2010 IS 350C: Lexus' 1st Entry-Level Hardtop Convertible

What’s New:

Lexus now offers the best of both worlds. If you’re wondered why Lexus didn’t offer the rear-wheel-drive sporty IS sedan as a coupe, well wait no more. For the 2010 model year, Lexus not only offers a two-door hardtop coupe, but in a matter of seconds the vehicle can easily be converted to a standout drop-top, at the push of a button. The new IS C, the C designates the vehicle as a convertible, becomes Lexus most affordable open-air vehicle to date. Until recently, the pricier and more mature SC was the only open-air vehicle in the Lexus product portfolio.

Must Have Goodies:

Like in the IS, the convertible is available with either a manual or automatic transmission, depending on if you opt for the 2.5-liter or 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine. The vehicle we reviewed was outfitted with the super peppy, smooth shifting 3.5-liter engine.

And as you would expect, the IS 350C we reviewed was well-equipped, even before adding on a variety of high-end options. Our vehicle included a $3,055 luxury package, which consisted of bi-xenon high-intensity adaptable headlights, heated (and ventilated) rotary dialed front seats, a front passenger memory seat, rain sensing wipers and a gadget to help rear occupants enter and exit the rear seats at the touch of a button. Added to our posh list of features, the vehicle was outfitted with a voice-activated navigational system, a rear back up camera, and Lexus intuitive parallel parking assist system. This system doesn’t park your vehicle like in the top of the line LS, but it simply acts as an additional parking aid.

However, our IS C didn’t come equipped with Lexus’ optional18-inch wheels and tires, and Lexus’ signature Enform system, which is similar to GM’s OnStar concierge and emergency assist system. Moreover, since we consider ourselves to be a connoisseur of music, we felt slighted that our IS C lacked the optional Mark Levinson 12-speaker, 300-watt audio system, although the standard 8-speaker system was quite adequate to say the least.

Furthermore, as far as added safety features, the sporty convertible also lacked Lexus’ factory equipped radar-controlled cruise control system, which automatically monitors and adjusts the speed of the vehicle. 

What Rocked:

For those looking to personalize their Lexus and to transition the vehicle from being a luxury street cruiser to a performance-oriented road machine like a Bimmer, you’ll be glad to know that there is a $12,000 signature F-accessory series package available exclusively through the Japanese automaker. With this package, the vehicle is outfitted with such upgrades as 19-inch forged wheels, brake upgrades, a lowering spring set, a performance air intake and a dual exhaust performance kit.

Oh yes and we can’t forget to remind you how you get two vehicles for the price of one: a stylish-looking two-door coupe or a gorgeous-looking drop-top convertible. The appearance of the vehicle is dramatically changed, depending on which vehicle you prefer to cruise in.

What We Hated:

While we loved Lexus’ signature F-performance package, it’s pricier than the BMW 3-Series with its signature M package.

We also were disappointed that the 3.5-liter convertible isn’t available with a manual transmission, but with the paddle shifters on the side of the steering wheel, allowing the vehicle to perform like a clutchless automatic. We prefer the real thing.

However, as noted earlier, the IS C is available with a manual, but you have to opt for the smaller, 240-horspower engine and forego the F-performance package, too.

Any Juice:

The IS C we reviewed was equipped with a 3.5-liter, 306-horsepower, 24-valve engine. According to Lexus, the vehicle can ramp up from 0 mph to 60 mph in just under 5.6 seconds.

The Verdict:

When Lexus introduced the first-generation IS sedan at the beginning of the decade, their hope was to attract a younger demographic. Lexus continues the tradition with the long awaited two-door hard top convertible, which hit the market last summer.

Unlike a ragtop convertible, the hard top eliminates the rattling, shaking and vibration found in most soft top convertibles. With the top closed, the exterior noise is virtually non existent just like with any Lexus hardtop.

Pricing for the Lexus starts at approximately $40,000, which is less than the Infiniti G37. Yet, with the upgraded performance package and all of the other high-end options available for this vehicle, the IS C’s price land in the high sixties, competing against Lexus’s more mature SC. 

  

As we cited earlier, the $12,000 F-performance package outstrips the BMW 3-series with the upgraded M-series performance package, as it relates to pricing. Yet, the performance package can be omitted as was the case in the Lexus IS 350 C we reviewed, which listed for $50,710. Overall we still had a super sweet all-weather ride to tool around in. And yes you’ll be impressed by the trunk room too, when the top isn’t tucked away in the trunk.

Competition:  BMW 3-Series Hardtop Convertible, Chrysler Sebring Convertible Hardtop Limited and Infiniti G37 Convertible