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The 2015 Lexus IS C boasts time-tested qualities, making it a fantastic buy for those in the market for a luxury convertible.

As the “C” implies, the Lexus IS C is a luxury retractable hardtop variant of the Lexus IS sedan. Lexus is a Toyota brand, making the IS C a bonafide Japanese convertible. Although Toyota has discontinued production of the 2-door, 4-passenger soft-top, the model is still available at dealerships boasting time-tested qualities that make it a fantastic buy for those in the market for a luxury convertible.

What customers like the most about the 2015 Lexus IS C are the more obvious features like the 8-way power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated driver and front passenger seats; and the luxuriously comfortable and instinctual cabin made from top-of-the-line materials. But as we shall see in this article, the 2015 Lexus IS C offers a lot more features complementing its luxurious qualities.

The model was offered in two trims; the Lexus IS C250 and the Lexus IS C350. Lexus also offered an updated limited volume, track-ready F SPORT package for this Japanese convertible. The IS 350 trim packs a larger displacement engine than the base model, but this article will focus on the IS 250, a well-equipped trim level despite being the base model for the Lexus IS sedan-based convertibles. Now, let’s see how the Lexus IS C combines wind-in-the-hair driving pleasure, style, and sporty performance.

Related: Best Features Of The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F

The IS C offer owners two engine choices; 2.5- and 3.5-L V6. The IS C250 comes with a 2.5L V6 motor with 204 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission delivers that power to the road via the rear wheels. Both the 250 and 350 are rear-wheel drives. In case you are wondering how much horses the IS C 350 trim can make, it delivers 306 hp produced by a 3.5L V6 motor tied to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Unfortunately, only the IS sedan the convertibles are based on offers an available AWD. However, the convertibles come with powerful V6 engines featuring Toyota’s Dual VVT-i system designed to adjust timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts, resulting in improved efficiency and lowered emission. The 6-speed automatic Super Electronically Controlled Transmission, sequential shift mode, and paddle shifters are standard for the 2015 Lexus IS C250 and 350.

Remember what we said about the IS C250 being a well-equipped trim? That’s right. You can expect a long rolodex of comfort and convenience features, including;

a premium audio system with USB audio input, Bluetooth capability/ integrated Sirius XM Satellite Radio; dual-zone automatic climate control with intuitive feature to adjust for open or closed top motoring; premium leather seating; a DVD-based navigation system with back-up camera; multi-information display; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; power windows with driver and front passenger auto up/down function; leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel fitted with paddle shifters and mounted on power tilting/telescoping column; metallic shift knob; woodgrain interior trim; aluminum sport pedals with rubber inserts; cruise control; the Lexus Smart Key System with Push Button Start; integrated garage door opener; high-intensity discharge headlamps with the auto-leveling headlamp system and headlamp washers; fog lamps; and more.

There is also an array of driver-focused driving experience features such as Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management and a highly responsive electric power steering. Standard safety features in the IS C250 include;

Vehicle Stability Control; Traction Control; Antilock Braking System with electronic brakeforce distribution and Brake Assist enhancements; Lexus Smart Stop technology; eight airbags; ventilated front and rear disc brakes; three-point lap and shoulder belts with pretensioners and force limiters; anchor points for child seats; a direct tire pressure monitoring system; high visibility LED brake lamps and daytime running lights; and more.

Drivers will experience great stability and high-response handling at high speeds, thanks to the front and rear suspension system and rigid body structure.

Related: A Look Back At The Lexus SC430

We will show you critic ratings of the 2015 Lexus IS C shortly, but first, we have at least 3 solid reasons the 2015 Lexus IS C is the best buy:

So, the IS C250 is an excellent contender for your attention if you don’t mind a fully-equipped entry-level luxury sports convertible with premium interior and gorgeous exterior aesthetics.

As for critic ratings of the 2015 IS C, we can surmise from reliability, safety, design, and performance ratings from multiple sources that it occupies the uppermost position with the likes of Infiniti Q60 in the luxury small car category. Both RepairPal and USNews gave the 2015 IS C a 4.0 out of 5 reliability score, while USNews provided a scorecard of 8.4 out of 10 overall ratings, encompassing critics, performance, interior, ownership cost, safety, and reliability ratings.

This is a good time to get the IS C, as Lexus is unlikely to resume making this fantastic drop-top. The LC Convertible has made a 2022 comaback instead, with an eye-popping $101,100 price tag. The 2015 Lexus IS 250 C was released with a starting MSRP of $54,850, but you can get it now for less than $40,000. The C350 trim costs a little more and comes with a more powerful motor but not as efficient fuel economy.

With a $62,300 starting price, the C350 F SPORT Pkg was the costliest. Remember that the IS C comes from a very reliable Lexus sedan trim boasting a shelf life exceeding 300,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. "With the IS C, Lexus guests get the most out of that point where the open road meets open sky,” said Cyril Dimitris, Director of Lexus Canada.

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