2011 Lexus IS 250: What's New
Vehicle Overview
The IS 250 and 250C come with a 2.5-liter V-6; the IS 350 and its 3.5-liter V-6 are covered separately in the Cars.com Research section, as is the V-8 powered IS-F.
(Skip to details on the: IS 250C)
New for 2011
The IS 250 gets a new grille and front bumper for 2011. Automatic-transmission models gain a brake override system that reduces engine power when the brake and accelerator pedals are pressed at the same time. The optional pre-collision system and swiveling headlights are discontinued, and high-intensity-discharge headlights with LED daytime running lights are a new option for the sedan. On the convertible, the LED running lights are added to the HID option.
Exterior
Lexus’ recent LF-series concept cars influenced the IS 250’s styling. The company says the latest IS bears a strong family resemblance to its larger GS sport sedans. A long wheelbase and wide stance help give the IS 250 a muscular look.
Along with the new grille and front bumper, there are minor rear styling tweaks. A new optional F Sport Package for the sedan includes a sport suspension, 18-inch wheels and front and rear spoilers, plus available Ultrasonic Blue paint. Exterior features include:
- Standard 17-inch alloy wheels
- Optional 18-inch alloy wheels
- Optional HID headlights
- Optional rain-sensing wipers
- Optional backup camera with front and rear parking sensors
Interior
Up to five occupants fit inside the IS 250 sedan, though the backseat is tight. Bright electroluminescent instruments light up the dashboard. Black and silver metallic trim is standard, and wood trim is available. The optional navigation system’s voice-recognition software picks up casual-language commands, and the standard audio system has a USB port to better integrate iPods or other MP3 players. Lexus’ Enform service, included with the navigation system, can assist in finding street addresses, restaurants and more. It comes with a year’s service free; after that, you have to pay a monthly subscription fee. Interior features include:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
- Power moonroof
- Manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel (powered version optional)
- 13-speaker stereo with USB input for portable music players
- Optional ventilated front seats
- Optional dynamic radar cruise control
- Optional navigation system
Under the Hood
A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the IS 250, and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The automatic’s steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters give the driver extra involvement when desired. When equipped with the manual transmission, Lexus says the sedan can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. The automatic transmission is standard on the all-wheel-drive model. Mechanical features include:
- 204-horsepower, 2.5-liter V-6 with 185 pounds-feet of torque
- Double-wishbone front suspension
- Multilink rear suspension
- All-wheel-drive models send 70 percent of power to the rear wheels by default; they can automatically route power 50/50 (front/rear) on low-traction surfaces like snow or ice
Safety
Lexus’ Safety Connect service, which automatically notifies authorities in the event of a crash, is standard. Like Enform, a year’s service is included, but after that you’ll have to pay a subscription. Standard safety features include:
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Vehicle Dynamic Integrated Management, which is meant to integrate all systems to anticipate skids and react faster than an electronic stability system alone
- Knee airbags for both front occupants
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags for both rows
IS 250C
The IS 250C convertible has a retractable hardtop that Lexus says can operate in just 21 seconds. The four-seat interior features anti-glare gauges, plus audio and climate systems that automatically adjust their settings to compensate for top-down noise and temperatures. Other safety and luxury features remain similar to those on the IS 250 sedan. However, the IS 250C convertible is not available with all-wheel drive.
Changes for 2011 include:
- Interior trim changed to a black metallic finish, except for silver finish trim added to steering wheel and above glove box
- LED daytime running lights added to HID headlamps
- Headlights that swivel in the direction of a turn discontinued
- Brake override system added
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