LEXUS has slipped the IS250C into the mid-sized coupe-convertible domain dominated by its German luxury rivals for decades. Expanding the IS sedan range to include a second body derivative, the IS-C range comprises three well-equipped variants opening at a sharp $80,000, all powered by the same slick 2.5-litre petrol V6 and six-speed automatic combination found in the IS250 sedan. Extensive chassis reinforcements and a unique suspension set-up compensate for the open-topped IS convertible’s significant weight gain over the sedan, while the latest safety and equipment combine with first-class Lexus refinement to make it a welcome alternative to the established Europeans in this class.