Can the 2021 IS Take Down the BMW 3-Series?
Luxury sports sedans may not be as popular as they used to be, but these two legends are still duking it out.
Relics Of the Past
Both the Lexus IS and BMW 3-Series are relics from a time when compact luxury sports sedans ruled the world, but both are still viable options today. The 3-Series has long been the benchmark for this segment, however, though a lot has changed over the last several years. Now that a new and improved IS has hit the streets, it's worth taking a closer look to see how these two long-running models stack up to each other.
Photos: Lexus
Safety Features
One area the IS dominates the 3-Series in is safety features, something that Lexus is famous for. Many of these features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and rear cross-traffic alert come as standard equipment on the IS, but are optional on the 3-Series.
Photos: BMW
Other Advantages
The IS is also superior to the 3-Series in terms of steering feel, as it provides excellent feedback out on the road - something that the BMW lacks, surprisingly. And when it comes down to price, the Lexus can be had for as little as $40k, a couple of thousand less than the base 3-Series, while the top-level IS350 F Sport costs just $43k compared to the M340i, which starts out at $55k.
Photos: Lexus
BMW Advantages
The 3-Series presents its own unique set of advantages, however, including three more inches of rear legroom, as well as over six additional cubic-feet of cargo space. The Lexus does tout just over an inch more front legroom, however.
Photos: BMW
Performance
When it comes to performance, the 3-Series generally wins as well. The four-cylinder-equipped 330i xDrive does 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, while the entry-level IS manages that deed in around 7.0 seconds. The IS350 F Sport and its V6 also lag behind with a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds compared to the M340i, which will get you there in 4.2 seconds, albeit for a much higher price.
Photos: Lexus
Fuel Economy
Despite its power advantage, the 3-Series also does quite well in terms of efficiency. In standard guise, the BMW delivers 26/36 mpg city/highway versus the Lexus' 21/31 mpg, while the M340i provides 23/32 mpg versus 19/26 mpg for the IS F Sport. And while Lexus doesn't offer a hybrid IS in the U.S., the BMW 330e is available in the states.
Photos: BMW
No Clear Winner
Thus, it's clear that each of these long-running sports sedans offers its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages. The Lexus will generally be more reliable than the BWM, and its also cheaper with better steering feel and more standard safety features, while the 3-Series offers more space, better performance, and better fuel economy. If nothing else, it's clear that these two models cater to more than one type of buyer.
Photos: Lexus
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