Lexus IS 350C pampers while protecting

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OK, so you’re looking for a luxury convertible, something a little flashy, but not too common; it has to be pampering, oh, and you want to have a few horses under the hood.

Well then the 2011 Lexus IS 350C may fit those requirements. The Lexus IS 350C is one of those dual-purpose convertible-to-coupe vehicles as it has hard folding panels instead of a canvas top. Some purists (convertible snobs?) scoff at these dual-purpose convertibles claiming they are not “true” to the open-top experience. I think they are a better way to experience the great outdoors, adding some safety, filtering out noise and better protecting you against theft and vandalism.

As we close out summer in Chicago, we enter what I consider prime convertible season with cooler, crisp mornings and days/evenings that are not tire-melting hot – and those pesky mosquitoes are gone.

In about 21 seconds you can nearly become one with your surroundings. The IS 350C’s three-piece hardtop offers open-air freedom with the flick of a single switch. Lexus indicates that the top is primarily constructed of lightweight aluminum and, unlike some soft-top convertibles, the panels completely retract.

The four-link roof assembly, also made of aluminum for a lightweight design, provides smooth, even movement. Lexus states that the top was engineered to operate in an easy, efficient manner, with each component motor driven with detection switches, allowing the control unit to know the exact position of the panels at all times. The back window’s reinforced glass construction also helps to reduce weight. Weather-strip changes in areas around the doors and windows ensure tight seals.

A new wrinkle is a roof-speed brake-control system (no pads needed) that decreases the roof speed as it approaches the end of the closing operation in either direction, ensuring an elegant and quiet movement. On my test car it came equipped with the intuitive park assist: Sonar sensors in the rear bumper will stop the movement of the luggage door at the start of operation if it detects an obstacle will interfere.

For a convertible this car is seals up nicely. When the IS 350C’s convertible’s top is opened or closed, the power windows will drop down if they are in the up position and slide up when you press the switch. Like contemporary luxury vehicles (and if the IS 350C’s top is up), windows will automatically lower 15 millimeters when you open the door, then go up when the door closes. This seals up the interior from outside elements and eases operation.

Curb appeal is key in this class of vehicle and the IS 350C offers it. It has an attractive nose with bright chrome accents, a coupelike profile and a low, wide stance with attractive 18-inch five-spoke wheels. There is a “butt” and it’s a big one as the rear has to be large enough to hold the roof panels and the associated motors and brakes designed to operate it. From certain angles it can appear a little ungainly.

Inside, the Lexus IS 350C does not disappoint with primo accommodations and design execution. As expected from any Lexus, fit and finish is top notch. From the rich leather surfaces, wood trims and the ease of control use, including navigation controls and power assisted controls, the IS 350C comforts front passengers elegantly. I liked the navigation/control screen with its blend of buttons and touch-screen prompts that were easy to understand. The heated and ventilated front seats are a nice feature as is the optional Mark Levinson audio system.

In the rear, seating is nonexistent if the driver or front passenger is taller than 5 feet 5 inches, but it’s a cushy leather-lined space for transporting designer groceries.

As for trunk space, cargo volume with the top up is 10.8 cubic feet, but with the top folded it plummets to 2.36 cubic feet.

In the step-up IS 350 model (IS 250C is the base car), motivation is accomplished through a 3.5-liter V-6 developing 306 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. While this might sound powerful, the IS 350C’s 3,880-pound curb weight saps some of the potency, but not too much. This engine combined with the six-speed automatic transmission delivers Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy estimates of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. I averaged around 21 mpg with a 60/40 split of city/highway driving.

My driving experience with the IS 350C confirms that this drop top is a luxo-cruiser. While the rear-wheel drive layout does inject some feeling of sportiness, the light power steering and slight body sway combined with a soft ride quickly confirm that this car is set up for smelling the roses rather than running them over.

That said, this car can zip from light to light and there is plenty of highway juice available for merging or passing. Also, this car is pretty tight with virtually no chassis flex, creaks and groans when crossing rail tracks or turning up an inclined driveway. Also note that when driving with the top up rear visibility is hindered.

A base 2011 Lexus IS 350C will start at $46,600 and competes with the likes of the Audi A5, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37 and Volvo C70 drop tops. The IS 350C falls about midpack in this group because it is not the fleetest or a road carver.

For buyers who are not necessarily interested in sporty performance and just want to soak in the great outdoors in fine, luxurious style, the 2011 Lexus IS 350C is worthy of consideration.