Lexus IS 250C (2009 – 2013) Review

Lexus IS 250C (2009 – 2013) At A Glance

Honest John Overall Rating

The Lexus IS 250C takes much of what makes the IS saloon worth a look and adds the tiniest dash of open-top flair. All present and correct are qualities like a solidly made interior, refined driving experience and the peace of mind afforded by Lexus’ hard-earned reputation for reliability, with the added bonus of one of the fastest folding metal hardtops in the business. Unlikely to turn many heads, but for the driver it’s a satisfyingly solid second-car option that’ll keep going come rain or shine.

Nicely built and impressively reliable, the IS 250C is well equipped, decently refined and pretty practical with the roof up.

Not the most extrovert of convertibles, and you’re limited to just one engine and transmission choice. Not a car to be hurried, either.

Reviews for Lexus IS 250C (2009 – 2013)'s top 3 rivals

Audi A5

Classy design has aged well. Quality finish inside and good drivin position. Plenty of engine options...

Volvo C70

Refined open-top cruiser with a metal folding roof. Classy interior design. Sharper looks after 2010...

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Elegant styling. Little top-down turbulence. Good selection of petrol and CDI diesel engines. Roof folds...

Lexus IS 250C (2009 – 2013) handling and engines

• Readers report Real MPG to be between 29–36 mpg

As with its saloon brethren, the IS 250C is a comfortable and relaxing long-distance cruiser, even with the top down. That does mean that the steering is pretty lifeless and vague, but makes motorway driving remarkably effort-free, especially if you combine that with the comfy seats and impressive refinement. 

The car’s body has been stiffened to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof, so doesn’t creak and wobble too much. However, that comes with over a 100kg weight penalty over the saloon, which means any kind of spirited cornering or braking is rather inadvisable. If you like your drop-top thrills with a side of sharp handling or driver engagement, best go for a BMW 3 Series Convertible instead. 

Under the bonnet was just one choice, the 205PS 2.5 petrol V6 driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. It only takes one press of the accelerator to realise that the IS 250C has been tuned for comfort rather than speed, as the powertrain complains noisily when used hard. 

That said, if you plan on taking the scenic route to wherever you’re going, fuel bills aren’t too much of a concern and time certainly isn’t an issue, it makes the Lexus a refined, comfortable and tasteful choice.

Lexus IS 250C (2009 – 2013) interior

• Boot space is 235–583 litres

As with most of the underpinnings, the IS 250C’s interior is lifted pretty much unchanged from the IS saloon. That means it’s solidly made yet lacks much in the way of excitement, although the black and white dials still look fresh and classy. 

Buttons abide, which means all the car’s functions are a simple press away, rather than hiding in the depths of a touchscreen sub-menu. The IS 250C is well equipped as standard, so all those buttons do something, so it’s worth taking the time to trek through them all to ensure they still function as intended, especially the one that controls the fancy roof.

Up front there’s plenty of space with decent, comfortable seats, while the two rear-seat passengers are likely to feel less well accommodated with the roof up, as the swoop of the roofline eats into space for heads and the huge C-pillars make the interior feel a bit claustrophobic. Manoeuvring can be a little trickier because of this and the integrated roll hoops behind the rear-seat headrests, too.

Oddly, the boot is bigger than the saloon’s with the roof up, but space drops significantly when the top folds down, although there are handy flip-up dividers to show you where to fit your luggage.

Lexus IS 250C (2009 – 2013) models and specs