Are BMW Bias and Lexus Induced Coma Real Medical Conditions??? Agent 00J Argues the Case and Asks YOU To Decide!

Are BMW Bias and Lexus Induced Coma Real Medical Conditions??? Agent 00J Argues the Case and Asks YOU To Decide!
I have been an AutoSpies.com Agent for almost a year now, and a loyal reader for the better part of 3 years and one thing is abundantly clear:

It does not matter what brand we are writing about, SOMEBODY always brings up BMW in either a positive or negative light in the comments section.

Agent 001 and myself have been accused of being on BMW's payroll (a fact we wish was true!) and no matter how good a car BMW produces (and they do produce some pretty decent cars) the fact that we share our opinion with the rest of you is fodder for criticism.

But lets get down to the brass tacks here, if in fact we are biased towards BMW - WE ARE NOT ALONE.

The fact is MOST of the monthly publications tend to lean heavily towards a Pro-BMW while ignoring or vastly overlooking Lexus.

But is this stance a medically provable? 

Is BMW Bias in your blood?

Is a Lexus Induced Coma possible?

I am not a doctor, but I do have a firm grasp of the obvious, and in reading the latest edition of Car & Driver (April 2009) a story struck my interest that perhaps could be used as basis for establishing a condition that makes a person favor BMW and hate Lexus.

The story (and I linked to it for you to read) has the editors of C&D picking the top five cars in each category.  A total of 10 categories where established including the best Pickup trucks, Small SUV's, Premium Coupes, Mid-Size SUV's to list a few.

Here is what caught my attention.

BMW's win 2 categories outright with the BMW M3 Sedan winning the Sports Sedan category and the BMW 3-Series winning the Entry Luxury Cars category.

The M3 Coupe takes second in the Premium Coupes category with the Audi R8 taking top spot.

What blows my mind however is that within the "Sports Sedan" category NO MENTION IS MADE OF THE LEXUS IS-F.

NONE

ZIP

The IS-f is flat out ignored.

Worse than being ignored, A CAR THAT ISN'T EVEN IN PRODUCTION YET IS MENTIONED OVER THE LEXUS!

You heard me right.

C&D lists the M3 Sedan in first, the Cadillac CTS-V in second, Mercedes E63 and C63 as third and fourth place finishers and go on to say, "ONE TO WATCH: Jaguar XFR.  The XF is a 10Best Winner, so we think that the upcoming 510-HP performance version should be an absolute knockout."

I love the wording, "we think" the upcoming version should be an absolute knockout.

ON A CAR THAT ISN'T EVEN FOR SALE YET!!!

BMW Bias?

You bet.

Lexus Induced Coma?

ABSOLUTELY!

The IS-f got beat by a car that isn't even available yet.

Something is WRONG with this picture.

Really, really wrong.

The fact is Lexus is not mentioned ONCE in any category.

NOT ONCE!

And honestly I think C&D made a mistake by not including Lexus.

A list that includes cars like the Acura TSX (Entry Luxury Cars) deserve to have at least the IS on it, a car that I am confident most enthusiasts would choose over the TSX.

Bias and coma at work.

Am I the only one who thinks this is wrong???

Go check out the article and come back and offer your 2 cents.

This isn't about BMW winning, this is about Lexus LOSING by not being mentioned.

We didn't make the C&D list, we are simply calling them out on something I believe they are wrong about.

Don't forget you can upload your photos on the go by sending an e-mail to mobile@AutoSpies.com

2009 Geneva Auto Show Gallery

Audi A5/S5 Cabriolet Photo Gallery

Read Article

HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 3/10/2009 10:16:11 AM
+5 Boost
00J, or could it be that BMW just happens to produce great driving cars that appeal to enthusiasts (like car magazine writers) while Lexus produces luxury cars that appeal more to consumers who want a more isolated and luxury experience.


david999david999 - 3/10/2009 1:18:15 PM
+1 Boost

You hit the nail on the head. Lexus has always been marketed as a luxury brand where comfort and reliability are their main attributes. I like BMW as well, but I think they compete more for the sport-oriented consumer.


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 3/10/2009 2:49:37 PM
-4 Boost
Car & Driver has named the Honda Accord a 10 Best Car 23 times in the past 27 years and has consistently ranked the Accord #1 in numerous comparison tests over the years. Yet nobody is claiming C&D is biased to Honda or on Honda's payroll.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/best_worst_lists/2009_10best_cars_10best_cars+page-5.html


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/10/2009 2:58:45 PM
-2 Boost
HSCenterconsole, that's because when a Japanese car wins an award, it was deserved because it was the best. When a German car wins one it was because of blatant and rampant racism and bribery on the part of advertisers.

That's what you're saying, right Badgewhore? Because really, just reading it that makes TOTAL sense. It doesn't sound ridiculous or crazy at all.


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 3/10/2009 3:11:57 PM
-3 Boost
Exactly jrob.

The 3-Series has 18 10 Best wins under it belt compared to the Accord's 23, but C&D is BMW biased. This month's C&D issues has the Accord beating the Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion in a comparison test. Nobody complains about bias. But when the 328i beat the G37, C-Class, and CTS in a comparo a couple of months ago, everybody goes nuts.

No journalist or form of media can be 100% bias free. HOWEVER, I believe that C&D is overall pretty fair in their reviews and they choose the best car (from an enthusiast's perspective).


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 3/10/2009 3:49:30 PM
-2 Boost
Hear,Hear.


NItePhireNItePhire - 3/12/2009 3:18:48 PM
+1 Boost
"This month's C&D issues has the Accord beating the Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion in a comparison test. Nobody complains about bias." Actually I read the article and just decided that I wouldnt even place it up here. C&D are really bad about this when it comes to Honda. read some of my posts. They will pick an Accord or Pilot over anything that is obviously better. It makes me want to kill my subscription but I got it free for three years when I bought one year.


Agent009Agent009 - 3/10/2009 12:07:05 PM
-2 Boost
The IS-F is a great 1st attempt.. unfortunately it takes more than one attempt, will Lexus make the changes needed to keep up?


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/10/2009 10:43:44 AM
+2 Boost
I don't see the problem. All of the "Ones to Watch" are new or redesigned models, including the XF-R, new 7-Series, Honda Insight, G37 convertible, 370Z, etc. That would preclude the IS-F from being named to the "Ones to Watch", meaning its only chance for inclusion would have been to make the top 4 of the class. They named the M3, CTS-V, E63, and C63 ahead of it. Of those four, the M3 and C63 have already beaten the IS-F in pretty much every comparison, so if you have a problem with the IS-F not making the list you'd have to want to get rid of the E63 or CTS-V. Well, the CTS-V has had nothing but fantastic reviews and is being touted as the car that could knock the M3 off its throne. That leaves the E63. The E63 has won its share of comparison tests, too (something the IS-F has not done), and while it might be a matter of personal opinion I would venture a guess that a fairly overwhelming majority of people would choose the E63 over the IS-F if they were offered the keys to both and told "choose one".

Maybe someone else could explain the issue? Why would the IS-F "have" to be mentioned? Frankly, if you want to take issue with a Lexus not getting mentioned you're choosing the wrong category and fighting the wrong fight. The IS-F isn't the car you should be up in arms over, it's the LS460. It didn't make the list of "Luxury Sedans". And I'm not saying I disagree with that either (it's just not my kind of car), but somehow the outdated M45 DID make the list, and whether the LS460 deserved that slot or not the M45 definitely didn't (ATTN Car & Driver -- it's not 2005 anymore). So that's where Lexus fans should be focusing their energy. What Lexus fans should be asking is "how on earth did an outdated and underpowered M45 make the Luxury Sedan list when the LS460 didn't"?


M53RM53R - 3/10/2009 11:35:57 AM
-1 Boost
+1

Good points.


Agent00JAgent00J - 3/10/2009 2:11:20 PM
-4 Boost
The point I am trying to make is a car that isn't even in production yet gets mentioned while the Lexus DID NOT.

-00J


JRobUSCJRobUSC - 3/10/2009 3:18:40 PM
+1 Boost
yes, I got your point 00J. I'm not sure if you got mine, though. You caught the part where "Ones to Watch" were explained in the article to be cars that are either brand new or coming out soon, right? In other words, cars that weren't considered for the list because they were too new (or not out) but in their opinion would have stood a good chance of making it otherwise. Realistically the "Ones to Watch" were added so people didn't read the list and go "what? Where's the 370Z? Where's the new 7? Where's the [insert new or upcoming model] that you guys recently wrote about how great it was? If it was so great why isn't it on the list?"

So if we're clear on what "Ones to Watch" meant, I still don't understand why you or anyone else would just expect that the IS-F automatically HAD to be mentioned. Why? Because it exists? Because it came in last place in own segment in every test? Because it "was a solid first effort"? That seems to be the highest praise it's gotten thus far. This wasn't a list of "solid first efforts", it was a list of "best of each category". The IS-F wasn't one, in their opinion. The M3, CTS-V, E63, and C63 were. Again, I don't understand the issue there, if you want to argue FOR the IS-F being mentioned you have to argue AGAINST one of those vehicles. Tell me which one the IS-F is better than? Seriously, I am asking you 00J, which one would you drop off that list and why?


THESCOOTERTHESCOOTER - 3/10/2009 11:07:19 AM
+2 Boost
Agreed 204E60, this topic emerges with every post anyway? I am honestly a little tired of the Lexus vs. BMW thing. What is funniest is when the discussion de-rails in like the 3rd reply to an article and then moves away from it from then on. Let's try and stay on topic people and have 'other' discussions!


Agent009Agent009 - 3/10/2009 12:13:42 PM
-7 Boost
The comparison exists because Lexus fan "think" that the brand is a legitimate competitor. Far from the truth.

No doubt this comparison is more related to those that think sales success is the more important variable with a brand.




bmwdrvrbmwdrvr - 3/10/2009 11:06:46 AM
+1 Boost
this is a stupid topic, it doesnt even make sense nor have any merit. Do you seriously believe that it is wrong for Car and Driver to say the Jaguar XFR is going to be amazing is some conspiracy??? If the Jaguar XF has beaten the other cars in its class on more than one occasion, aned it is a huge improvement for the class let alone any Jaguar, that giving it 510hp, and more performance oriented dynamics wouldnt make it that much better. Who would assume that its not going to be an amazing car??? Im not even going to comment on the BMW vs Lexus comments as they are even worse than the one I mentioned above. and with a comment saying "the journalist ignore Lexus" proves you probably dont read any mags or any other websites. Fail try again


dlindlin - 3/10/2009 11:22:04 AM
+4 Boost
As I said, C&D is the worst car magazine I've ever had. Period, I regret. It'll just make a ridiculous post if used as reference.

NEXT.


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 3/10/2009 11:27:13 AM
-3 Boost
Dlin, you are entitled to your opinion, but how is it the worst magazine ever? And what would you say would be the best then?


RedwoodRedwood - 3/10/2009 11:25:17 AM
-3 Boost
From everything I've read about the IS-F, it's just not as good as the M3. This is in many publications. I've only driven the M3 only, so I say anything about the IS-F (other than it's tiny inside and the interior isn't as nice as the M3's).

I remember driving the IS350 against the E90 330i at a Lexus event. On their mini autocross course, the 330i definitely handled better, even if it didn't have the grunt of the IS. Lexus just seems to be the car for people that want luxury and uber reliability over fun to drive.


dlindlin - 3/10/2009 11:26:48 AM
+3 Boost
If there's any comparison it should be BMW vs INFINITI, and MERCEDES/AUDI vs LEXUS(sorry ACURA, you need to regroup).


M53RM53R - 3/10/2009 11:33:27 AM
+3 Boost
I think the reason why "every" publication is biased towards BMW is simple. BMW makes performance orientated luxury cars. Ever seen a review of any BMW without the mention of how well it handles? Or the "Magic Feel" some people used to mention a lot but it has died away now?! lol. Basically, BMW appeals to car enthusiasts more than Lexus, and more than any other luxury car maker in every class.

Lexus on the other hand, they make quiet comfortable luxury cars that appeal to a very different variety of people. A hardcore BMW customer would never go shopping in a Lexus dealer, because his priority is performance in a luxury package! A hardcore Lexus customer would also never shop in a BMW dealership because his priority is comfort and luxury!

I don't even think they are direct competitors that much. Mercedes Benz vs Lexus is a more balanced competition, because both compete in the same categories (Minus AMG, which Lexus has nothing to compete with).

The reason people always compare BMW and Lexus is because in people's eyes, they are considered the 2 on top. In terms of sales ofcourse.. and in any industry where 2 makers are in top, you'll find arguements between both fans about who's better.


Agent009Agent009 - 3/10/2009 12:15:11 PM
-5 Boost
They do have their rivalry, now don't they?


sectorsector - 3/10/2009 12:25:32 PM
-3 Boost
You folks need to stop sippin' on the BMW kool-aid :)

yes BMWs offer sporty ride, but comparable models from Audi, Benz, Infiniti, Lexus and even Acura offer just as enjoyable a ride and "a lot" enjoyable ownership experience, especially Lexus with its bulletproof reliability and customer service. I feel BMWs horrible quality control and nagging issues completely over shadows any enjoyment that can be had... constant under warranty repairs are stressful enough, just wait until you'll have to foot the bill yourself :(

remember, BMWs are not as fun to own as it is to drive :)


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 3/10/2009 12:41:43 PM
-1 Boost
"...BMWs horrible quality control and nagging issues..." Sector, are you drinking the anti-BMW kool-aid?

Nearly every study puts BMW near the top for quality and reliability. From my own experience, my '07 3-Series (with 18k miles) has been near flawless. The only unscheduled service I've had was last week for a burned out brake light bulb. My previous car, an '03 C-Class, was at the dealership at least once a month.


david999david999 - 3/10/2009 1:22:14 PM
0 Boost

I have always believed that Road & Track is a much more polished magazine for reviews than Car and Driver ever was.


david999david999 - 3/10/2009 6:03:18 PM
-1 Boost

Lexus magazine is strictly for the amusement of Lexus owners you dope.


thstonethstone - 3/10/2009 2:10:29 PM
-5 Boost
Lexus is the Rodney Dangerfield of car brands - they never get any respect and the C&D list is just the latest slap in the face.

Let's face it, Lexus' biggest problems are two fold: One, is that they have never lived down building expensive Toyotas. The ES350 "Camry" completely undermines the Lexus brand promise and no amount of IS-F'ing will clear the blemish. Second, ask anyone why they bought a Lexus and the answer is invariably because it was nearly as good but a lot cheaper than a comparable BMW or MB. Lexus is the bargain brand of luxury cars, its that simple.


vonbeelervonbeeler - 3/10/2009 2:57:11 PM
-2 Boost
agreed. end of topic.


answeranswer - 3/10/2009 3:12:44 PM
+2 Boost
I've been coming to this place since 2002 I believe, back when the "news" was updated only once a week, and you couldn't post your own stories.

The problem today is the same as it was back then: some people just refuse to give the Lexus brand any respect. And respect DOES NOT mean you have to like Lexus cars.

A lot of folks seem to have this need to prove how "manly" they are by echoing the mindset that only the European sports/sporty cars are good cars. These same people will interject, without invitation mind you, whenever another brand of cars (especially Japanese) is seen as encroaching into their territory. And they cling to this false belief that everyone is driving their cars at 10/10ths during their daily commutes. And the magazines DO feed into this thinking. It doesn't matter whether their bias stems from the ages of the writers/reviewers or something else, fact is that a bias towards the BMW brand does exist.

BMW and Benz make some great cars, and some great performing ones too. But that doesn't mean they are the only ones who can.

Lexus may not have the history of the Europeans, but look what they have done in those relatively few years. You might not see Lexus atop the Top Gear track ranking, but only a liar could say that Lexus hasn't made many of their buyers happy over the past two decades. Isn't that what a car is supposed to do?

And the comments people here make about Lexus buyers choosing a car because it's "cheaper" is silly. Look at the price points of the luxury makes now, it's practically moot betwen classes. And to think someone spending that kind of money on an IS-F didn't get the M3 because they're bargain shopping is ridiculous.

I wish people here would aknolwedge that Lexus is a player in the lux game. I also wish there would be a lot less focus on sales figures and business fortune telling. Who really gives a damn about that stuff? That's better left to the business websites/message boards.

This place is supposed to be about cars. All cars. Or so I used to think.






HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 3/10/2009 3:33:04 PM
-3 Boost
You have some valid points answer. Lexus is absolutely a player in the luxury game. Their sales numbers in the U.S. and the impact they had on their German counterparts after they entered the market are proof of this.

I don't dislike Lexus cars -- I dislike the Lexus fanboys.

Personally, I would never buy a Lexus. I want a car I enjoy driving and for the most part, the Lexus line-up doesn't fit that bill for me. The two arguable exceptions could be the IS350 (only available in automatic so off my sport sedan list) and the IS-F (good first try, but still auto-only and not the best in class). For many consumers, they want a driving experience devoid of driver feedback. That is their choice and the Lexus fits the bill.

Most readers of Autospies are interested in high performance and fun to drive cars. This is where the problems happen. Even before the IS-F was released, the Lexus fanboys were stating it would destroy M3. Months and numerous comparo tests later, the M3 still reigns supreme. Now the same Lexus fanboys are telling us the LF-A (if it is even released) will crush the competition from Ferrari, Aston Martin, AMG, Porsche, Lamborghini, the GT-R, and other performance cars. BMW M and AMG have been producing high performance cars for decades. Lexus starts up the "F" division and all of a sudden Lexus fanboys are declaring the ultimate inhouse tuner. With no proof or past performance to base this on.

I think we all can agree Autospies posters could use a little more perspective.


0to600to60 - 3/11/2009 1:22:24 PM
-1 Boost
Thanks answer!


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 3/10/2009 4:05:24 PM
-1 Boost
A few points,

Lexus in general does not make enthusiast cars. Car and Diver is an enthusiast magazine.

The IS-F has finished last in every test I have ever read. Then why should the IS-F be included?

Did Lexus even offer a test car for comparison?

If you’re looking for Lexus bias, go no further than Consumer Reports a non-enthusiast publication.



Agent00JAgent00J - 3/10/2009 5:29:40 PM
+2 Boost
The E63 and C63 have not finished in the top when compared to the competition yet they are mentioned and since the Jaguar hasn't faced any of the competition yet but is still mentioned is wrong in my opinion.

-00J


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 3/10/2009 5:44:50 PM
+2 Boost
Actually Road and Track picked the Mercedes over the BMW as have other publications.


Agent00JAgent00J - 3/10/2009 5:48:41 PM
+1 Boost
I was referring to C&D in my comment to you.

-00J


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 3/10/2009 6:16:56 PM
-1 Boost
My point is, in defense of Car and Driver, the other cars have been contenders, beating BMW in other publications. The Lexus has always finished last. Why test a car when you already know the results? I would not be surprised if, as I said before, Lexus did not provide a car. Why set your self up for another last place finish.


HSCenterconsoleHSCenterconsole - 3/10/2009 9:33:29 PM
+1 Boost
00J, C&D put the E63 ahead of the M5 and S6 in their last comparo.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/2007_audi_s6_vs_bmw_m5_m_b_e63_amg_comparison_test/mercedes_benz_e63_amg_comparison_test


lexworldlexworld - 3/10/2009 5:27:31 PM
-1 Boost
Some real good points have been made however, you can rest on your laurels because Lexus isn't just going to sit back and allow the IS-F to fade into oblivion. Rest assured that 2nd attempt will be right up there with the best of them. Does'nt really matter what you guys think of the IS-F because that is one hell of a hot rod to have in your driveway and I and many others would buy it in a heartbeat. In fact to own a fast Lexus is a prefered choice.


StickShiftCamryStickShiftCamry - 3/10/2009 8:22:54 PM
0 Boost
There r at least (3) 3 Series in my family/relative group around here, all of them new or newer 07 up. 2 5 series, I used to have an '06 5 Series. BMW is 2 common around here. It's actually because their credit approval system is different and the leasing and individually selectable option packages r easy to choose and configure. 2 many 3 series around, it's refreshing to c a shiny IS sometimes.


LJ745LJ745 - 3/10/2009 10:38:13 PM
+6 Boost
They didn't include the S-F because they did not want to embarrass Lexus. In truth, they were doing Toyota a favor by not placing that half-hearted attempt at a sports sedan in a group of well-designed, well-engineered, exquisitely crafted machines. The IS-F is a piece of crap and everyone knows it, C&D simply took pity on the POS and saved it from coming in last in yet another comparison.


BarackBushBarackBush - 3/11/2009 10:11:30 PM
-1 Boost
Car and Driver is not an enthusiast magazine. They are a magazine for sheep. They have the largest readership and sell to those sheep.
You want to read, read EVO, CAR, Top Gear and sadly Sports Car International is gone. Those are great reads and they shoot straight. For instance they love the M3 but are tired of the weight gain and it continues to get less involved. They also love the IS-F for being raw. They hate BMWs that drive like crap and they do appreciate Lexus for being a Lexus, luxurious.

Autospies is really comedy, the articles are comedy as the comments. I don't even know why I am drawn to such feces actually.




Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC