2009 UPDATE: 2009 Lexus IS 250 facelift launched in Malaysia, now available in 2 variants!
UMW Toyota’s luxury division Lexus Malaysia will be launching it’s fourth model today, the Lexus IS250. The IS250 will go against the BMW 325i and the Mercedes Benz C230 (or whatever it’s equivalent is in Malaysia for the W204), and is expected to account for a third of Lexus Malaysia’s projected sales of 300 units in 2008.
In overseas markets, the Lexus IS250 uses the 4GR-FSE, something that some of you might already be familiar with as it is the same engine in the 2.5 litre version of Naza’s Toyota Mark X. The 2.5 litre V6 engine makes 205 horsepower at 6,400rpm and up to 265Nm of torque at 4,800rpm, rather impressive torque figures for a 2.5 litre engine as usually you only get 100Nm of torque per litre of displacement for a normally aspirated engine. This might not be the exact state of tune that we’ll get in our Malaysian market, so more details will be posted here once Lexus Malaysia’s website is updated.
Expected price is about RM300k, which puts it somewhere at a premium over the normal 325i, but slightly cheaper than the 325i M Sport. Exact price to be posted here later.
UPDATE: Here’s the official deal on the car: RM313,166.20 on the road inclusive of insurance gets you a Lexus IS250 with a 2.5 litre V6 4GR-FSE engine complete with D4 direct injection producing 205 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 252Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm. This is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shifting and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Equipment includes HID headlamps, vehicle stability control, adaptive front-lighting, rain-sensing wipers, anti-glare rear view and wing mirrors, and of course the Lexus trademark here in Malaysia – an awesome Mark Levinson sound system with 14 speakers.
More photos and four videos of the Lexus IS250 after the jump.
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments mainly express disappointment at the high pricing of the Lexus IS250 in Malaysia, with many stating it is overpriced compared to other markets, and comparing it unfavorably to similar BMW models like the 325i. Some feel the price diminishes its competitiveness and question the value for money, as it is only marginally cheaper than premium German cars. Others appreciate the car's comfort, quiet ride, and luxury features, but emphasize that the price makes it less accessible. A few comments highlight that the brand's perception and service quality are crucial factors in its market success. Overall, the comments reflect skepticism about the pricing strategy, with many feeling it is too expensive for the Malaysian market.