IS 250C

Hardtop folds away in seconds

At the touch of a button the lightweight aluminium three-part roof folds neatly away in just 20 seconds, instantly transforming your driving experience. The roof folds into the boot, with cutting edge design allowing for the convenience of luggage space even while you're enjoying open topped motoring. Roof speed brake control ensures the roof closes smoothly.

Lexus' distinctive L-Finesse design

The IS 250C draws on the L-Finesse styling to create a breathtaking design that combines elegance with a sports feel – with the roof up or down. The design also captures the sweeping lines of a coupe along with the striking appearance of a convertible. Every panel has been redesigned to achieve this vision yet the car remains a recognisable member of the IS 250 family.

All new styling front and rear

A unique sculpted ducktail boot lid and rear panels minimise the “bulk” area commonly seen in convertibles. Newly designed elliptical fog lights and air intake surrounds in the front, and an all new combination tail-lamp cluster featuring LED lamps and two distinct horizontal lines, add to the dramatic styling of the IS 250C.

Luxury wheel design

The feel of sporting luxury found throughout the IS 250C is extended to the wheel design with exclusive high-gloss coated 18 inch and 17 inch wheels available. Featured on the Sports Luxury model, the 18 inch wheels incorporate a five spoke design. On the Sports model, 17 inch wheels combine two sets of five spokes to create a multi-layered 10 spoke configuration. The 18 inch wheels are also available as an option on the Sports model. Both options express a vibrant and luxurious feel.

Mirrors with turn indicators

To make your intentions more visible to other motorists while turning, and for a more distinctive look, side turn indicators have been incorporated into the exterior mirrors. With their exceptionally large surface area, the exterior mirrors also provide you with a more expansive view of the area to the side and rear of the vehicle.

Easy access with Smart Key

Step inside with minimal delay as Smart Key allows you to unlock the doors by simply gripping the handle, without ever taking the key from your pocket. You can start the car with similar ease, at the touch of a button.

Rain Sensing Wipers

To allow you to keep your mind focused on your driving, the Sports Luxury model is equipped with rain sensing wipers. When in 'Auto mode', the wipers activate the moment the sensor detects the first drops of rain falling on the windscreen.

Auto retracting mirrors

The side mirrors in the Sports Luxury automatically retract the moment you switch off the ignition, to keep them tucked inwards while parked. Then once the ignition is switched on again, both mirrors resume their outward position. You also have the option of retracting the mirrors at the touch of a switch when manoeuvring into tight parking spots.

Redesigned instrument cluster

The gauges and display screens have been intelligently redesigned to ensure ease of use and clear viewing in high ambient light when the roof is down. This has been achieved by adopting a higher contrast multi-information LCD screen, changing the dial colours for greater contrast and using interior screens that decrease surface reflection. The multi-information display includes a visual element to highlight the status of the roof, with a warning to let the driver know if the roof is not completely open or closed or an object is too close to enable the roof to be operated.

Luxuriously unique interior trim

The IS 250C reveals three unique and stylish interior trim colours matched to nine exterior colour options. Mellow White and Black are available across the range with a striking Silver Pearl trim only available in the Sports Luxury model. The leather accented trims are enhanced with silver across the centre console and arm rests for the Prestige and Sports model, while dark brown or grey woodgrain-look interior trims are the refined options available in the Sports Luxury model.

Features at your fingertips

The IS 250C has been cleverly designed to ensure easy access to all the features and functions this dynamic convertible offers. From the moment you approach the car, the Lexus Smart Entry system and proximity key illuminate the interior lights. Once behind the wheel the unique seatbelt locator eliminates the need to reach behind you. From there, everything you need is within easy reach, whether it's audio, phone and cruise control features on the wheel to the multi-information touch screen in the centre of the dashboard. In the IS 250C, it's all at hand.

Exceptional sound - even with the top down

The IS 250C makes no sacrifices in sound quality when it comes to enjoying open-topped motoring. The Prestige and Sports model offers an eight speaker Lexus Premium Audio system while the Sports Luxury delivers incredibly pure levels of sound thanks to a 12 speaker system created by audiophile Mark Levinson. Both systems have been designed specifically for a convertible and feature an equaliser system that changes audio settings to maintain the sound quality within the cabin regardless of the roof position, and also places particular emphasis on stopping the loss of bass. And with AUX input for an iPod or other portable music devices, you can create your own soundtrack to a breathtaking journey.

Seats designed for maximum comfort and space

A luxury convertible should feel luxurious for all passengers including those sitting in the back. The IS 250C's front seats feature a unique arched setback frame providing an additional 20mm of leg room for rear seat passengers while maintaining superior levels of support and comfort for those in the front. With 542mm of leg room from hip point to seat back in the rear, the IS 250C is the best in its class. For top down motoring, Lexus engineers have increased the heated areas of the front seats by 20 per cent for cooler weather, and increased cool airflow for comfort during warmer weather. The front seats feature a unique combination handle and one-touch seat control mounted in the shoulder of the seat which, combined with a maximum forward movement of 240mm, allow for easy entry and exit for passengers in the rear.

A focus on headroom

The innovative design of the IS 250C's three piece folding roof ensures passenger headroom and comfort is maintained when the roof is up. By developing a unique scalloped roof lining and creating a lower seating position in the rear, the headroom in the IS convertible is comparable to that of the sedan. Comfort levels don't go down when the roof does, either. The design of the car, including windscreen angle, cabin length and height of the boot were all considered so passengers aren't buffeted by wind but receive gentle airflow through the cabin, even at speeds in excess of 100km/h.

Class-leading boot space

With the roof down, the IS 250C offers 205 litres of storage space which increases to 553 litres with the roof up. Also containing a first aid kit, a tool bag, a valet kit for tyre changing and a space saver spare wheel, the IS 250C gives you the freedom to enjoy top-down motoring with the storage space you need for a weekend away or a spot of shopping.

Locally tested for peak performance

The IS 250C has been extensively tested in some of the harshest environments on earth – including the Australian outback. Dust intrusion, air-conditioning, the roof and driving performance were all put under the microscope in the Northern Territory. The unforgiving roads between Alice Springs and Darwin were used to test the overall durability of this extraordinary vehicle, with an emphasis on dust sealing and roof integrity. And the limits of climate control performance were tested by engineers in the heat and humidity of Darwin. The result is a car that is uniquely suited to the Australian climate and the wide variety of driving conditions. You can be assured of a smooth, comfortable and powerful ride wherever your journey takes you.

Breathtaking aerodynamics

Although possessing the captivating styling of a convertible, the IS 250C maintains the efficient aerodynamic design of its sedan sibling. By creating a uniquely designed boot, windscreen header, tail lamps, door sills, redesigned wing mirrors and front bumper bar, the turbulence for passengers is kept at a minimum. Lexus engineers even took into account the length of the cabin area and height of rear headrests to ensure that flow over the vehicle was as smooth as possible, achieving a final co-efficient of drag just 0.02 points higher that the IS sedan. The sleek aerodynamics ensure a refined and luxurious driving experience even with the roof down – the way the IS 250C was designed to be enjoyed.

Responsive electric power steering

Intuitive electric power-assisted steering ensures greater road feel at higher speeds. Then in tight parking situations, steering assist is increased for easier manoeuvrability.

An incredibly comfortable ride

The front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension of the IS sedan have been fine tuned for the IS 250C to maintain excellent handling stability and an incredibly comfortable ride. Damping force has been optimised to support the increase in body weight that has occurred with the conversion to a convertible body.

The rush of a direct injection 2.5 litre V6

Light weight yet eagerly responsive, the all-alloy Quad Cam 2.5 litre V6 performs the moment you touch the throttle. Direct injection means fuel is sprayed into the cylinders at extremely high pressure, improving combustion. It also allows for a higher compression ratio, for more power across the revolution range. IS 250C's V6 engine also offers great fuel economy and low emissions.

Greater response through dual VVT-i

You can have enhanced performance on demand, or superior economy when you want it. Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on the intake and the exhaust valves optimises engine breathing and efficiency at all engine speeds.

Six speed sequential transmission

The IS 250C has a six-speed multi-mode intelligent automatic transmission with a sequential shift, using either an S-mode gate shift lever or paddles on the steering wheel. Its combination of dual VVT-i Quad Cam V6 engine, electronic throttle and six-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimise drivability, acceleration feel, shift quality and fuel economy.

The highest levels of safety

The IS 250C has been designed to meet the world's top-level passenger protection crash safety tests along with Lexus' own rigorous standards of safety. The body structure and chassis have been redesigned to support the conversion to an open-top vehicle with strengthening measures around the perimeter of the cabin, including a comprehensive side collision impact protection structure. Three grades of high-tensile strength steel sheet have been used to optimise strength and rigidity while meeting strict body weight targets. With an extensive list of active and passive safety features, including airbags designed specially for a convertible, the IS 250C delivers greater peace of mind without sacrificing any of the excitement of open-topped motoring.

Purpose designed airbags

Developed specially for the IS 250C, the head and torso side SRS airbags reduce the chance of head injury when the hardtop roof is down. These new airbags have more than twice the impact alleviation area of a conventional side airbag. Further protection is provided with dual SRS airbags in the front, and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger to help reduce the chance of lower limb damage in a collision.

The confidence of Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)

Should you encounter challenging road conditions, an advanced Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system is standard across the IS 250 range. VDIM gives you a greater sense of control by integrating the braking, throttle and steering controls, for enhanced drivability.

Smooth take-off on steep hills

The IS 250C has the added safety of the Lexus Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), an automatic function that prevents the car from rolling downhill when starting off, available on automatic transmission models. The system, a part of the IS 250C's brake control technology, can detect if the vehicle is rolling back during a hill start and will automatically apply brake pressure to the four wheels. This gives the driver enough time to press the accelerator, in a car that is as intelligent as it is good looking.

Active Cruise Control (ACC)* monitors ahead

For more relaxed highway cruising, IS 250C Sports and Sports Luxury has Active Cruise Control (ACC)*, using the radar sensor in the front grille. You can simply set your preferred highway speed via touch controls on the steering wheel, or you can set your desired following distance from the vehicle in front. Then, should the radar detect that distance is closing or detect another vehicle in your path, Active Cruise Control reduces your speed and even applies the brakes if necessary. Your nominated speed is resumed once a safe following distance can be maintained.

*ACC is a driver assist technology and should not be used in place of safe driving practices. The driver should continue to monitor the road ahead.

**VGRS not available on all Lexus models.