Why on earth would anyone buy a Lexus IS350?

Well, because the elderly love them! Duh! They wouldn't take a IS350 becasue:
-too small
-too sporty
-don't like styling
-stiff ride
and the list goes on....
And they same goes for the G35 too.
It has a stiffer ride, its more performance oriented.....

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

The Lexus ads have done an excellent job making people think the IS is a 3-series competitor - when in reality, it SEEMS to be more of a C-Class rival.

The C350 anad IS350 are virtually the same cars. Both focus more on comfort but also include a high degree of sport in their suspension tuning. The Lexus IS350 is currently A/T only. The C350 comes standard with a 6-speed manual, but knowing Mercedes, they sell over 90% of them with their 7-speed automatic. The C350 and IS350 are capable handlers and superior to the 3-series in daily driving.

However, out in the country, the 3-series has that extra advantage in terms of driving dynamics. On the racetrack, the 3-series will leave them both behind.

The Infiniti G35 is probably the closest 3-series competitor to have come out of Japan.

There are a few things wrong with this:

1. Styling is subjective

2. Car&Driver are known for their pro-BMW/pro-Infinit/pro-Honda points-of-view.

3. Is Car&Driver really questioning why anyone would buy a Lexus over an Infiniti? Hmm, I don't know, why don't they ask the millions of Lexus drivers in the world.

4. Wow. I just can't believe that even Car&Driver tries to stir up brand wars.

will
"it's just a BMW wannabe in the clearest form"
whereas of course lexus was NEVER a mercedes wannabe?
don't be so quick to discount the infiniti just because it isn't a lexus, and because it decides it wants to be a drivers car, not a luxo-barge.

Done. ;)

boosted you too...
now boost me.
:)

Done. Someone boosted you down though.

probably a lexus fan, because they can't stand the truth. ;)

Who would buy an ES350...Old boring people who dont care what there car looks, want the size of a Camry and are vein enough to need the Lexus badge.

First of all I am going to avoid the BMW vs. Lexus flame war that is starting on this board.

So in comparision to Lexus IS 350 vs. Infiniti G35.

The Lexus IS 350 is has more features and is more efficient. G35 is more sporty. So that is the difference right. My advice test drive them both then make the decision, because then you can say which one is better.

In competition of sales the G35 is probably not going beat the IS because Lexus has more marketing and other things that make cars sell more.

Just to say I think I like the G35 better, until I test drive of course.

Lexus lives off of fit and finish. Their cars are impeccable.

I would probably take a G35 or BMW first.

Again the marketeers win. The Lexus is NOT more luxurious than the 3 series. Crap handling does NOT EQUAL luxury. My 4 year old 330 coupe has less road noise than the IS350. How is that luxury?

Sure, most cars that have a luxury ride, handle like hell, but bad handling characteristics, do not a luxurious car make.

Hantra, are you drunk? your 4 year old 330 is less road noise than the IS350, yeah whatever bro. I test drive the Audi A4, the current BMW 330i and the IS350 Lexus and the IS350 was the quietiest. Not to mention the fastest too. And now BMW copy Lexus by bring out the turbo charge version of the 3 series in the form of the 335i with 302hp.

Lexus for life

And by the way this year BMW is getting their ass kick left and right. Want proof IS350 beat the BMW 330i from 0-60. Their sales are down, while Audi and Lexus sales went up.

Lexus

Well I think your username says it all. I was expecting it to at least be quieter and more luxurious than my BMW. But it's not. It is neither. And it is pretty quick, but the tranny blows, and it's like driving a waterbed compared to my old 330Ci.

Lexus is just a WEE-bit biased.

LEXUS,

First off you can not say BMW copied Lexus. Just keep in mind who has been in the business longer and who's been copying who? Take a wild guess. On the track, BMW anyday, even a 3-series diesel could probably beat an IS250. Ouch!.

Anyways, you're ignorant and obviously all about Lexus but you actually own a Toyota Yaris. Now don't be offended but just remember who has the ultimate driving machines. On track and off track overall BMW IMO is better. I like Lexus too but in this scenario where there's a Lexofreak like you defending it like it's god, i'm sorry, i have to support the Motor Werks company.

I've been in an IS before. It's quiet and comfortable * more in the back *. But when you sit in a 3-series it's a different vibe. A more joyful vibe. You get this feeling of excitement. It's more fun to drive but it may not be as "luxurious" as the Lexus. 3-series got more passion than a Lexus. It's the sad truth, I know, I know. Don't worry your Yaris shares parts bins with Lexus. Have no fear you have at least ONE part that an IS may have. Props to you! but no cigar!


As for the G35, it's a much improved car from Infiniti but it's still has that empty feeling even when you look at it. The interior design is rubbish but much improved. Fine and finish it can't compare to Lexus and BMW. Much like how an Infiniti is just a Nissan at heart, the Lexus is just a Toyota, and BMW is BMW.

:-)

CAR AND DRIVER sux to the limit... I fell so bad for buying their magazine... the worst thing I've ever read.

No mather what they say I wouldnt put my hand on it.
Same with this topic.... People who live where infinity isnt being sold for one would buy the lexus

Car and Driver is the lamest magazine I've ever read!!!!

CarNut:
I know! A few years ago, C&D was the best! Now, they're getting stupid. Motor Trend is better than them now.

Agent63

What LEXUS was defending was the STUPID statement by Hantra that his 330i had less road noise than the IS350.

Even if he had the window down on his test drive the IS350 would still have less road noise than the 330i

I just cannot figure out why people feel it necessary to tell lies on this Blog (The only way that statement by hantra would be true was if the suspension on the IS was broken or it had 2 or more punctures)

I haven't rode in the new 3-series before only sat in it. However, I've rode in the IS250, and I must say it's very quiet for the class of car it is. It is a little more quiet than the TL IMO.

However, in the IS I feel very cramped in the front. The whole cabin is just small, perhaps too small for my liking. Nevertheless, I like the seats a lot, it's soft and comfortable. The TL's more stiff but there's more room. The 330i or any new 3-series I can't speak for because I haven't experienced it yet.

@ Lexus.,

I test drive the Audi A4, the current BMW 330i and the IS350 Lexus and the IS350 was the quietiest. Not to mention the fastest too.
-------------------------------------------

First of all, it's "testdrove" (past tense). Second, driving the IS350 on a smooth flat road with no bumps and uneven surfaces is a poor way of coming to the conclusion that the IS350 has the quietest interior etc. Of course, I am not saying you did this, but my point is that you're not a professional, and I am not one either. The people who measure car noises are equipped with special equipment that can pick these things up. Relying on our unreliable and sensitive ears is a poor way of backing up your statement.

And now BMW copy Lexus by bring out the turbo charge version of the 3 series in the form of the 335i with 302hp.
---------------------------------------

Wow, Lexus has an IS350 Turbo? Where are the reviews!? BMW isn't copying anyone here. It was already mentioned a long time ago that a forced induction BMW engine would be made: the 335i is the result of that.



And by the way this year BMW is getting their ass kick left and right. Want proof IS350 beat the BMW 330i from 0-60. Their sales are down, while Audi and Lexus sales went up.
-----------------------------------------------

BMW getting their ass kicked? Your bias is horrendous. BMW isn't getting their ass kicked at all. You still believe that just because the IS350 is "faster to 60", it is the better car? The 3-series is so appreciated because it is BALANCED. It's reasonably comfortable, but the important part is that it is a superb handler, fast and still feels a little like a premium car. The Lexus IS350 is fast, handles worse than the 330i but more comfortable. Doesn't even sound like a rival to me. The C350 is the IS350's true rival if you ask me.

Want to know something else? Bring your super dooper IS350 to the track against a 330i. Then tell me who will get their "ass kicked".

IS3andME,

Huh? Alfa Romeo and BMW both have a history of making sporty cars, machines for the driver.

Alfa Romeo was a potent racecar builder in the 1930s, where their biggest threat was from Daimler-Benz and then Auto Union, Nazi Germany's premier carmakers. During this same era, BMW made SPORTS CARS like the famous 328. After World War II, the famous 501 or 507 and a little well-known BMW, the 503, all qualified as sports cars / sedans during that era.

If you ask me, in my non-biased opinion, Alfa Romeo and BMW were pretty much head-to-head in those days. If you lived in Europe, and wanted a sports car, your first choice was either an Alfa or BMW.

You're claiming that BMW was like Lexus etc. is incorrect. Read an automotive history book, then come back here. I hope I don't sound like a biased BMW fan, but your statement is simply WRONG.

and alfa in the 70s and 80s meant rust, rust, rust.

russian steel didnt help.

efoxS4

Maybe the omission was deliberate. would the comments section be this long if he had put up a less controversial review/conclusion ??

Anything to keep the debates going ehh 001 :)

BMW530i, Sorry..bro, I did Not know that your having your PMS period right now. First off all, you need to calm the Freakin shit dweeb. I say whatever I want to say because this is a free country. At the same time I have drove the A4, 330i and IS350, have you? NO probably because you probably drive your dad 530i.

Freaking dweeb go buy a new BMW or Audi what station wagon and then come and talk to me.

Lexus

Listen people.....I can give you some thought for you people that think Lexus is better or Mercedes is the Best or BMW is off the hook.....

1. If you like handling and a solid ride..Hands down...BMW is number 1.

2. If you like a plush ride and the lastest gadgets in a car.....LEXUS is number 1.

3. If you like being a overall classly car.....Mercedes is number 1.

So all in all.....Its what you prefer.......I have two cars.....2006 Lexus GS430....and 2001 BMW 330CI.

Lexus..I must say really do take care of their customers....Example I had a couple of paint chips and body shops wanted about $1500.00 for the repairs...I took it to my Lexus Dealership for a quote and I got my car fixed free of charge without asking.....

BMW on the other hand wont do anything for their customers period.

I do like driving both cars on my mood for the day.

Nothing can out handle a BMW though.

Just my two cents

Lexus,

Hey kid, shut the hell up. Reading your comments and posts here, I am pretty sure you are nothing more than a little 13-year old kid who knows shit about cars.

And my father died a long time ago, the 530i is mine, bought used. Shut the hell up, kid.

Ok, sorry for the outburst, but when people talk smack about my family, I get very defensive.

I do think Lexus is more luxurious than a BMW 3 series. But that's partly because BMW doesn't care to be too luxurious. I always thought they were more sporty. The seats in a Lexus are very plush, perhaps too plush for a sporty buyer. The 3-series is more businesslike about driving which is what makes them great. In the end, who wants to be driving the most luxurious car, when you want to be driving the most sport-driven car. Honda is even saying they have luxury. It's not really that ownable anymore, but performance like BMW's is.

530i, sorry I did know that your father have pass away, my sincere apology. But by the way when you write your post try not sound like you are yelling.

Lexus

I meant BMW530i not 530i

Lexus

Apology accepted.

Sorry for yelling! ;)

BMW530i, as you and everyone here know that I'm a die hard Lexus fan. But I get prop to other auto brand when they earn it. For example right now I think for Lexus their new IS, GS and the LS is their best looking car. But as for BMW, I think the 650i and 750i are their best looking car. MB, got to be the CLS, CL, Audi has the RS4.

Ok with that say, do you think the new M3 that soon to be release had what it take to retain it title? from Audi RS4. I must it really not to compare the old M3 with 333hp with the RS4 with 420 hp. I think it going to be really hard the new M3 to retain it title. Because MB is coming with the AMG C-class and of course Lexus is coming with their IS500 with 438 hp of their own.

What do you think?

correction, I meant it not really fair to compare the RS4 420 hp with the old M3 with only 333 hp.

Lexus

lexus could never be BMW, playing catching up all the time. btw, lexus designer are korean or chinaman, they're so ugly and girly.