Lexus IS sedan has been a great seller for 10 years so it was about time Lexus decided to release a convertible variant of the car. 2010 Lexus IS Hardtop convertible is available in 2 types – IS350C and IS250C. As the letters explain, the two are equipped with a 2.5 liter V6 and a 3.5 liter V6 respectively.
Our test vehicle was a 2010 Lexus IS350C in Tungsten Pearl Exterior with a suggested retail price of $43,940. Add a Luxury package, Navigation System and Park assist and the price bumps up to $50,710 including a $875 Destination Charge.
The IS350C looks pretty similar to the sedan from the front but then things start to change from the driver’s door and beyond. If you are used to the IS Sedan styling then the IS-C styling will not go well with you right away. It took us some time (like we had any during a week long stay) to get used to the design. But it is one of those cars that will grow on you as time passes.
IS350C’s 3.5 Liter V6 with variable-valve timing and direct injection is capable of pushing 306 horses and close to 277 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission is solid and does well to put all that power to the rear wheels. According to Lexus, IS-C does 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, which we were not able to replicate.
Like any convertible, the main goal for Lexus was to maintain the IS Sedan’s driving experience regardless of the top’s position. We think Lexus engineers were able to achieve this task thanks to a brand new bottom up design which was not stolen from the Sedan. They achieved this task primarily by adding two major cross beams which in turn made sure that the IS350C is almost identical in driving experience to the Sedan sibling.
The main highlight of the IS-C is the retracting top that takes less than 20 seconds to open or close – a world-record we must admit. There are roughly fifteen electric motors and 37 sensors that work together to make this happen. Everyone that we showed this off to was simply amazed by the whole process and someone actually dubbed it the “Transformer Vehicle” during a photoshoot.
The interior of the IS-C is a typical Lexus and you have nothing but appreciation for it. Auto-tilting steering wheel, Navigation System, 8-speaker Lexus premium audio system were all present in our test vehicle and they don’t change much from the Sedan. Interior is well built and provides a true luxury convertible experience.
Overall we think Lexus has done a phenomenal job with the IS350C in making sure that even though it is a convertible, it drives like a sporty sedan while still providing all the luxury features. If you are in a market for a convertible and are looking at BMW and Mercedes-Benz, we recommend you stop by at your local Lexus dealer before making the final decision!
