Autoblog Review of 2011 Lexus IS250 AWD: "Vanilla Sport Sedan". Thoughts?
03-31-11, 01:57 PM
#1
Autoblog Review of 2011 Lexus IS250 AWD: "Vanilla Sport Sedan". Thoughts?
Link to the article is here: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/31/2...50-awd-review/
Their conclusion:
"The entry-level luxury sedan category is chock full of viable options and the 2011 Lexus IS 250 AWD is a perfectly acceptable (if run-of-the-mill) choice. The styling is conservative, the driving dynamics are a mixed bag of sport and luxury, but the engine is better than we anticipated. It's priced exactly where it should be and, were you shopping in this segment, you wouldn't be embarrassed to put one in your driveway. And yet... while we'll happily concede that vanilla ice cream is enjoyable from time to time, we can't help but think that Audi, BMW, Infiniti and Cadillac buyers are paying about the same to enjoy all 31 flavors every single day."
What are your thoughts?
Their conclusion:
"The entry-level luxury sedan category is chock full of viable options and the 2011 Lexus IS 250 AWD is a perfectly acceptable (if run-of-the-mill) choice. The styling is conservative, the driving dynamics are a mixed bag of sport and luxury, but the engine is better than we anticipated. It's priced exactly where it should be and, were you shopping in this segment, you wouldn't be embarrassed to put one in your driveway. And yet... while we'll happily concede that vanilla ice cream is enjoyable from time to time, we can't help but think that Audi, BMW, Infiniti and Cadillac buyers are paying about the same to enjoy all 31 flavors every single day."
What are your thoughts?
03-31-11, 02:16 PM
#3
Seems to me after reading it that they think it's just fairly middle-of-the-road in a lot of respects, and can't figure out if it's sport or luxury.
My feeling is that many buyers of the IS250 actually want that blend of sport and luxury. If they're buying a Lexus, they obviously are looking for some luxury. But many of those buyers are also interested in the IS as opposed to other Lexus offerings (or other brands' entry-level offerings) because it's smaller, lighter, and sportier to drive. Most buyers of the IS250 wouldn't want the car if it was 100% luxury and not sporty at all, or 100% sport with a more sparse interior and stiffer ride.
I think if you buy this car you want both luxury and sport, but if you find you prefer a little more sport, there are plenty of fairly inexpensive ways to get it (throw some F-Sport parts on, for example). Noticeably increased speed and acceleration are harder to come by, but the other cars they've listed as competitors (G25, A4, CTS, 328xi) aren't much quicker off the line than the 250 anyway. This segment simply isn't built for speed; those looking for speed can look to the 350, S4, G37, etc. On another note, the review compares the base prices of the cars, but I think the more useful comparison is between prices of cars with similar, popular options, and when that exercise is done I feel the Lexus comes out ahead.
Just curious what your impressions are.
My feeling is that many buyers of the IS250 actually want that blend of sport and luxury. If they're buying a Lexus, they obviously are looking for some luxury. But many of those buyers are also interested in the IS as opposed to other Lexus offerings (or other brands' entry-level offerings) because it's smaller, lighter, and sportier to drive. Most buyers of the IS250 wouldn't want the car if it was 100% luxury and not sporty at all, or 100% sport with a more sparse interior and stiffer ride.
I think if you buy this car you want both luxury and sport, but if you find you prefer a little more sport, there are plenty of fairly inexpensive ways to get it (throw some F-Sport parts on, for example). Noticeably increased speed and acceleration are harder to come by, but the other cars they've listed as competitors (G25, A4, CTS, 328xi) aren't much quicker off the line than the 250 anyway. This segment simply isn't built for speed; those looking for speed can look to the 350, S4, G37, etc. On another note, the review compares the base prices of the cars, but I think the more useful comparison is between prices of cars with similar, popular options, and when that exercise is done I feel the Lexus comes out ahead.
Just curious what your impressions are.
03-31-11, 08:42 PM
#6
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I have a 2004 E320 and 2007 X5 sitting in the drive way. My parents bought them and regret them every day. German cars are nothing but money pits, you're paying for German workers to live a higher quality of life and nothing else. $725 for a diagnostic service at MB in Ontario...$1700 for replacement brakes on an X5. Lexus not only has better quality, it also gives you much better value.
03-31-11, 10:00 PM
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I have a 2004 E320 and 2007 X5 sitting in the drive way. My parents bought them and regret them every day. German cars are nothing but money pits, you're paying for German workers to live a higher quality of life and nothing else. $725 for a diagnostic service at MB in Ontario...$1700 for replacement brakes on an X5. Lexus not only has better quality, it also gives you much better value.
And I like vanilla
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04-01-11, 12:01 AM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Vanilla is good. What drew me to the IS was a nice balance of luxury inside and sporty styling outside. Then the lease price was waaaaay better on it than comparable models.
About the review... if a six year old model can garner up positive comments as it did, it's a very successful car.
About the review... if a six year old model can garner up positive comments as it did, it's a very successful car.
04-01-11, 02:09 AM
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Vanilla, number 1.
http://www.foodchannel.com/articles/...cream-flavors/
The reviewer kind of got it. To me the 2IS isn't the best handling, or the fastest, or even the most comfortable. It's not 10/10ths of any single characteristic. Instead, it's 8/10ths at everything. The other cars in the class may win a couple of games, but to me Lexus is going for the championship. Because in real life you don't carve back roads, take long highway trips, mash it in a straight line, or stare at the mpg every single day. But if you ever feel the urge, the 2IS will always be up to task. IMO, the perfect blend.
http://www.foodchannel.com/articles/...cream-flavors/
The reviewer kind of got it. To me the 2IS isn't the best handling, or the fastest, or even the most comfortable. It's not 10/10ths of any single characteristic. Instead, it's 8/10ths at everything. The other cars in the class may win a couple of games, but to me Lexus is going for the championship. Because in real life you don't carve back roads, take long highway trips, mash it in a straight line, or stare at the mpg every single day. But if you ever feel the urge, the 2IS will always be up to task. IMO, the perfect blend.
04-01-11, 05:04 AM
#13
Similar thread in the club house 
but I'll share my thoughts here too!!!!
but I'll share my thoughts here too!!!!
Nice and fair article on the car.
Amazing to see a car now in its 6th year of production get such an overall positive review.
I've had mine 5+ years with zero regrets.
Amazing to see a car now in its 6th year of production get such an overall positive review.
I've had mine 5+ years with zero regrets.
04-01-11, 07:08 AM
#14
Vanilla is good. What drew me to the IS was a nice balance of luxury inside and sporty styling outside. Then the lease price was waaaaay better on it than comparable models.
About the review... if a six year old model can garner up positive comments as it did, it's a very successful car.
About the review... if a six year old model can garner up positive comments as it did, it's a very successful car.
when i asked infiniti, bmw, and merc dealerships if they could get within my IS lease quote, they basically laughed and hung up the phone. "we do not have any cars available within that range" haha. 128i included. the only comparable car within the ballpark was the TSX.
Last edited by ThermonMer; 04-01-11 at 07:14 AM.
