Edmunds Compares the 2013 BMW 328i M Sport vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0 Premium vs. 2014 Lexus IS 250 F Sport

While it should be the automotive equivalent of a mullet (mixing neither business nor party correctly), the entry-level luxury sport sedan has become the default option for American buyers who need a lady in the streets and a freak on the track.

Until recently, buyers in this category had two options: the BMW 3 Series or something that wasn't as good as the BMW 3 Series. But times have changed and BMW's spot at the top of the pecking order is as unstable as it's ever been. The base engine is now a turbocharged four-cylinder, and challengers to the throne are getting exceptionally good.

Back in March of 2012, the 328i barely beat two very good cars to defend its position. Now, there are two new challengers that may give it even more trouble: the 2014 Lexus IS and the 2013 Cadillac ATS.



So we picked a price, mandated that all entrants have an automatic transmission and a sport package, and set out to find which is the best $45,000 sport sedan: the 2014 Lexus IS 250 F Sport, 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0 Premium or the 2013 BMW 328i M Sport Line.
Read Article

94geo - 5/13/2013 9:48:01 AM

+3 Boost

1. 328
2. ATS
3. IS 250

JRobUSC - 5/13/2013 10:55:12 AM

+4 Boost

The 2.0T in the 328 must be seriously underrated, those 0-60 and 1/4 mile figures are on par with what the Lexus IS350 got in this months C&D. And it got 33mpg to boot, 7mpg better than the next car? That's ridiculously impressive.

jeffgall - 5/13/2013 12:42:01 PM

-6 Boost

Error - the base 3 is not turbo charged. The 1.8 in the 320i is naturally aspirated.

bmwm6 - 5/13/2013 12:50:23 PM

+7 Boost

The 320 in the US has the same 2.0 turbo as the 328, it just has less boost.

enthusiastx11 - 5/13/2013 8:30:58 PM

+2 Boost

nope. all bmw 4 cylinders sold in the US are turbocharged. including the 320i.

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Vehicles/2013/3/320iSedan/ModelHighlights/320iSedanPerformance.aspx?Id=664

7msynthetic - 5/13/2013 1:21:55 PM

-4 Boost

I'll stick with C&D's test. I guess the Edmund's tester has loss all feedback in his finger tips. Then again it IS Edmunds.

1.Lexus
2.BMW
3.Cadillac

BMW4me4ever - 5/13/2013 2:31:18 PM

+4 Boost

what are you talking about? The was the IS350 vs 335i vs ATS 3.6l. This is the IS250 vs 328 vs ATS 2.0t. The BMW performance is getting better and better each time.

enthusiastx11 - 5/13/2013 8:24:22 PM

+2 Boost

yeah...i'm sure his fingertips are what made the lexus hit 60mph in 7.5 with its 2005 engine. that's 2.1 seconds slower to 60 than the BMW. that comparison alone is hysterical.

NeoReaper - 5/13/2013 2:57:44 PM

+3 Boost

so lets recap what journalists want us to believe:

if you want a fast car (is350, 335, ats 3.6) then you want the slowest in the pack because it offers more "magical feelings".

if you want the more practical car and youre willing to give up speed (328i, ats, is250) then you want to pick the fastest and most expensive car in the pack because the powertrain is just sooo lovely.

gotta love journalism, you dont have to make sense to make cents...

enthusiastx11 - 5/13/2013 8:27:47 PM

+2 Boost

here's a more realistic summary...

the 328 is a spectacularly well rounded car compared to the ATS or IS250. the ATS has a great chassis and looks good. the lexus, well, it's the best at exactly nothing.

the 335 lost in one comparison to the IS350...208 points to 207 points. wow. big win. and guess what...the IS350 won because it had more 'magic feeling' than the BMW. lol

Razorbacks - 5/14/2013 4:33:42 PM

+1 Boost

To recap, when BMW loses enthusiastx11 comes up with every excuse, but when BMW wins the numbers obviously speak for themselves. Same 3 or 4 posters that for some strange reason feel the need to staunchly defend a corporation that doesn't give 2 sh!tz about them.

Razorbacks - 5/14/2013 4:36:39 PM

+1 Boost

When the GS beat the 5-series a few months back, he automatically points to sales! Same thing with the COUNTLESS times Audi has beaten them...points to sales, hahaha!

Buddy, man up...they're just CARS for chrissakes.

Firewombat - 5/15/2013 2:46:30 PM

+1 Boost

@Razorbacks, says you. If they were only cars would you be trolling the site for Audi and Lexus articles, much like a previous @Clevelandsteamer used to, and attacking everyone not aligned to your view? Sad.

NeoReaper - 5/14/2013 3:41:54 PM

+2 Boost

to enthusiastx11,
yeah, i dont doubt the 328i is a well rounded vehicle, im just pointing out the silliness of journalism metrics. im no fan of the lexus is250 but it is good at a couple of things apparently, magic feel and interior quality, so thanks for your "unbiased" assessment. also thanks for the thought provoking reiteration of my point about the roundup on the faster cars...

bmwcs - 5/15/2013 6:37:06 AM

+2 Boost

I drove an e90 for 5 years before getting my f30, and I can say that the f30 is vastly more nimble and responsive. Overall it's a great car.

NeoReaper - 5/17/2013 11:55:21 AM

+1 Boost

its good to hear a positive comment on the f30 chassis from an owner of the e90. most journalist seem to feel otherwise but i think they are all actually disappointed by the lack of hydraulic steering but are criticizing the chassis instead. im trying to decide between the a4 and 3 series in the next few months, ill definitely have to go test drive the f30 before i make any final decisions.