The 2012 Lexus IS blends style, luxury and athleticism into a balanced, fun-to-drive package that’s designed to appeal to a variety of drivers. The standard IS sedan is available with two different V6 engines and is a proven performer with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The Lexus IS C combines the smart looks of a coupe with open-air convertible goodness, thanks to its retractable hardtop and few cars can match the pure all-out performance of the mighty, V8-powered Lexus IS F.
The Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 Sedans
With their tidy dimensions, excellent stance and crisp styling, the 2012 Lexus IS Sports Sedans give discerning drivers excellent alternatives to the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
The IS 250 employs an excellent 2.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 204 hp and 185 lb/ft of torque. The IS 350 gets an added jolt of power from its 3.5-liter V6: 306 hp and 277 lb/ft of torque.
The rear-wheel drive Lexus IS 250 is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. It can be swapped for a six-speed automatic with paddleshifters, which is the standard transmission on the IS 250 AWD and all IS 350 models.
The Lexus IS 250 C and IS 350 C
The 2012 Lexus IS convertibles are sporty, rear-wheel drive two-doors that share their aluminum 2.5- and 3.5-liter VVT-i V6 engines with their sedan counterparts. Those engines are in exhilarating, sporty and versatile packages that simultaneously deliver the all-weather comfort of a hardtop coupe and the wind-in-your-hair experience of a convertible.
The key feature in the IS convertibles is the three-piece folding hardtop. The innovative roof uses mostly aluminum construction and operates at the push of a button. In addition to making the IS C models true four-season convertibles, the hardtop’s efficient packaging means that drivers still get a good amount of storage with the roof down. To help maintain driver and passenger comfort, regardless of the roof status, the climate control system on the IS C will adjust itself automatically as soon as the roof is retracted.
As with the IS Sedans, the IS 250 C has a standard six-speed manual gearbox and an available paddleshift six-speed automatic. The automatic is standard on the IS 350 C.
The Lexus IS F High-Performance Sedan
Just as the standard IS Sedans take on the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, the world-class Lexus IS F takes on the BMW M3 and Audi S4. To meet that challenge, the track-bred IS F comes loaded for a bear with a 5.0-liter V8 delivering 416 hp and 371 lb/ft to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift transmission. The sport-tuned suspension on the IS F is dialed in to allow the car to gobble up corners and simultaneously provide a level of comfort befitting a Lexus. Overall, it strikes the perfect balance between outright performance and luxury.
Attractive Amenities Across the Range
No matter which Lexus IS you choose, you can expect an excellent array of standard and available features. For instance, drivers can also add the available Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound audio system with 300 watts of power through 10 channels and 14 speakers for vivid, 7.1 surround audio. Conveniences like Intuitive Park Assist and Navigation with Voice Command join typically excellent Lexus interior design and materials from leather seats with available heating and cooling to luxurious bird’s-eye maple wood trim.
F Sport Accessories Dial up Performance on any IS
You don’t need to buy a Lexus IS F to benefit from the research and development that went into it. For any IS model, a variety of F Sport accessories – such as wheels, brake and suspension upgrades, and intake and exhaust systems – are available to help drivers incrementally enhance performance and give their cars additional character. Best of all, the parts are backed by a factory warranty when they’re installed by your Lexus dealer.
Safety and Security
Every Lexus IS features the latest safety features. Beyond the Lexus Supplemental Restraint System and Anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, the IS line comes with Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management System and Vehicle Stability Control to help keep your IS on track. The Lexus Enform with Safety Connect telematics system also provides instant collision notification, one-touch emergency calling and easy access to Lexus roadside assistance.
There is no Wrong IS Choice
Whether you want traditional rear-drive performance, the added traction and confidence of all-wheel drive, the classic experience of open-air motoring or performance developed on the racetrack for application on the street, there is a Lexus IS for you. Beautiful, athletic and luxurious, the IS is a compelling choice.
