Lexus IS vs BMW 3 Series: a perfect recipe?
June 08 2021,
BMW's 3-Series has long been rightly considered the best compact luxury sedan on the market. What made it stand out was its driving experience. The feeling behind the wheel of this car was unlike anything else. The connection with the road was perfect.
Over the years, the competition has adjusted, including Lexus, of course, with the IS. However, BMW tried to do too much, and the on-board electronics diluted the experience. The result? If you drive both cars afterwards, you'll discover that the connection with the road is now with Lexus.
And that couldn't be truer than with the new generation IS sedan that has been renewed for 2021.
Behind the wheel, you'll enjoy precise steering, responsive drivetrains and handling that's unmatched by any other car in its class. Driving a 3-Series is still fun, but it feels too much like electronic crutches are always "helping" or influencing you. This is especially true when braking, where the feeling is no longer natural.
And should we talk about reliability? Lexus' reputation and track record in this area is unmatched in the industry. Buying a 2021 Lexus IS will buy you years of peace of mind. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of a transaction involving a BMW product.
As for the on-board experience, the presentation is very tasteful. Better yet, for 2021, everything has been brought closer to the driver, so ergonomics are better than ever. With the 3-Series, the environment is good, but it still feels frozen in time and the overall character remains austere.
And if you're interested in a performance version, note that you can still get a V8 engine from Lexus (RC F coupe). As for BMW, it now uses a turbocharged 6-cylinder to power its famous M3. The feeling of the V8 engine is no longer there.
For these reasons and many others, the Lexus IS has become a more sensible choice than the BMW 3 Series. One test drive and you'll be convinced.
