2015 Lexus IS 250

The 2015 Lexus IS 250 is available in two distinct trims namely the base and a special edition Crafted Line variant that bears distinction with its unique color options and feature set. The compact sedan falls in a price range that extends from $36,550 for the base trim to $43,690 for the top-of-the-line option. Both trims get a standard engine and transmission unit and can be channeled as either an RWD or AWD variant. Additionally, options are also available in the form of packages that add abundantly to the existing feature load. These include the F-Sport Package, Luxury Package, and the Navigation Package.

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Amongst the lineup, the base trim would suffice all the general requirements of a buyer in the segment. However, we’d recommend opting for the Luxury Package to add to your sedan specifications like a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, leather upholstery, and rain-sensing wipers. Additionally, for those who want a more aggressive-looking sedan, the F-Sport trim with its distinctive exterior elements will be an apt choice.

The 2015 Lexus IS 250 makes use of a standard engine which is a 2.5L V6 unit capable of producing 204hp and 185lb.-ft of torque. It gets mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and can be channeled either as an FWD or AWD variant. When put to the test, the compact sedan manages to sprint from 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in 15.8 seconds, making it the slowest in the segment. Even its top speed of 140 MPH is the lowest out of all the competitors.

Though not quick-firing and exhilarating, the 2015 Lexus IS 250 is a nimble rider that is versatile in its performance. Its sophisticated ride quality makes it meet the needs of the traditional buyers in the segment. The steering system feels precise and has a lot of feedback. Aplomb handling capabilities characterize its driving dynamics and even body roll is contained appreciably during cornering.

In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the most powerful option and its turbocharged inline-4 unit belts out 241hp and 273lb.-ft of torque. However, its figures on the paper do not translate into brute performance. Rather, it is the Audi A4 that manages to be the quickest in the segment clocking 6.2 seconds to 60 mph, while the BMW 3-Series is the best performer in the quarter0mile sprints. Each competitive car is channeled as an AWD variant and all except the Lexus make use of a four-cylinder engine only.

The 2015 Lexus IS 250’s underwhelming performance extends even to its fuel efficiency. Though the combined efficiency of 24 MPG with the FWD variants feels comparable, on the AWD variants, the sedan averages 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Combined it is rated at 23 MPG, which is the lowest in the segment. However, its fuel tank is larger than most of its competitors and when equated with its efficiency, allows the sedan to cover a total range of 348 and 470 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi are highly efficient and lead the segment in a similar order. With a combined mileage of 27 MPG and the most voluminous fuel tank, the 2015 C-Class manages to gain ascendancy over its competitors with a total range of 515 combined miles. On the other hand, the BMW 3-Series is the most efficient on the open stretches of the highways, while the Audi A4 just stays under the 500-miles mark when the range is concerned.

Perhaps amongst its flaws, the 2015 Lexus IS 250’s interior design is its biggest strength. It looks and feels luxurious from the moment you enter the cabin. The dashboard sports a clutter-free look and feels driver-focused with several buttons laid through it to access all the usable features. The materials used are top-notch and you would seldom find a second-grade quality material make its way inside the cabin. There is ample storage space available and the sturdy central armrest that runs between the driver and passenger seats as an extension to the console that houses the transmission knob also doubles up to store larger items.

The front seats are supremely comfortable and have ample space on offer. They come standard with 8-way power adjustability and also have heating functionality. While all seats have adequate bolstering and padding to support passengers through longer journeys, the rear seat occupants might feel space to be a bit restrictive with limited legroom. However, its practicality is upheld by its largest trunk volume of 13.8 cubic feet that can easily store two luggage bags without an iota of difficulty.

While each sedan in the segment has a standard seating capacity of five passengers, the BMW 3-Series has the most proportionate cabin with ample passenger space without cutting in the cargo capacity. On the other hand, the 2015 A4 and C-Class have diminutively smaller cabins, but their cargo capacities of around 12.5 cubic feet cause a bearing on their likability in this aspect. However, if you were to solely judge these vehicles on comfort and luxury, it would be difficult to declare a certain winner.

Some of the salient interior features of the 2015 Lexus IS 250 include:

• Front seats with heating functionality and memory
• Manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Front and Rear Cupholders
• Interior Air Filtration
• Dual-zone climate control
• Cruise Control

How intuitive is the 2015 Lexus IS 250’s infotainment unit?

The 2015 Lexus IS 250 comes equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is easy to use and intuitive. Responses from this system are top-notch and even graphics and resolution of the screen feels spot on. You get an eight-speaker sound system as standard and other notable features include a USB Connection, HD Radio, and CD Player. With the optional Premium package, a Lexus remote touch-mouse type controller can be added for easy usability. With the current MY, the Lexus Enform Remote App has also been made standard and helps keep track of vital information regarding the vehicle.

Some other salient infotainment features include:

• 15-speaker Mark Levinson Sound System (Optional)
• Memory Card Slot
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• Steering-mounted controls
• AM/FM Stereo

The 2015 Lexus IS 250 does bear similarity to its elder sibling the IS 350 and borrows several elements from it. It also looks prepossessing and dominating, yet has the soberness and plushness in its design that one looks for in a midsize luxury segment. The headlights look striking and complement well Lexus’s traditional grille design. From the side, however, it looks shorter than its rivals. At the rear end, it is a similar story of sharpness and aggressiveness.

The 2015 Lexus IS 250 is one of the heavier vehicles weighing 3649 lbs. It is also longer than most rivals at 183.7 inches, however, it sports the shortest wheelbase of 110.2 inches. It is as wide and tall as its rivals measuring 79.8 and 56.3 inches, respectively.

Each sedan in the segment carries similar dimensions and it is difficult to adjudge one as the largest amongst the lot. That being said, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the longest and sports a wheelbase of 111.8 inches. It is also the lightest with a curb weight of 3594 lbs. On the other hand, the 2015 Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series are the widest options in the segment measuring over 80 inches and the latter also sports a ground clearance of 5.7 inches.

Some standout exterior features include:

• Paint Protection Film
• Wheel Locks
• Body Side Moldings
• Door Edge Guard
• Rear Spoiler
• 17-inch wheels

The 2015 Lexus IS 250 carries forward the brand’s standard of creating reliable vehicles that do not compromise safety. It comes equipped with a large number of standard features including traction and stability control, brake assist, and child safety locks. Additionally, higher-level driver-assistance features like a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert are available as optional on the base trim and standard on the Crafted Line trim. The compact sedan evidences its abilities and safety quotient by scoring a ‘Good’ rating in the crash tests conducted by IIHS and receives a 4-star rating by the NHTSA.

Some other standout safety features available with the 2015 Lexus IS 250 include:

• Post-Collision Safety System
• Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors
• 10 standard airbags
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• Emergency Brakeforce Distribution
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Introduced back in 2006, the Lexus IS 250 built its position as a viable alternative to mainstream competitors in its segment. However, with advancing times, the sedan began to fall short of its rivals in aspects more than one. It now is the slowest option in the segment and even with an underpowered engine performs underwhelmingly when fuel efficiency is concerned. Yet, its extensive feature load, luxuriant cabin, and striking exterior design allow it to continue in an overly competitive segment. However, if we were in the market to buy a midsize sedan, we’d prefer all-around German vehicles to get better value for the money spent.