Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus IS review - price, specs and 0-60 time - MPG and running costs

Hybrid drive makes the Lexus IS a company car champion, though it’s less impressive to drive than its rivals.

Evo rating
RRP
from £26,495
  • Striking looks, efficient drivetrain and plentiful equipment
  • Efficiency drive hampers the fun factor, E-CVT transmission droning

MPG and running costs 

The Lexus is still unique in offering a sub-100g/km emissions choice, but rivals’ diesel development has seen the IS 300h’s usefulness as a company car choice diminished. Officially the IS 300h returns 65.7mpg and emissions of 97g/km, though that’s only in SE specification; choose any other trim level and while there’s no leap in consumption the emissions rating of 101g/km (and 107g/km for the F Sport) means you’ll have to hand over a tenner to the Chancellor for your road tax each year and jump a couple of company car tax bands. No huge deal then, but those official fuel consumption figures are wildly optimistic, the reality more likely to be two thirds of the quoted figure if you’re sensible and even worse if you’re not. You might just find running a diesel rival cheaper.

Advertisement - Article continues below

That’s for the IS 300h; things get worse for the IS 250, its rating of 199g/km making it all but unviable for business users and costing over £100 more in road tax per year above a BMW 320i. Official fuel economy of 32.8mpg - and less in daily use - puts it very much in the fine-if-you’re-expat-in-an-oil-rich-country category. Lexus servicing should be manageable though, with fixed cost options, while the customer care - as many, many awards testify - should be exemplary.   

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again
Toyota GR Yaris with aero pack
News

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again

We’re not getting the option of an Aero Performance pack in the UK. We’re still poring over the details, though
12 Sep 2025