Pros: High-end cabin materials; well-designed retractable hardtop; relatively nimble handling
Cons: Typical convertible drawbacks of stingy trunk space and poor rear visibility with the top up; cramped rear seat; middling power in IS 250C models
CG Says: The Lexus IS C is a retractable-hardtop-coupe variant of the sporty IS compact sedan. Though the IS 250 and IS 350 sedans were redesigned for 2014, their 2-door convertible siblings carried over on the previous-generation design with no significant alterations. The IS C continues on that earlier platform for 2015, with the only change of note being an update to the Lexus Enform App Suite. The Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C impress for their design, features, and materials. They also benefit from Lexus’ strong resale-value record. However, a lack of overall polish (and power in the IS 250C) prevents them from being truly compelling alternatives to the Audi A5 or BMW 4-Series.
| Class | Premium Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 2-door convertible |
| Passenger Count | 4 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Lexus |
| Nation of Manufacture | Japan |
| Base Prices | IS 250C: $42,960 IS 350C: $47,640 |
| Base Engine 2.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 204 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 21 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30 |
| Optional Engine 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower 306 |
| Std. Transmission 6-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 19 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 27 |
