Thinking about buying a Lexus IS250C Convertible? Compare it to a BMW 328 Convertible first!

The BMW 328 Overview

BMW's 3 Series Convertible, like every other 3 Series, has won more comparison tests than any other luxury compact. Many of these have pitted the 230-hp 328i against more powerful – and more expensive – competitors. Likewise, the 335i remains the standard for performance convertibles, and its new 300-horsepower TwinPower Turbo represents the ultimate in no-excuses response.

As with any 3 Series, the reason for that acclaim is easily explained. The 328i and 335i Convertibles have none of the typical convertible compromises of slow reflexes, sluggish acceleration, or softly sprung suspensions. These two are still, first and foremost, BMWs, and as such still offer all the performance expected of the Ultimate Driving Machines – they just add a dash of al fresco appeal. Combined with the standard power-driven retractable hard-top, the 328i and 335i truly do offer the best of both worlds.

And this year, the 320-hp 335is ups the ante for performance even further, ensuring even fewer challenges for drop-top supremacy. Thereby keeping the rest of the competition in its traditional place – right behind BMW's 3 Series.

The Lexus IS250C Overview

The Lexus IS-C is something of an odd one out in this collection of competitors, as it's the only car here that does not have a coupe counterpart. Instead, the IS250C and its upscale IS350C stablemate are based on the entry-level Lexus IS sedan, though the drop-top and 4-door compacts have nothing more in common than conceptual designs (the aluminum hood is the only exterior part that's actually interchangeable).

Like the sedan, the IS-C comes in two flavors. The entry-level IS250C features a 204-hp 2.5-liter V-6, with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic. The upscale IS350C offers an automatic-only 306-hp 3.5-liter V-6. Lexus also features an aluminum hardtop, but the top-down profile of the car has a rather pronounced hump that gives the car an unusually awkward look top-down, and has also prompted complaints about rear visibility.

Typical of Lexus, the IS250C is aimed more toward sedate cruising than sport driving, despite the available manual gearbox.



BMW vs. Lexus


What BMW offers…

  • The base 328i includes several features that are simply not available on the base A5 Premium, such as Xenon Adaptive headlights, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers and HD radio.
  • Features such as Comfort Access, auto-dimming mirrors with interior compass and retractable headlight washers are all available across the board on the 328i.
  • Active Cruise Control, Automatic High Beams and Park Distance Control are all optional features not available on the A5 Cabriolet.
  • The standard 328i Convertible provides a choice of either 6-speed manual or STEPTRONIC automatic.
  • The 328i's 3.0-liter inline-6 is inherently smoother than Lexus's turbo inline-4, and has received nothing but praise for its response and power.
  • For those who prefer more performance, BMW also offers the 300-hp 335i with either 6-speed manual or STEPTRONIC.
  • The 328i Convertible sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds with manual transmission, 7.2 with STEPTRONIC automatic.
  • BMW includes a 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Warranty

What Lexus doesn’t…

  • The Lexus is considered a pleasant car to drive, but its handling isn't on par with BMW's in road tests (see quotes).
  • Though it offers a wide range of standard and optional features, automatic high beams aren't available.
  • Bi-xenon headlights are an $875 option on the IS250C, and don't include cornering lights.
  • The 204-hp IS is, in a word, slow, with an 8.4 second 0-60 time with either manual or automatic transmission.
  • The IS250C's V-6 is considered reasonably smooth for a V-6, but it's not as responsive as BMW's inline-6, and has been described as "lifeless" in road tests.
  • With a slightly smaller wheelbase, the IS-C offers significantly less interior room, including only 44.7 inches of shoulder room and 25.9 inches of rear legroom.
  • Lexus includes the same length warranty period, but no full maintenance.

Don't settle for the ordinary, drive something extraordinary. Expect the ultimate in performance and service by purchasing a BMW.

Visit Irvine BMW today, where we provide premiere customer service, high quality BMW vehicles and products, along with factory-trained technicians.

We look forward to seeing you soon, Irvine BMW of Orange County.


"Quite simply, no other entry-level luxury model can match the 3 Series'

exquisite combination of athletic handling and premium ride comfort." – Edmunds.com

 

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.

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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.