Open and shut case

• By STEVE WHEELER
• Advocate WHEELS editor
• Published: Nov 6, 2009

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When the roof of the Lexus IS 350C is up, the car looks like a regular coupe. Push a button, and hundreds of parts mesh in a harmonious waltz of metal to break the roof into pieces and store it in the trunk. 

The same button opens the trunk lid and dances the roof back into its leak-proof position on top of the car. All this has to happen quickly, quietly and without fuss. In the IS 350C, it takes a mere 20 seconds.

Hardtop convertibles like the IS 350C are light years ahead of the ragtops from years ago. Back in the day, the tops leaked, they were noisy and the manual mechanisms were difficult to operate.

There are lots of hardtop convertibles on the market today, but the IS lineup gives Lexus both a coupe and a convertible in the entry luxury segment for the first time.

The IS convertible lineup also includes the IS 250C, which differs from the 350C primarily in engine size. Both have V-6 engines, but the IS 350C has a 3.5-liter engine, while the IS 250C has the smaller 2.5-liter V-6.

The 3.5-liter engine in the test vehicle delivers 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque to a 6-speed electronically controlled transmission. The car can go from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds, and will deliver an estimated 18 miles per gallon in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway.

Inside, the IS 350C has room for four adults, so long as the two adults in back aren’t much bigger than Danny DeVito.

Getting in and out of the car can be a little difficult for those in back, even with the power front seats. Having the top down makes it a lot easier.

Lexus luxury is evident in the semi-aniline leather heated and ventilated seats, as well as the the wood trim and soft surfaces. The front seats adjust 10 ways and the steering wheel tilts and telescopes, so the driver can be assured of a comfortable driving position.

Behind the wheel, the IS 350C handles superbly, with excellent road manners and cornering skills. Steering wheel feedback is appropriate and the ride is firm and comfortable. And even though the IS 350C affords the option of open air driving, the car is extraordinarily quiet when the top is up. In fact, you might even think you’re in an IS sedan instead of a convertible.

Trunk space is generous for a hardtop convertible. There is a sliding partition that snaps into place to let you know where the roof is stored. The partition can be moved out of the way with the roof up, but it has to be perfectly back in place for the roof to collapse into the trunk. 

I found that out the hard way when I moved the partition aside during an inspection, but had to return to the trunk twice to adjust the four connection points before I could lower the roof. It’s a precise mechanism, and if everything’s not perfect, the roof ain’t moving.

Still, I am a fan of this rear-wheel drive hardtop droptop. It combines all the luxury you’d expect in a Lexus with the fun and excitement of open air driving — at a cost attainable by more people. The IS 350C has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $43,940. The test vehicle was equipped with the optional $3,055 luxury package, a $500 intuitive parking assist feature and the $3,890 navigation and sound package, brining the out-the-door price to $52,260. Neither of the IS hardtop convertibles has been safety tested, but both have all of the expected safety features.