport mode, which tightens everything up (gearbox, suspension, steering) giving you more punch and more handling in the corners.

Perfect Transporter Color

With prices starting at $32,645, the IS seems more valuable than the 3-series. But, let's not forget the 3 features more stuff standard than the IS and has a more powerful engine. But, let's give the car credit. It did give the 3 a run for its money.