Say What? Lexus Chief Engineer Claims BMW Has Gone Soft And New IS Is The More Capable Car

The chief engineer of the new 2013 Lexus IS has claimed it is a more dynamically capable car than the 3 Series.

BMW’s compact luxury sedan has been widely considered the benchmark driver’s car since the segment was created, but Lexus believes the latest-generation model has become more of a “grand tourer” car.

“I believe so, I think so,” said Junichi Furuyama, when CarAdvice asked if he thought the new IS was the better driver’s car.

“The 3 Series has for a very long time had a lot of praise in this category – premium D segment. BMW is always top as a ‘fun to drive’ car… the ultimate driving machine. So they have a very good reputation, so of course 3 is a benchmark.

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Yonder7 - 7/8/2013 3:09:43 PM

+4 Boost

I'll have to drive it to agree...

TheSteve - 7/8/2013 6:31:00 PM

0 Boost

People say all sorts of things, don't they?

Holydude - 7/9/2013 2:02:47 AM

-1 Boost

It's a good design, but they need more performance!

tattedtwice - 7/9/2013 5:25:09 AM

-3 Boost

Capable of what, causing bystanders to point and laugh and others to vomit in their mouth at the sight of it?

amgs65 - 7/9/2013 12:32:23 PM

+3 Boost

Wouldn't surprise me, BMW has moved away from the very thing that made them unique in favor of being an "all things for everyone" brand...which has watered down both handling and steering feel. Just look at the new GS Sport comparo against the 5-series Sport to see this.

LexSucks - 7/9/2013 5:51:44 PM

0 Boost

More capable of what? Higher MPG numbers? Slower acceleration numbers?

dlin - 7/9/2013 6:25:25 PM

+3 Boost

All it takes for Japanese to catch up now is the engine, which should be very easy.