If you are power hungry, then they have the very powerful 3.5 available for you to buy and maybe even a super-fast V8 model down the road. If the 2.5 isn't for you, just don't buy it. Maybe the 2007 ES is going further upscale and they needed a new entry-level Lexus that can be equipped at least the basic expected luxury equipment (leather, automatic, moonroof, etc.)and still stay in the low 30s and the new ES might not fit that price point. It would be an alternative to people shopping TLs because the ES is too expensive.
Std features Smart Access Optitron Instrument Cluster Power Tilt/Telescopic Wheel Audio, Bluetooth, Voice Activation and Display Controls on Steering Wheel 10-Way power seats with memory for driver and passenger Wood and Metal trim interior Dual Zone Auto Climate Control Mini Plug accessory Connector Illuminated Scuff Plates on door sills AM/FM/CD, 13-speaker audio system
Options Ventilated Seats Touch Screen-Voice Activated Nav Mark Levinson Adaptive Cruise Control Park Assist Rain sensing Wipers with Headlamp washers Power rear sunshade
2006 IS pricing is here 2006 IS 250(BASE MODEL)$26,585-MANUEL-RWD . $27,955 AUTOMATIC-E-SHIFT-RWD $29,905 AUTOMATITIC-E-SHIFT-ALL WHEEL DRIVE
2006 IS 350(FULLY LOADED) $$$$$$40,475(WOW) TRANSMISSION CHOICES ARE NOT SET IN STONE YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!THE IS 350 WILL SELL ONLY FULLY LOADED
If those prices are true, then the 2.5 will be a TSX competitor with V6 and rear wheel drive for about the same price, but many of the items that area standard on the TSX will be optional on the 2.5 IS. TSX automatic is also a no cost option and already comes loaded with everything (Xenons, leather, moonroof etc.) except the nav system. If the IS 350 only comes fully loaded at $41,000, then they won't have anything to directly compete with the G35. Of course, the pricing posted on the other forum could also be a hoax post.
Ventilated Seats no thanks Touch Screen-Voice Activated Nav no way in hell! Mark Levinson no thanks Adaptive Cruise Control no thanks Park Assist no thanks Rain sensing Wipers with Headlamp washersno thanks Power rear sunshade no thanks
In other words, a fat load of useless junk. Hopefully this lexus salesguy is on as much crack as chris rock in new jack city.
a few of those items will be optional on the 350, like the Levinson sound system, and possibly the NAV depending on the base price of the 350. I forget, does the RX have standard NAV? I don't think it does, so if the 350 sells at a base price equal to or below the RX's price (base), then it probably won't either. After all, many very expensive luxury models don't have standard NAV - it is recognized as something many people actively don't want.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
This IS350 may not be for you. But for me, I'd snap it up in a jiffy ! I love gadgets. They don't detract me from the pleasures of driving; rather they add to it. Here in So Cal, driving is not a luxury but a necessity (since public transportation sucks, when you can get it). So I'd rather enjoy my drive as I snake my way through heavy traffic on the freeways.
And at $41K LOADED for the IS350, I am a buyer. The only ? is if it comes with a stick or an auto. At that price, I may be inclined it is that *e-auto* thingy ! But its looking good at these prices.... Under $30K for AWD IS250, and the price spread to the IS350 is a big $10K diff. That's all good.
*Only* fully loaded definitely doesnt sound like the Lexus I know. I seriously doubt that. As for the $41K, that seems fairly reasonable. A G35 tops out around $38K, and Lexus does command a bit of a premium.
at that base price, the IS would have a six vs the 5-cyls or in some cases 4-cyls in those other cars, not to mention it would be RWD where most others are not in that price range.
A $26,xxx base price gives me hope it will still be possible to get an IS with cloth seats after the switch over to the new one. :-)
In fact, I just got a whole lot more interested!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Options Ventilated Seats Touch Screen-Voice Activated Nav Mark Levinson Adaptive Cruise Control Park Assist Rain sensing Wipers with Headlamp washers Power rear sunshade
All of these options would probably cost about $6000.
Transmission choices haven't been set in stone as the choices for each model change weekly. The IS350 will sell only in a fully loaded configuration. Est. release date 2005.10.31.
The North American market may not see both the IS250 and IS300 and only one model will (most likely) be picked.
It depends on the car and how it looks an drives in real life. I can't speculate on how it will sell based only on photos, pricing and equipment rumors.
They said it would be available for replay later on at Lexus.com, so I will just have to wait for that to be available I guess. Someone who can watch it should post as many pertinent details as possible here ASAP! :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
307web's statement appears to be unfortunately correct regarding the IS250.
"Maybe the 2007 ES is going further upscale and they needed a new entry-level Lexus that can be equipped at least the basic expected luxury equipment"
In addition the following statement of MaxHonda is also correct:
"the IS comes out at a base of $27K for the 250 model, I see it doing some serious damage to cars such as the Audi A4, MB C230 & C230K, Volvo S40. "
So much for that crazy idea about the lower level IS competing with a BMW 325. Instead it will compete with the following performance/handling midgets: Audi A42.0T--same engine that will be in a Golf/Jetta,MB c230 and the VOlvo s40. The IS 250 will most likely be an unexciting entry level car. Period. THat is all it will be.
The IS350 looks like a promising vehicle but it does come with a crutch. And that crutch is image. Just as Audi/MB/BMW fans shudder at cheaper versions of their cars, a image conscious Lexus IS350 owner may hate the idea that his subordinates beneath his hierarchy are driving the exact same car except with a SIGNIGICANTLY smaller engine . Before I get bombarded with abuse--I myself disagree with the above Audi/Mb/BMW snobs and the future IS350 to be snobs who shudder at the idea of diminished exclusivity. I myself am a fan of the Audi A3. I will take a thrilling hatchback anyday , regardless of what snobs may think.
Over 200 HP in a RWD sedan? I've got a 325i with 184 HP and while I lust for an M3, it is a great car..
I think an IS250 for $30K with leather, xenons, and the typical Japanese options will be a big seller.. And, will probably undercut the new 325i by about $5K.
If it were a little lighter, it would be a lot better.. If they could make it feel and drive like a BMW, I'd be a buyer..
Actually as of June the 2006 C-Class gets all new V6 engines in every model. The C230 Coupe er Hatch is already gone from the U.S. menu. The C230 sedan stays the same in name but gets a 200hp V6, the C240 becomes the 227hp C280 and of course the C320 becomes the 268hp C350. No more 4-Cylinder Mercedes are being imported anymore. Not for the SLK or C-Class or any other MB - about time imo.
Price - yes for some if its under 30K it isn't a "luxury car" though the sedans in this segment aren't really trying to be. A point that is lost on some.
Yeah the Benz blown 4 was never known as a particularly great engine. I dont think the IS250 will be so terrible, nor do I think it will be any slower than the IS300.
Yeah it pretty much sounded like a John Deere engine when it first arrived here, but they refined it to the point of making no noise at all...don't know which was worse. Either way I won't miss it.
I'm sure the IS250 will at the very least equal the performance of the current IS300, at the very least. Most likely it will be better. I personally don't see anything wrong with an entry level cars like these - long as they can get out of their own way.
Just saw a word doc from BMW about it. The 330i has xenon standard so it's really only a $500-600 bump. And lots of new, dumb technology in the car.
I'd post my link to the doc but it's on another forum. Figure this, with sport package and moonroof you're talking 39k max. Do euro delivery and the car is 36k or so. If Lexus tries to sell the IS350 at 41k, they're gonna be driving enthusiasts to BMW in droves. No way I'd spend an extra 5k on a Lexus that's loaded to the gills with frilly, useless junk.
I dont think they are going to make the mistake of the Acura RL and force you to buy everything at full price. The IS350 will probably start in the $35 range.
Wow... the 250 is really slow, and the 350 doesn't come with a MT?!?
How do they think they are "taking aim at the top of the class" with this car? I'm sure sales will be okay, but the magazines are going to have a field day with the 250 (slower than a TSX, even though it has two additional cylinders).
the new 330i is slated by BMW to do the 0-60 run in 6.1 seconds. So an IS350 that can do it in the high fives AND cost less is still a highly competitive machine, at least on the numbers.
It is truly a shame that the 350 doesn't offer a manual, but I expected no less from Toyota/Lexus, the king of autos. At least it is paddle shift.
Now for me, it is off to the pressroom to check it out - I just got back and haven't had a chance to look firsthand yet.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Well, unless 200+ turns into 225, I'm pretty concerned that the AWD 250 will be too doggy to buy. Unless somehow they are planning to "exceed our expectations" by beating the low 8s performance target by 3/4 of a second. I can see that this car might be pleasant, but "class leading" is not in the cards if the class includes BMW. Tim
I agree with you there - if they need an entry-level AWD model, they should offer it in the ES, not turn their "sport sedan" into a car that gets beaten up the freeway ramp by Honda Civics.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
When I first saw the next IS in March, I loved the new look right away. Since then I have been sure that come this fall my current IS300 would be traded in on a new one. I hadn't decided between the IS250 or the IS350, I was waiting until I had more details on both so I could decide. I'm very disappointed! One of my requirements is a manual tranny. IS350 is out =( That leaves the IS250 and while the EPA numbers are nice, I just can't live with high 7's for 0-60. That's just way to slow. I hate to say it but this HUGE Lexus fan might have to do a manual 330i. What a sad day. To make such a beautiful car and then wreck it in the details. My fingers will be crossed something is going to change before this falls release (however unlikely that is)
Toyota's press release (link posted by jrock65) states "The IS 250 will carry a 2.5-liter version of the same advanced V6 engine with over 200 hp and more than 180 lb.-ft. of torque. Coupled with a standard 6-speed sequential manual transmission, acceleration from 0-60 miles per hour will be in the high 7-second range. Estimated combined fuel economy ratings are also expected to be in the high-twenties."
Sounds like the high 7's for 0-60 is with the manual; the auto will likely be even slower.
Also, the press release says the combined fuel efficiency for BOTH the 350 and the 250 will be in the high 20's. How does the 250 not get better mileage than the 350????
the new 330i is slated by BMW to do the 0-60 run in 6.1 seconds. So an IS350 that can do it in the high fives AND cost less is still a highly competitive machine, at least on the numbers.
Who says it costs less? Do you have any proof of this? Lexus didn't give us pricing but they did say the IS250 would start at around 30k. Are we to believe the gulf between the 200 hp machine and the 300 hp car will only be 3-4k? Someone else here hit it at 35k. I'd believe that. 35k without bixenons -- yep they're an option.
BTW, the current e46 ZHP rings in 0-60 in the upper 5s too. It's got 235 hp. What the hell is Lexus doing with those 300 ponies?! And all that supposed torque?
It is truly a shame that the 350 doesn't offer a manual, but I expected no less from Toyota/Lexus, the king of autos. At least it is paddle shift.
At least? I don't understand what that means. Paddle shift is just a gimmick to make auto drivers feel like they're driving something other than an auto. It's the video game generation's way of driving.
good points, all. The paddle shift remark was merely meant to indicate my slight preference for wheel-mounted paddles to a slap shift on the floor.
Toyota tends to be very conservative with projected numbers like performance and fuel efficiency. The combined number for the 2.5 will probably reach 29 or 30, I would think, with the 350 being maybe three points or so behind it. As for acceleration, a couple of car mags have already speculated that 0-60 would be low fives for the IS350 if power reaches 300hp or more, which jibes with the Lexus announcement of "high fives". I think that is likely. In fact, with a little luck it might be as good as a whole second better than the new 330i, as Toyota will have also wanted to beat the G35 manual out of the prize.
Now if bixenons are a make-or-break for you that make a $35K IS350 look like a bad deal, well, I can't really address that. I would pay a small premium NOT to have those things.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
"Paddle shift is just a gimmick to make auto drivers feel like they're driving something other than an auto. It's the video game generation's way of driving."
The press release mentioned that the IS250 comes with "sequential manual transmission": is that same as SMG (like the one on MR2)? does it mean no "real" manual tranny?
Toyota tends to be very conservative with projected numbers like performance and fuel efficiency.
Whoa, Lexus claimed the Is300 auto could do 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. Nobody has EVER gotten a number that low with the automatic.
The combined number for the 2.5 will probably reach 29 or 30, I would think, with the 350 being maybe three points or so behind it. As for acceleration, a couple of car mags have already speculated that 0-60 would be low fives for the IS350 if power reaches 300hp or more, which jibes with the Lexus announcement of "high fives". I think that is likely. In fact, with a little luck it might be as good as a whole second better than the new 330i, as Toyota will have also wanted to beat the G35 manual out of the prize.
highly doubtful. It's an automatic, so even mid 5s will be a shock.
Now if bixenons are a make-or-break for you that make a $35K IS350 look like a bad deal, well, I can't really address that. I would pay a small premium NOT to have those things.
Not to have xenon lights? You're kidding, right? My god it's night and day. By pointing out the lack of that feature I was only pointing toward one of the few things I do require on my next entry lux car. If an IS350 requires me to pay extra for lights and a sport package, then the price will jump to what, 37-38k? Minimum. A comparably equipped 330i with those two necessary features will ring in much lower on euro delivery. and it will have the mandatory 6 speed.
I'm not seeing the value. Does lexus provide 4 years of free maintenance too? I honestly don't know.
is a real manual, clutch and all. It is just that the clutch is electronically operated, not foot-operated. But it has the advantage that there is no torque converter (like a regular automatic) to introduce slop or sap power.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Comments
I would be worried.."
Indeed !!!
< 24hours to go....and we'll know for sure....
If the 2.5 isn't for you, just don't buy it.
Maybe the 2007 ES is going further upscale and they needed a new entry-level Lexus that can be equipped at least the basic expected luxury equipment (leather, automatic, moonroof, etc.)and still stay in the low 30s and the new ES might not fit that price point.
It would be an alternative to people shopping TLs because the ES is too expensive.
MODELS
IS350 RWD
IS250 RWD
IS250 RWD, 6 speed Manual
IS250 AWD, 6 Speed sequential shift Auto.
Std features
Smart Access
Optitron Instrument Cluster
Power Tilt/Telescopic Wheel
Audio, Bluetooth, Voice Activation and Display Controls on Steering Wheel
10-Way power seats with memory for driver and passenger
Wood and Metal trim interior
Dual Zone Auto Climate Control
Mini Plug accessory Connector
Illuminated Scuff Plates on door sills
AM/FM/CD, 13-speaker audio system
Options
Ventilated Seats
Touch Screen-Voice Activated Nav
Mark Levinson
Adaptive Cruise Control
Park Assist
Rain sensing Wipers with Headlamp washers
Power rear sunshade
2006 IS pricing is here 2006 IS 250(BASE MODEL)$26,585-MANUEL-RWD . $27,955 AUTOMATIC-E-SHIFT-RWD $29,905 AUTOMATITIC-E-SHIFT-ALL WHEEL DRIVE
2006 IS 350(FULLY LOADED) $$$$$$40,475(WOW) TRANSMISSION CHOICES ARE NOT SET IN STONE YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!THE IS 350 WILL SELL ONLY FULLY LOADED
If the IS 350 only comes fully loaded at $41,000, then they won't have anything to directly compete with the G35.
Of course, the pricing posted on the other forum could also be a hoax post.
Ventilated Seats no thanks
Touch Screen-Voice Activated Nav no way in hell!
Mark Levinson no thanks
Adaptive Cruise Control no thanks
Park Assist no thanks
Rain sensing Wipers with Headlamp washersno thanks
Power rear sunshade no thanks
In other words, a fat load of useless junk. Hopefully this lexus salesguy is on as much crack as chris rock in new jack city.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
This IS350 may not be for you. But for me, I'd snap it up in a jiffy ! I love gadgets. They don't detract me from the pleasures of driving; rather they add to it. Here in So Cal, driving is not a luxury but a necessity (since public transportation sucks, when you can get it). So I'd rather enjoy my drive as I snake my way through heavy traffic on the freeways.
And at $41K LOADED for the IS350, I am a buyer. The only ? is if it comes with a stick or an auto. At that price, I may be inclined it is that *e-auto* thingy ! But its looking good at these prices.... Under $30K for AWD IS250, and the price spread to the IS350 is a big $10K diff. That's all good.
Let the games begin...
amen to that. putting a navi in the car could be a deal breaker for me as I abhor those things and more importantly what they represent.
Looked like my $2-3K speculative spread over the G35 pricing for the IS350 seemed to be borne out by the pricing announced. But, a question for you:
Do you think the IS will be a good seller at the $27 (lightly loaded IS250 RWD) to $33K (lightly loaded IS250 AWD) ?
A $26,xxx base price gives me hope it will still be possible to get an IS with cloth seats after the switch over to the new one. :-)
In fact, I just got a whole lot more interested!
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2006 IS 350(FULLY LOADED) $$$$$$40,475(WOW) TRANSMISSION CHOICES ARE NOT SET IN STONE YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!THE IS 350 WILL SELL ONLY FULLY LOADED"
If true, those are pretty attractive prices.
Ventilated Seats
Touch Screen-Voice Activated Nav
Mark Levinson
Adaptive Cruise Control
Park Assist
Rain sensing Wipers with Headlamp washers
Power rear sunshade
All of these options would probably cost about $6000.
An IS350 with 300+bhp, 6-speed (auto/manual), loaded for $41K+TTL, or
An M35 with 280hp, 5-speed auto, lightly loaded at $41K+TTL ?????
I am asking myself that question, and would like to sample what you all think of this interesting proposition....
$ 27,585 - Manual - RWD
$ 28,955 - Automatic - E-Shift - RWD
$ 30,905 - Automatic - E-Shift - AWD
2006 IS300 (base model)
$ 32,925 - Automatic - E-shift - RWD
$ 34,875 - Automatic - E-shift - AWD
2006 IS350 (fully loaded)
$ 42,475 - Automatic - E-shift - RWD
Transmission choices haven't been set in stone as the choices for each model change weekly. The IS350 will sell only in a fully loaded configuration. Est. release date 2005.10.31.
The North American market may not see both the IS250 and IS300 and only one model will (most likely) be picked.
M
They said it would be available for replay later on at Lexus.com, so I will just have to wait for that to be available I guess. Someone who can watch it should post as many pertinent details as possible here ASAP! :-)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
"Maybe the 2007 ES is going further upscale and they needed a new entry-level Lexus that can be equipped at least the basic expected luxury equipment"
In addition the following statement of MaxHonda is also correct:
"the IS comes out at a base of $27K for the 250 model, I see it doing some serious damage to cars such as the Audi A4, MB C230 & C230K, Volvo S40. "
So much for that crazy idea about the lower level IS competing with a BMW 325. Instead it will compete with the following performance/handling midgets: Audi A42.0T--same engine that will be in a Golf/Jetta,MB c230 and the VOlvo s40. The IS 250 will most likely be an unexciting entry level car. Period. THat is all it will be.
The IS350 looks like a promising vehicle but it does come with a crutch. And that crutch is image. Just as Audi/MB/BMW fans shudder at cheaper versions of their cars, a image conscious Lexus IS350 owner may hate the idea that his subordinates beneath his hierarchy are driving the exact same car except with a SIGNIGICANTLY smaller engine . Before I get bombarded with abuse--I myself disagree with the above Audi/Mb/BMW snobs and the future IS350 to be snobs who shudder at the idea of diminished exclusivity. I myself am a fan of the Audi A3. I will take a thrilling hatchback anyday , regardless of what snobs may think.
I think an IS250 for $30K with leather, xenons, and the typical Japanese options will be a big seller.. And, will probably undercut the new 325i by about $5K.
If it were a little lighter, it would be a lot better.. If they could make it feel and drive like a BMW, I'd be a buyer..
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Price - yes for some if its under 30K it isn't a "luxury car" though the sedans in this segment aren't really trying to be. A point that is lost on some.
M
I'm sure the IS250 will at the very least equal the performance of the current IS300, at the very least. Most likely it will be better. I personally don't see anything wrong with an entry level cars like these - long as they can get out of their own way.
M
I have a 99 323 with a laughable 168 worth of hp. Despite this I love my car. Crisp handling/agility makes up for some of this shortfall.
In otherwords if Lexus can duplicate or exceed the handling of a 3 series, there is hope for the IS250 .
For myself I want something a bit more interesting in terms of performance.
325 - $30,995
Just saw a word doc from BMW about it. The 330i has xenon standard so it's really only a $500-600 bump. And lots of new, dumb technology in the car.
I'd post my link to the doc but it's on another forum.
Figure this, with sport package and moonroof you're talking 39k max. Do euro delivery and the car is 36k or so. If Lexus tries to sell the IS350 at 41k, they're gonna be driving enthusiasts to BMW in droves. No way I'd spend an extra 5k on a Lexus that's loaded to the gills with frilly, useless junk.
Argh.
over 300hp
IS250 over 200hp and about the cost of the current IS300
IS350: 300+ hp, 275+ torque, 6 speed auto
IS250: 200+ hp, 180+ torque
RWD manual: ~$30,000 base
RWD auto: ~$31,500 base
AWD
Sales target: 45,000 per year
The IS is based on a modified version of the GS platform.
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Why can't Japanese companies figure out how to deliver a sports sedan?! Guess I may have to Euro Delivery a 330i for next may.
Why do they do things like this??
EDIT: Not to mention, no stick in the IS350 either...
And, one other weird thing.. Rear tires aren't just wider, they are taller, also?
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
How do they think they are "taking aim at the top of the class" with this car? I'm sure sales will be okay, but the magazines are going to have a field day with the 250 (slower than a TSX, even though it has two additional cylinders).
It is truly a shame that the 350 doesn't offer a manual, but I expected no less from Toyota/Lexus, the king of autos. At least it is paddle shift.
Now for me, it is off to the pressroom to check it out - I just got back and haven't had a chance to look firsthand yet.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I'm very disappointed! One of my requirements is a manual tranny. IS350 is out =(
That leaves the IS250 and while the EPA numbers are nice, I just can't live with high 7's for 0-60. That's just way to slow. I hate to say it but this HUGE Lexus fan might have to do a manual 330i. What a sad day. To make such a beautiful car and then wreck it in the details. My fingers will be crossed something is going to change before this falls release (however unlikely that is)
The current 3-series is rated at 184 HP and 8.1 seconds with the auto.. with the stick, it is rated at 7.1..
My guess is the IS250 with the stick will be low 7s..
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Sounds like the high 7's for 0-60 is with the manual; the auto will likely be even slower.
Also, the press release says the combined fuel efficiency for BOTH the 350 and the 250 will be in the high 20's. How does the 250 not get better mileage than the 350????
the new 330i is slated by BMW to do the 0-60 run in 6.1 seconds. So an IS350 that can do it in the high fives AND cost less is still a highly competitive machine, at least on the numbers.
Who says it costs less? Do you have any proof of this? Lexus didn't give us pricing but they did say the IS250 would start at around 30k. Are we to believe the gulf between the 200 hp machine and the 300 hp car will only be 3-4k? Someone else here hit it at 35k. I'd believe that. 35k without bixenons -- yep they're an option.
BTW, the current e46 ZHP rings in 0-60 in the upper 5s too. It's got 235 hp. What the hell is Lexus doing with those 300 ponies?! And all that supposed torque?
It is truly a shame that the 350 doesn't offer a manual, but I expected no less from Toyota/Lexus, the king of autos. At least it is paddle shift.
At least? I don't understand what that means. Paddle shift is just a gimmick to make auto drivers feel like they're driving something other than an auto. It's the video game generation's way of driving.
Toyota tends to be very conservative with projected numbers like performance and fuel efficiency. The combined number for the 2.5 will probably reach 29 or 30, I would think, with the 350 being maybe three points or so behind it. As for acceleration, a couple of car mags have already speculated that 0-60 would be low fives for the IS350 if power reaches 300hp or more, which jibes with the Lexus announcement of "high fives". I think that is likely. In fact, with a little luck it might be as good as a whole second better than the new 330i, as Toyota will have also wanted to beat the G35 manual out of the prize.
Now if bixenons are a make-or-break for you that make a $35K IS350 look like a bad deal, well, I can't really address that. I would pay a small premium NOT to have those things.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
...and Formula 1 drivers... ;-)
It's becoming a lost skill.
Not that I need a car faster than that.. just disappointing performance numbers from a new engine....
If they only want to sell 45K cars, I think they are on the right track... But, they won't be dethroning the 3-series with this selection...
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Whoa, Lexus claimed the Is300 auto could do 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. Nobody has EVER gotten a number that low with the automatic.
The combined number for the 2.5 will probably reach 29 or 30, I would think, with the 350 being maybe three points or so behind it. As for acceleration, a couple of car mags have already speculated that 0-60 would be low fives for the IS350 if power reaches 300hp or more, which jibes with the Lexus announcement of "high fives". I think that is likely. In fact, with a little luck it might be as good as a whole second better than the new 330i, as Toyota will have also wanted to beat the G35 manual out of the prize.
highly doubtful. It's an automatic, so even mid 5s will be a shock.
Now if bixenons are a make-or-break for you that make a $35K IS350 look like a bad deal, well, I can't really address that. I would pay a small premium NOT to have those things.
Not to have xenon lights? You're kidding, right? My god it's night and day. By pointing out the lack of that feature I was only pointing toward one of the few things I do require on my next entry lux car. If an IS350 requires me to pay extra for lights and a sport package, then the price will jump to what, 37-38k? Minimum. A comparably equipped 330i with those two necessary features will ring in much lower on euro delivery. and it will have the mandatory 6 speed.
I'm not seeing the value. Does lexus provide 4 years of free maintenance too? I honestly don't know.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)