2011 Lexus IS250 AWD Review
The Lexus IS 250 has been slightly redesigned for 2011 with some minor exterior changes. The front bumper and grill have some works done as well as the Foglight area. The new IS250 also has new tail lights and exhaust tips. The biggest change is the pair of LED eyelids that are at the bottom of the headlamps and it gives the IS a little bit of pizazz in an other wise plain car. The 2011 IS250 is also available in all-wheel drive.
Don't get me wrong the IS250 looks good....just like every other car Lexus makes. But it also lacks something that pretty much every Lexus ever made does.... a soul. The styling looks nice the same way a really hot girl looks when she dresses like a school teacher.
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Add the $2,195 Luxury Package Value Edition and it comes with wood trim, the previously mentioned LED running lights, power everything (as if it wasn't already) rain-sensing wipers and a rear powered sunshade. The AWD system adds about 200 lbs of curb weight bringing the total up to 3,651 pounds. Even though the 2.5-liter V6 seems a little small it's actually quite acceptable. It will not wow you but it won't leave you begging for more either.
The V6 produces 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. Even though it sounds weak its not too bad and it has a nice throaty sound thanks to the intakes. Pair this with a six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted pedals and you have yourself one nice little package. The brakes are ok but feel a little soft for what we are used to.
The 2011 Lexus IS 250 AWD starts at about $35,775 and while it's priced right where it should be, there are several more exciting cars I would probably choose over the IS250. You can get an Infiniti G25X for $34,900 and it drives more like a sports car instead of the confused IS that doesn't know if it's a luxury car or a sports car. Or how about the 2011 Audi A4 Quattro that costs $34,500 and has 73 lb-ft more of torque than the IS250 and get's 21 city and 31 highway compared to 20 and 27 for the Lexus. Again it's all about what you want in a car. If you want a car that has the finest interior materials and superior build quality choose the Lexus....just don't be upset when you see your friends pull up in an A4 or C300 with a big smile on their face. See the difference is....their cars actually have a soul.