Lexus IS C starts at $38,490, RX450h at $41,660

[Good Times]

The RX might be a girlie vehicle but damn it really drives and handles well. I was very impressed by the comfort/feel and the luxury that I wouldn't mind driving one on a regular basis. The IS... eh too small

[img width=500]http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/10_2010_lexus_rx_fd_580op.jpg[/img]

Lexus has been struggling like every other automaker in the US, but it's hoping to get some help at the showroom floor with the all-new RX450h and the new IS convertibles. With the IS C launch scheduled for late May and the RX450h in line for a mid-summer debut, Toyota's luxury arm has announced pricing to help keep interest strong.

The RX450h starts at $41,660 for the base front-wheel drive model, and $43,250 if you want all-wheel drive. The 2010 RX hybrid is upgraded in almost every way, yet its base price will drop versus the 2008 model. The FWD is $420 cheaper, while the AWD model is $230 less. The newest Lexus hybrid will achieve 32 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, 16-20% better than the outgoing RX400h. The new standard-bearing hybrid crossover will also add 27 more horsepower versus the 2009 model, with a combined 295 hp split between the electric motor and Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6.

The all-new IS hard top convertibles are also en-route to your local Lexus dealer, starting at $38,490. That price will net you a base 2.5 model with a six-speed manual transmission. With a six-speed auto, the IS250C will cost $39,660. The 306 hp IS350C will have an MSRP of $43,940. The IS convertible three-piece hardtop is made of light weight aluminum and it retracts in a mere 20 seconds. Other changes to the IS convertible include new fog lamps and a revised front air dam. The rear overhand also increases by two inches, allowing the trunk to swallow a full-size golf bag.

The IS C and RX hybrid also carry an $875 destination charge. Hit the jump to read the very detailed Lexus press release.

[img width=500]http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/10/04_lexus_is250c_press.jpg[/img]

[2ndGen]

The very first time I drove an RX, my first impression was "Damn!! that's a pretty expensive minivan".

[Lee]

my dad was on the verge of buying the rx but he really didnt like a few things about it... 1) the complexity of the nav system / computer, 2) the way the front bumper juts in all the sudden at a 45 deg angle (looks like its missing something!), 3) it's hefty in the price tag

he's probably going with the audi q5 instead.

[Obi..]

*Best Paul Hogan impersonated voice you can imagine here*

That's nawt enn Essss Youuuu Veeehh, nawww diss is ann Essss Youuuu Veeehh!

Limo tint and throw on a minor lift kit so you can roll 33" A/T's..


Why? Well..Meh..if I had to choose between three of my recent's, the Venza, the RX, and the IS Coupe, it would still be the Venza. Lexus is losing a bit of flavor right now IMHO and is trying too hard to compete with Honda and Accura. Too much body roll and front dive in the mountains and there's that whole blind rear corner visibility issue, which IMHO is worse than the FJC's.

Tell you what, when I have $48k to throw out, yes, that's a real dealership up-equipped number I'll take the financing and just throw down for the Land Cruiser and spend another $20k-ish plus. (Nah, you know i'd build up an 80 or 100 series first )

*Please now, no drama from this reply.

[Obi..]

*Side topic..how come people don't just build sick rides anymore? Maybe it's how I look at things, you could do a lot w/ $48k is all I'm pointing out..import one of the HJ's from South America..dangit, where's that pic of Steve Bisig's rig or one of the FROR rides...http://www.flickr.com/groups/patrolcruiser/pool/

[corax]

I like my is300, the is250 is a nice ride, haven't had a chance at an is350, would LOVE to hot-lap an IS-F . . . I just don't understand (well I DO understand) how they could have an IS coupe when the IS stands for International SEDAN

[tulsa_sr5]

Corax you have an IS??? i love the previous gen and after seeing a 250 in red I'm very tempted by them. The new RX leaves me a little cold though. They had the best c-pillar in segment and threw it away.

[Obi..]

He doesn't have it, she does. Where's that pic from his XC thread...

Don't get me wrong btw, both new vehicles have changes as far as drivetrain and little refinements, but it's nice to know I'm not the only one not loving the new styling cues. The IS F is where I'd go I it came down to it, just for the handling..

[corax]

He doesn't have it, she does. Where's that pic from his XC thread...

Well . . . yeah, but the loan is in my name

The is250 has alot of refinements that I like, such as not having to use a key in the doors or ignition as long as you have the fob in your pocket, but it was also slower (had one for 1.5 weeks while the 300 was getting an input bearing in the trans - BTW, the is300 uses a very similar 2wd version of the trans in my 4runner )

[Crinale]

i wanted to buy an is300 before, but couldnt find one in my price range... so i got my subaru... now iv got the runner ^_^