At a base price of $34,285, the IS 250 is a performance-oriented small luxury sedan as opposed to its Lexus sibling, the IS 350, which is a bit larger and all about comfort and luxury.

It is powered by a V6 2.5L gas engine with double overhead cam (DOHC). It has 24 variable timing valves which help deliver 204 hp @ 6400 rpm and 185 ft-lbs. at 4800 rpm using premium unleaded fuel.

This uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic all wheel drive transmission along with a mechanical center differential. It has four-wheel independent suspension, double wishbone front suspension, front and rear stabilizer bar and multi-link rear suspension. It also has a trip computer tachometer, and a clock showing external temperature. A compass does the low fuel level warning.

Exterior features include 17 x 8 in. alloy wheels, all season 225/45R17 V tires with steel spare wheel and temporary spare tire, inside mounted spare tire, variable intermittent wipers, and power glass sunroof while a rear defogger is also available.

Safety features include 4-wheel ABS, ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes, emergency braking assist, stability control, front and rear head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, child seat anchors, rear center 3-point belt, 3 rear headrests, engine immobilizer, dusk sensing headlamps, auto delay off headlamps, height adjustable headrests, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, dual front side-mounted airbags, passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, rear door child safety locks, emergency interior trunk release, 2 front headrests, remote anti-theft alarm system, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring, front fog/driving lights, height adjustable headrests.

The front leather upholstery seats can accommodate 5 persons whose seats are ventilated with 10-way power passenger seat, and adjustable lumbar support. Passenger and driver seats are also height adjusted and has multi-level heating. Bucket front seats are also available.

The Lexus IS 250 AWD Sedan also has a bench rear seat, rear ventilation ducts and folding seats with storage and pass-thru center armrest.

Power features are on remote door locks, 4 one-touch windows, and heated mirrors.

Convenience and comfort are never compromised: cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, front and rear cupholders, front door pockets, 12V front power outlet(s), keyless ignition, retained accessory power, electric speed-proportional power steering, transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel, remote trunk release, front seatback storage, front console with storage, universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.), dual zone climate controls for both the driver and passenger, electrochromatic inside rearview mirror, dual illuminating vanity mirrors, alloy and leather trim on shift knob, simulated alloy trim on center console, trunk light, interior air filtration, front and rear reading lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy trim on dash, and front and rear floor mats.
Entertainment features involve AM/FM in-dash 6 CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo capable of 194 watts stereo output, 13 total speakers, Lexus antenna, and speed sensitive volume control capable of auxiliary MP3 audio input.

Annual fuel cost is at $1,560 ($2.94 per gallon, regular, 13,000 miles per year).