And the winner is? 2006 BMW 3-series or 2006 Lexus IS-series?

Now that the the new IS-series has been released by Lexus, I must say it is quite an impressive car.



It really looks like Lexus finally has a legitimate competitor to the BMW 3-series.

From a looks standpoint I give a slight edge to the new IS over the new 3. Mainly becuase the rear of the 3 looks so Infiniti G20-ish and wrecks the look of the car in my opinion. When you see the IS and 3 in real life we think you'll agree.

The new IS is more refined, modern and more expensive looking.

The 3-series is not bad looking, in fact it's a solid 'B' effort in our opinion.

It just doesn't stand out as much as it used to anymore, compared to the competitors.

And in this game, every new generation car needs to be an 'A+' effort, to stay ahead of the others.

When older 3-series cars were released they always looked head and shoulders better than everything else. This time, it just blends in as a reasonable choice in a sea of good looking, lots of bang for the buck alternatives.

On the inside, it's no contest.

The IS interior looks like it's worth double the price.

Even the MINI looks more expensive inside than the new 3. And it's half the price!

BMW. Do us a favor and pull in a couple of the MINI interior designers for your next cars. The MINI’s look special compared to everything else out there.

Performance.

That where the line blurs here and BMW retains its one advantage.

NOTHING drives as good as BMW.

But will that be enough this time for it to hold market share.

We predict NO.

Why?

Because the new IS will offer a lot more horsepower, bang for the buck, Lexus reliability and the superior dealer customer service experience.

And most customers aren't saavy enough to appreciate the finite advantages of the BMW. People tend to only see what's on the surface and first impressions mean a lot.

Are we predicting the IS will overtake the 3 in sales?

NO.

But that’s not their goal today.

All they want is to do 10-15K units in the first year and the damage will be done.

The goal is to methodically and carefully erode the 3-series share, little by little.

Like water torture.

Trust us, they intend to make it painful.

The Spies predict when you look back in 18 months, we’ll all say mission accomplished, Lexus.

Tick, Tick, Tick

DiamondJim - 3/31/2005 11:07:31 PM

+1 Boost

im still bothered Lexus didnt not release the LF-S after so much anticipation for it.....

but i will say this new IS is beginning to grow on me.

the new 3, well, BMW board, looking back on Bangle's designs, now, you probably realize it was a HUGE mistake to give him the helm.

i STILL wonder why BMW employs him....

MercBasher - 3/31/2005 11:58:20 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus is likely to value price the IS in order to gain share rapidly in the more receptive US market - so for N. Americans' I'd take the IS. In Europe Lexus sells many fewer vehicles because it prices much higher than in the US (a $100K LS430 and a $70K+ RX300 are UK pricing examples) so I'd stick with the 3 series for continental driving.

CarMad - 4/1/2005 5:50:37 AM

+1 Boost

Wow you must all be really advanced in your previews of the cars.

I have driven a new 330 E90 3series in the UK at Rockingham racing circuit at their launch event. Firstly the engine is a peach its much better than those in current models, torque starts much lower and the engine is a lot stronger and sounds even better than before.

The interior is average at best, it really does look bad especially without I-drive. But with it its not easy to use I don't car what anyone says its just not. I am an IT specialist that places with complex gadgets everyday and just didn't get on with it at all.

The handling, well its a lot better on run flats than the 5 series is thats for sure. They are now fitting tyres from different manufacturers. The handling is good but they have dulled it a bit, understeer is a lot more prevalent than it has been before thats for sure. It was good but no ground breaker the last car was.

But you all seem to say that it will be much better than the new Lexus and its rubbish and I strongly disagree. I went to the launch of the IS200 at milbrook proving grounds in the UK and had the chance to push the car harder than anyone would on the road and it was fabulous. My Dad has a BMW 325 and he agreed with me.

I suggest you reserve judgement on the new IS250 until you have driven it as I will. The new 3 is good don't get me wrong but maybe Lexus have a chance to get very close indeed on handling / ride looks and especially the interior than they ever have before. And that in my opinion is a good thing. The Lexus LS400 after all was the car that woke luxury car makes up about what real refinemet was only 15 years ago.

Oh and by the way to all those that think they call Lexus - Toyotas in Japan they don't anymore. Lexus is Toyotas standalone luxury brand in all markets now including Japan, thus the increase quality focus the marque is getting. Good news if you ask me. :-)

DiamondJim - 4/2/2005 9:42:56 PM

+1 Boost

"I'll be sure to wave at you when my Lexus IS350 does laps around your BMW 330i."

OMG, that was so funny.....


*waving hello to Ted*

Steve - 4/3/2005 12:29:35 PM

+1 Boost

Hey 001, mark your words and review them in 12 months, and then again in 24 months.

Five years ago, BMW was always represented in the Best Car lists. The media, reviewers, critics, and the buying public could not say enough positive things about them.

And now? Reviewers are being "kind" to BMW by highlighting the great ride, yet they can't ignore the "controversial" styling, the "confounding" iDrive, and the cheap looking interiors. Factor in the decline in BMW's "number of defects per 100 new vehicles" stats, and you can see a lot has gone down hill since this time, last decade.

It will be years before the once great Brand restores the shine to the BMW name.

Steve - 4/3/2005 12:29:35 PM

+1 Boost

Hey 001, mark your words and review them in 12 months, and then again in 24 months.

Five years ago, BMW was always represented in the Best Car lists. The media, reviewers, critics, and the buying public could not say enough positive things about them.

And now? Reviewers are being "kind" to BMW by highlighting the great ride, yet they can't ignore the "controversial" styling, the "confounding" iDrive, and the cheap looking interiors. Factor in the decline in BMW's "number of defects per 100 new vehicles" stats, and you can see a lot has gone down hill since this time, last decade.

It will be years before the once great Brand restores the shine to the BMW name.