The Lexus IS C’s rectractable hardtop offers the fun of open-air driving with coupelike isolation in rain, cold and snow. However, most retractable hardtops do that, so the IS C will appeal to buyers who put a premium on price and Lexus cachet more than ultimate performance. The IS C isn’t as structurally rigid as the BMW or as elegant as the Infiniti, but it isn’t far behind. If you’re considering an IS C, we’d recommend the IS 350C because the IS 250C just doesn’t have the power we expect in a modern luxury car.
The 2010 Lexus IS C mirrors the IS sedan lineup, with IS 250C and IS 350C trims. Both are equipped the same; the only difference is in powertrains. Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, automatic climate control, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, an 8-speaker AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, XM Satellite Radio, a USB port, an auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth connectivity, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage-door opener, fog lamps, and P225/45R17 front and P245/45R17 rear tires on aluminum wheels.
Safety features are plentiful, including dual front airbags, head- and torso-protecting front side airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, hill-start assist, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, traction control and electronic stability control.
Options start with the Luxury Package, which comes with semi-aniline leather seats, HID headlights with Adaptive Front Lighting, memory for the front seats, heated and ventilated front seats, wood interior trim and one-touch power sliding front seats for rear seat access. Other options consist of a Mark Levinson surround-sound audio system with 12 speakers and 300 watts of power; a navigation system with voice command and a rearview camera; Intuitive Park Assist; Pre-Collision System with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; 18-inch wheels and run-flat tires. The IS C is also offered with an assortment of Lexus' F-Sport dealer accessories, including 19-inch wheels, sport suspension, a cold-air intake, a cat-back exhaust, a sport shift kit and a high-performance clutch.
