2007 Lexus IS 250

A Kinder, Gentler Sport Sedan

The Lexus IS 250 is still no BMW 3 Series, but a sporty X Package of optional trim and equipment spices it up some.

The Lexus IS 250 is part of a broader assault on the venerable BMW 3 Series.

Following a complete redesign for the 2006 model year, the European-flavored Lexus sedan rides on a longer wheelbase with a lowered stance than the somewhat lackluster model it replaced. The IS 250 also offers a more-attractive exterior, with muscular styling cues borrowed from the larger Lexus GS sedans. In addition, the IS 250 offers a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.

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The 3 Series still leads the pack in this segment, even though the Lexus IS 250 delivers better overall performance than its predecessor. The redesign also gave the IS 250 more interior comfort as well as additional standard and optional features. It also has parent company Toyota Motor’s reputation for long-term reliability going for it.

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The X Package of optional trim and equipment is offered for the rear-drive IS 250. The package is designed to enhance both the car’s looks and its handling. It includes a stiffer, sport-tuned suspension, alloy pedals, illuminated scuff plates, a lower front-lip spoiler and alloy wheels. A power sunroof can also be added. A Premium Package of options that costs extra on the rear-drive model is standard with the AWD model. It adds heated and ventilated power front seats with perforated leather upholstery and bird’s-eye maple trim.

The Lexus IS 250 has a 2.5-liter V6 engine that barely tops 200 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. A sequential-shift, six-speed automatic gearbox that can be shifted manually using steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is optional. The automatic is the only transmission available with AWD.

The IS 250 strikes a balance between ride comfort and cornering abilities that will appeal to more-casual motorists. Enthusiasts, on the other hand, will prefer the X Package. Standard features include Vehicle Stability Control with traction control (which now includes a cutoff switch to afford more-aggressive cornering and to help the vehicle free itself from a snowed-in parking space); brake assist; and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Lexus IS 250 Vehicle Summary

The car’s interior is fairly comfortable and stylish, with large backlit gauges and a tasteful application of metallic trim. It’s also relatively quiet, thanks to extra attention paid to reducing wind and road noise. Backseat room is at a premium, but no more so than in most other models in the compact class. Front knee, front side and side-curtain airbags are standard. Optional with AWD is a Pre-Collision System tied to the adaptive cruise control that anticipates when a crash is imminent and reacts accordingly by tightening the front seat belts and pre-initializing the brake assist function for full stopping power.

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Standard features also include a Smart Access keyless entry with push-button start. Options include adaptive cruise control (its laser guidance can maintain both a set speed and distance from the traffic ahead), an upscale Mark Levinson audio system and Park Assist front and rear proximity warnings.