Thinking about buying a Lexus IS 250? Compare it to a BMW 128i first!
The BMW 128i Overview
The 1 Series positions BMW's product offerings into a market segment where BMW has not had a presence in recent years. The 1 Series puts BMW squarely into competition with some models that haven't been considered BMW competitors before, and gives BMW a more favorable price point against some that were. Here's a field of key competitors for the two 1 Series Coupe models; click on the model for a brief analysis of how BMW's new compact Coupes stack up against each of their key rivals.
The Lexus IS 250 Overview
The IS is touted specifically as a 3 Series competitor. It is a tightly dimensioned 4-door sedan (no other body styles) in three models: entry IS 250, more powerful IS 350 and a new V-8, 416-hp IS F aimed at the M3. Also available with all-wheel drive, the IS 250 has just a 2.5-liter engine (204 hp/185 lb-ft.) vs. 128i's 3.0-liter (230 hp/200 lb-ft.). It's a V-6, so although quiet and smooth it lacks the sporty sound of BMW's inline-6. There's a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmission (with standard shift paddles) that Automobile 12/07 called "slow-witted" and "jerky."
BMW vs. Lexus
What BMW offers…
- Classic BMW Coupe sportiness and style
- 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, 230 hp/200 lb-ft., 0-60 mph 6.1 sec. MT, 6.7 sec. AT
- Available automatic transmission is 6-speed
- Rear-wheel drive, aluminum front suspension
- Optimal weight balance, approx. 51% F/49% R
- Classic BMW hydraulic steering with great road feel
- DSC can be set to DTC or fully de-activated (except ABS)
- 4-year/50,000-mile maintenance included
What Lexus doesn’t…
- Nice-looking 4-door sedan, but without rear seating space expected in a sedan
- 2.5-liter V-6 engine, 204 hp/185 lb-ft., 0-60 mph 7.9 sec. MT or AT
- Manual transmission's clutch and automatic trans-mission criticized as not smooth (see media quotes)
- All-steel suspension
- Less balanced 53%/47% weight distribution
- Electronic power steering lacks lower-sped road feel
- Procedure to de-activate VDIM (stability control system) is so complicated it's essentially not offered
- No included maintenance
"We don't think it's going too far out on a limb to suggest that the 1 Series Coupe is the most complete car
in its class as far as performance and dynamics are concerned." - AutoWeek
Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
