The new-for-2010 Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C are convertibles and the first open-top models in the IS line. With styling reminiscent of the IS sedans, a power-operated hardtop roof that opens or closes in a scant 20 seconds, seats for four, V-6 engines and lots of features, the new convertibles are easy transporters that provide a bonus — a suntan.
Among luxury cars with retractable hardtops, the IS convertibles might be considered affordable, if a price of $40,000 or so can be defined that way.
Starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including destination charge, is $39,365 for an IS 250C with 204-horsepower V-6 and manual transmission. Add $1,170 for an IS 250C with automatic.
But arguably the best of the bunch is the IS 350C, with its larger, 306-horsepower V-6. Starting retail price, including destination charge, for a 2010 IS 350C is $44,815. This model comes only with an automatic transmission.
These prices compare with the $44,715 starting retail price of the Infiniti G37 Convertible with 325-horsepower V-6 and shift-it-yourself automatic that debuted in 2009, and the $45,375 starting retail price for a 2009 BMW 328i Convertible with 230-horsepower, six-cylinder engine and manual transmission. With automatic, the BMW price rises to $46,700.
Neither Infiniti nor BMW has announced 2010 prices on their convertibles.
The rear-wheel drive IS debuted about a decade ago as Lexus' smallest car. It was oriented more to younger buyers who want luxury and who might buy a BMW.
The IS was one of the few Lexus vehicles to offer a manual transmission, but sales never reached the levels of BMW's long-popular 3-Series.
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