Is the new Lexus IS a better bargain than the BMW 3-series?

We've had a lot of commentary from readers in our blog going back and forth about pricing of the new Lexus IS v. the BMW 3-series.

And there have been quite a few inaccuracies.

So we decided to set the record straight.

The question everyone is trying to answer is 'Is the new Lexus IS a better bargain than the BMW 3-series?'

So we configured two of each with similar options(IS250,IS350,325,330)to see where the cards would fall...

Here are the results:









Based on these samples, it appears the Lexus is the real value here...Let the arguments begin!!!!

janos2769 - 10/20/2005 4:50:55 PM

+1 Boost

BMW buyers always got ripped off ... only now it is clear given that Lexus not only builds a better (and faster!) car, but it prices it much cheaper! (and so does Infiniti). On top of it all, Lexus design has improved considerably from the ugly looking first generation IS while Hyundai ... I mean ...BMW is going down the drain with its new exterior design scheme and boring interior.

janos2769 - 10/20/2005 5:12:22 PM

+1 Boost

a few clarifications ...

One already made ... the Audi Space Frame is only on the A8 and A2 (not sold in the US) not the car class mentioned here (A4).

A quattro Audi is an AWD Audi.

Finally, why would I need an AWD car to drive to work and back you ask? I'm guessing that you live in the South because here in the Northeast on some recent winters if you didn't have AWD or 4WD you could NOT get to work or at the least you ran a high risk of getting into an accident or getting stuck on a ditch due to snow and/or ice.

wac77 - 10/20/2005 7:53:52 PM

+1 Boost

I would argue that if the Lexus IS were really better than the 3-series, it would command at least a similar price. Being cheaper in a premium category often equates to being perceived as a lesser product, rather than a better value.

Spoonie_G - 10/21/2005 9:35:23 AM

+1 Boost

Brian_Boss. Could you point me to a link or any article that has the Lexus performing like that?

I've seen 5.6 0-60 times and mid to high 13sec 1/4 mile times. There's no way that the new is will do the 1/4 mile in 12.6 seconds. That's faster than a Porsche 911! 0-60 in 4.87 seconds puts it in BMW M3 territory. 0-60 in 103feet would be a world record for any production car. You're numbers are completely wrong. Please provide the source of your numbers. The IS is a nice car but it is nowhere near the performer that you are trying to have us believe.