New Lexus IS 250 Review
If the IS 220d was designed by Lexus to take on the diesel 3 Series then the IS 250 has been aimed squarely at the petrol variant on offer from BMW, is ambition enough?
To answer that question honestly, no, ambition alone is never enough, but when you combine that ambition with one of the best luxury car manufacturers in the world, you have got to have a good chance.
Build quality that is second to none, fantastic residual values and an attention to detail that is hard to surpass mean the Lexus IS 250 is not just an also ran, its up there with the best of the contenders.
If you take a 3 Series and specify it to the equivalent Lexus model, you will find that on average the IS 250 is three thousand pounds cheaper than its German rival, three thousand reasons why the Lexus at least deserves a closer look.
A 2.5 litre V6 petrol engine that has an output of 204 bhp supplies power to the IS 250, transmission is by either a six-speed manual or a six speed automatic gearbox. 0 - 62 mph is achieved in 7.9 seconds (8.1 seconds for the automatic) and a top speed of 146 mph is claimed for the manual with the automatic lagging slightly behind.
Lexus have put a great deal of thought into the IS range, specification and equipment levels are second to none, making the Lexus extremely popular in the US with the corporate driver. Even though sales are not as hot in the UK, this in many ways adds to the appeal of the IS 250, it's like a secret that only the privileged few are party to.
So does the Lexus IS 250 match up to the 3 series? It certainly looks the part and has all the kit, it's cheaper and has the appeal of being more exclusive. All in all, if this were a boxing match it would come down to a points decision. Who would win? You'll have to decide for yourself.
Like the looks of the Lexus IS 250, why not check out the Alfa Romeo 159, the BMW 3 Series, the VW Passat, the Audi A4, or the Mercedes C Class.
Finance your new Lexus IS 250 on a PCP car loan work out your monthly payments using our Car Finance Payment Calculator.
