Lexus IS Saloon 250 2.5 SE 4dr

For The 2.5-litre V6 pulls from low revs and is punchy enough for overtaking. It's refined, too. The most basic version is very well equipped, with 10 airbags, climate control and alloy wheels

Against You have to work the engine hard to extract maximum performance, and this petrol-powered model is more expensive to buy than the equivalent diesel model

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

With the best combination of price and equipment, as well as the best engine in an IS, this is our favourite version of the car

Key facts

0–60mph: 8.5 secs
Top speed: 140 mph
Average mpg: 33.6
Tank range: 480 miles

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Features

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Size

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View the whole Lexus IS Saloon range

The Lexus IS Saloon full review Read in full

Performance
2 out of 5 stars
The diesel’s gearing is too high
Ride & Handling
2 out of 5 stars
Spoiled by unsettled ride
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Too much road noise
Buying & Owning
2 out of 5 stars
Big discounts, running costs merely okay
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Should be trouble-free
Safety & Security
5 out of 5 stars
Everything you'd expect
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Logical controls; good adjustment
Space & Practicality
2 out of 5 stars
Cramped rear; small boot
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Lots of toys as standard

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Lexus buyers are a very happy bunch - the brand sits permanently on top of the JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey, so buying and owning an IS should prove a highly satisfying experience. Owners report being particularly happy in three key areas: vehicle quality and reliability, vehicle appeal and service satisfaction.

However, just because the dealers are so nice to you and their dealerships so plush, don't feel you can't haggle. The IS is the slowest-shifting model in the Lexus range, so there are always deals across the entire range.

Also, remember to haggle on the price of options, too. Although a Lexus buyer might not have to raid the options' list as much as an Audi or BMW buyer might, negotiate on everything you opt for.