Thinking about buying a Lexus IS250? Compare it to a BMW 328i first!

The BMW 328i Overview
BMW's 3 Series isn't merely the best-selling member of the compact-luxury class, it's the best-selling luxury car in the world. The reason is simple: The 3 Series defines its class like no other vehicle. In fact one could argue that the entire compact sport-luxury class owes its existence to BMW's 3 Series.

And a quick look at the current examples illustrates why. The current range of 328i and 335i Sedans and Sports Wagons, both rear-drive and xDrive all-wheel-drive, seamlessly balance performance, efficiency, handling, luxury and practicality in an uncanny blend, often leaving their competition lacking in most, if not all, of those categories. These BMWs succeed in both expected and unexpected ways, often setting standards at both ends of the design spectrum.

The Lexus IS250 Overview

By splitting its compact offerings into two separate vehicle lines, Lexus has tried to simplify its approach to the conflicting goals of the high-end compact sedan: the front-drive ES places its emphasis on luxury, while the rear-drive IS covers the sporting end of equation. The approach has worked well enough that Lexus has maintained both vehicle lines for more than a decade. The current IS, however, is showing some age after its 2005 introduction. Several minor exterior tweaks highlight the 2009 changes, including revised turn signals and taillights, new grille treatment, plus new front and rear bumpers.

Standard equipment on the $36,605 IS350 includes 17-inch wheels, paddle shifters, leather seating surfaces, HomeLink garage-door opener and a 13-speaker stereo with MP3/iPod auxiliary input. Options closely follow BMW's 3 Series, and include navigation system with Bluetooth and rearview camera, sport package and adaptive Xenon headlamps.

BMW vs. Lexus

What BMW offers…

BMW's 328i includes a longer list of standard equipment, including Adaptive xenon headlights and LED turn signals, sport suspension, rear center armrest, moonroof, and split-folding rear seats.

The 328i Coupe provides a choice of 6-speed manual or auto, with either rear-drive or xDrive all-wheel-drive.

BMW's Twin Power Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 holds an advantage in every performance category, with 300 horsepower and a 300 lb-ft of torque and a torque spread that reaches from 1200-5000 rpm. BMW's inline-6 is also inherently smoother than Mercedes 3.5-liter V-6.

The 328i posts far better 0-60 mph times: 5.3/5.5 seconds (man/auto) for the 328i or 5.2/5.3 for the xDrive.

In every configuration, the 328i weighs less than the E350 – by as much as 210 lbs in the case of the rear-drive 328i with 6-speed manual.

BMW also includes larger brakes to counter the 328i's higher performance: 13.7-inch front / 13.2-inch rear.

BMW includes a 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Warranty

What Lexus doesn’t…

Impressive as it is - 277 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm - the IS350's torque output is
eclipsed by the BMW's 300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm, with more torque over a
broader rpm range.

The IS350 is as quick on paper as the rear-drive 335i automatic, but every other
iteration of the 335i - 6-speed manual and both xDrive versions - are quicker.

As smooth as it is, the Lexus V-6 can't match BMW's smoothness, and its peak
torque band isn't nearly as broad.

The IS350 offers only a single transmission, a 6-speed automatic, and no all
wheel-drive option.

Lexus still features a DVD-based touch-screen navigation system with no RTTI,
CD-ripping nor search capability.

4 year/50,000 mile warranty period, but no maintenance

6 year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty

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.

"A 328i possesses handling and driving dynamics that rival, if not best, many sports cars', but ... the 328i also offers the refinement generally reserved for expensive luxury cars."

- Car and Driver, February 2007

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.