Reviewed by Susan Frissell, editor womenwithwheels.com
The 2014 Lexus IS 250 is one of the most enjoyable sport sedans out there today. Granted, BMW enthusiasts will challenge me on that, but I enjoyed driving this car more than I’ve enjoyed a sedan in ages. Granted the price tag is daunting, but if it’s your only car and you can
swing it, go for it.
The options on our IS 250 quicked added thousands to the MSRP of $38,000 price tag. The F Sport Package ($2,675) spiffs up the IS 250’s exterior with F Sport front bumper and spindle grille, LED headlamps-low and high beam, 18-inch F Sport split 5-spoke wheels, 225/40R18 in front and 225/35R18 in the rear. The interior is trimmed in TFT instrument cluster which very much resembles the digital gauges found in the LFA supercar: The IP in F Sport models features a Thin Film Transistor display that moves in concert with a sliding metallic-trimmed bezel and expands and retracts digital screens when information is accessed. This is cool to watch and really takes one into the high-tech world.
The Cluster IP display
Also available in this package are heated front F Sport seats, perforated leather: steering wheel and shift knob, seating and black headliner. On the performance side, the F Sport Package adds F Sport tuned suspension. Located in the center console is the Drive Mode Select which enables drivers to choose from a more responsive mode to efficient (ECO).The other option on our test IS 250 sedan was the Navigation Package ($2,085) and includes backup camera, remote touch interface, Lexus Enform with App Suite, Destination Assist and eDestination (1-year subscription), Lexus Insider, Voice Command, and HD radio with real-time traffic and weather.
Safety equipment abounds in this high-end sport sedan and includes Safety Connect with automatic collision notication, stolen vehicle location, emergency assist button (SOS) and enhanced roadside assistance (1-year subscription). Airbags number 10 and cover driver, front passenger: knee, side, rear side and rear curtain. The driver’s seat is equipped with 10-way power, 2-way lumbar and three levels of heated seats. The rear seats fold with 60/40 split, making the IS 250 somewhat functional! Not just good looking.
More so than in any time in memory, this writer really enjoyed motoring in the 2014 IS 250. Although possessing a somewhat small interior, this sport sedan is so much fun to drive and maneuver. We can’t imagine a large, tall person being very comfortable in the very comfortable and form-fitting Reccaro-type seats.
Two models of this sport sedan are available: both Base, one with rear-wheel-drive, the other all-wheel-drive. Our test vehicle came equipped with the all-wheel-drive making it a little easier to drive in Chicago’s winter temps and icy roads.
SPECS
MSRP: $38,485; total vehicle price $44,155; destination $910
Engine: 2.5-liter, V6, 24-valve DOHC Direct Injection, 204 hp., 185 lb. ft. torque
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, Electronic Control with Intelligence, FT all-wheel-drive (standard RWD)
Wheelbase: 110.2 in.
Length: 183.7 in.
Height: 56.3 in.
Width: 61 in.
EPA Fuel economy: 20/27 mpg.
Fuel tank capacity: 17.4 gal.
Tires: 225/45R17
Wheels: 17-inch aluminum
Warranty:48 mths/50,000-miles Basic; 72 mths/70,000-miles powertrain; 72 mths/unltd miles perforation corrosion; 48 mths/unltd miles roadside assisstance; 12 mths/10,000-miles maintenance
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