What makes a luxury watch so special? Is it the opulent casing or the intricate movement beneath? Ask a connoisseur of timepieces, and the answer will invariably be the latter. But to someone who cares just about the brand image, a Rolex Yachtmaster with a lesser calibre movement and therefore a smaller price tag — although an imaginary situation — will be the perfect watch and a great opportunity to move up the ladder from cheaper brands. He wouldn't care about what goes on underneath as long as the case makes it look like the real deal.
What Lexus has done with its entry level luxury saloon model, the IS, is something similar. The model has been around since 1998 with various engine specifications, but the Middle East only had the IS 300 until recently. But starting this year, an additional engine has been added to the line-up. The IS 250 gets a smaller 2.5-litre V6 D4 engine that's good for 205bhp and 252Nm of torque, 23 horses and 48Nm less than the IS 300.
Power delivery is smooth and the six-speed electronically controlled auto 'box quick to respond, but acceleration, although adequate for most situations, is nowhere close to pulse raising. However, this is more than compensated by the precise handling and the impressively communicative steering.
Except for this smaller engine, everything else is shared with the highly capable IS 300 and its aerodynamic wedge-shaped styling including the ‘duck tail-curved' boot, ‘air kick' taillamps and the flat underbody contribute to a low 0.28Cd, helping it glide along effortlessly with minimal air resistance.
And obviously the chassis is capable of handling much more than what the 2.5-litre unit can squeeze out. The use of steel and aluminium in the double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension helps bring down the car's unsprung weight and multi-leaf linear control valves in the monotube dampers optimise shock absorption, while the internal rebound springs offer added stability and control, especially around tight corners. As far as driving dynamics, this car is almost on a par with the BMW 3 Series and a lot better than the Infiniti G37.
As athletic and sporty as it might be, the IS 250 drives as smooth and quiet as any other car in the Lexus range with the rigid body structure, sound dampening measures including special window and door seals, acoustic windshield glass and asphalt sheeting on the floor all contributing to the exceptional ride quality inside. It's the perfect choice for someone who wants a great handling saloon but without the bone jarring ride usually associated with it. The driver and front passenger get comfy eight-way power perforated leather seats, but the back seats are a clear let down, as is the case with most compact luxury saloons.
They're so crammed that even your kids won't be happy in there for too long. This car probably has the least amount of rear passenger space in this segment, which leaves one wondering why Lexus even had to add those two doors and not make it a coupé? So, definitely not the first choice as a family saloon...
Safety is also given importance with airbags squeezed in wherever space permitted. Lexus uses its Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management traction and stability control system in the IS 250, that helps the car anticipate a skid and avoid it using a combination of braking and throttle control. The system also manages the electric power steering, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, and engine torque to offer optimal stability.
Standard features include a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear-seat vents and ventilated front seats; a sunroof with seven open-position settings, and surprisingly for a Lexus, a manual tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The audio system with an in-dash six CD changer delivers crystal clear sound through 13 speakers, whether it be your favourite FM channel or your sing-along number from your iPod playlist.
VERDICT
The IS 250 is a cleverly packaged car that opens up a whole new market for compact luxury saloons. With prices starting at Dh145,000, it will inspire more potential buyers into considering a Lexus than settling for a high end Toyota or Nissan saloon. It's the perfect first step into the luxury car segment. But, if you're one of those who believe it's the movement that makes a great watch and not just the emblem, then go for the more powerful IS 300 which starts at Dh153,000 and goes all the way up to Dh182,000.
