flipside909

Keep in mind the model displayed in Europe is pre-production, as well as those photos recently taken by Lexus USA @ the National Headquarters here in Southern California. You will see several revisions before the final product goes on sale.

AJL0365

oh ok, just thought that its wood options or something my b

TED_FR

The Lexus strategy over here is to propose fully loaded cars, it is a part of the Lexus 'aura'
Let's be straight forward, the 2006 IS250 could be sold at the same price as the 2005 IS200. In words of performance (204 HP vs 155 HP), style, equipment or value for money they are two very distinct cars. The IS250 is much closer to the current IS300, and in many respects is superior to it. That means that the IS200 has no replacement and that the whole lineup slides upward.

So for Lexus Marketing guys, the actual exercise is to target the price for the IS250between the BMW325 and the current IS300.
IS200 Pack with NAV : € 31, 950
BMW 325 Level 1¨Pack : € 33,400
BMW 325 Level 2 Pack : € 35,000
BMW 325 Level 3 Pack : € 38,200
BMW 330 Level 1 Pack : € 37,500
IS300 Pack with NAV : € 41,950

I would assume then to keep in line with the Lexus Strategy (fully loaded for less $) the price would be € 36,900 at max. For those who are in the IS200 type of budget, that's expensive , but that's not the same car anymore. For those who are looking for cars in the area of the IS300, that's a very good deal. That's actually cheaper. The true replacement of the IS300 is the IS250 which would account for 75% of the total IS sales in the US. IS350 explores new market segments.

It is then easyer to price tag the IS350 because it is a new car with more than 300 HP. The most powerfull Lexus ever!
It could easily be priced tag more than the 330 Pack level 3 (€ 42,100)
There is no much room left for the ES which by the way is not imported in Europe.

TED_FR

Yes, you're correct, and if you look at the steering wheel, the way the leather is wrapped around is different as well.
These are still prototype cars, but the differences are very minor.

spwolf

yep, but as you, I and Lexus know, BMW sells a LOT of 318, 320, 318d, 320d models... Probably some 80% of their sales.. And IS250 would be more expensive than that... I guess we will see, but they might have an suprise in store for us.

knihc2008

iTrader: (1)

there are quite a few other changes as well: the shift **** seems to have been polished more. and, even bigger, the center console opening in the wood trim (and just in front of the leather armrest) seems to have shrunken signficicantly. wonder what that is, the cup holder?

BrickHead

Is there going to be an IS hybrid? The new M3 will have 400 HP from a 4.0L V8 (??). I hope the IS will have something with similar performance.

Gojirra99

Since there's already a GS450h coming, I hope there will be a IS450h eventually . . .

BrickHead

Perhaps the IS coupe will get the hybrid and be introduced around the same time the M3 does??

Gojirra99

It's not even clear that there will even be a regular coupe, all we' ve heard about is a hardtop convertible version similar to the LF-C concept . . .

XeroK00L

If they want to stay true to the performance nature of the IS then they'd better make it a real coupe rather than a heavy hardtop convertible!

Gojirra99

I agree, I would like them to make both versions.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i think there will be a coupe version of the IS, and also a convertible version of it. that makes more sense

XeroK00L

And I really hope they leave the hardtop convertible thing to the SC, probably an SC350, and give the IS convertible a softop if they're serious about competing with the 3-series.

Gojirra99

A hardtop convertible version of the IS350 with usable backseats will be a good MB competitor tho & I definitely want to see it, & I will say it again, no SC350 please