Lexus IS vs MINI Cooper Convertible
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Lexus IS
Price TBC
Convertible
Petrol
2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol
153kW
9.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
109L
MINI Cooper Convertible
From $51,990
Convertible
Petrol
Petrol Turbo
120kW
6.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
215L
Lexus IS: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h, warranty, ground clearance and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The MINI Cooper Convertible counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus IS uses a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol producing 153kW and 252Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed automatic to a RWD layout.
The MINI Cooper Convertible responds with a Petrol Turbo making 120kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Lexus IS has the clear power advantage at 153kW vs 120kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus IS measures 4,635mm long on a 2,730mm wheelbase, 756mm longer than the MINI Cooper Convertible at 3,879mm (2,495mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus IS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 109L in the Lexus IS and 215L in the MINI Cooper Convertible, giving the MINI Cooper Convertible a 106L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m to 11.1m
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,651/year for the Lexus IS and $1,881/year for the MINI Cooper Convertible. That is a $770 annual difference in favour of the MINI Cooper Convertible.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus IS if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MINI Cooper Convertible if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer MINI's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The MINI Cooper Convertible takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The MINI Cooper Convertible will save you roughly $770 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the MINI Cooper Convertible has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Lexus IS and MINI Cooper Convertible?
The MINI Cooper Convertible is the cheapest at $51,990 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The MINI Cooper Convertible uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Lexus IS and MINI Cooper Convertible carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The MINI Cooper Convertible has the largest boot at 215L.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus IS makes the most power at 153kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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