2023 Lexus IS vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

Many shoppers choose luxury compact cars to save money and get a higher end product in the bargain. The 2023 Lexus clearly sets out to prove that a steep mark-up isn’t needed to get the features you want and the luxury you desire.

It goes head to head with the 2023 BMW 3 Series in many ways, making it a logical choice for a test drive for similar shoppers. When it comes down to lifestyle, however, how does it compare?

1. Price and Value

   At the entry level, there’s no denying that Lexus is offering a less expensive luxury ride than the BMW. It can be as much as $4,000 difference before any extras are added on. Kelley Blue Book notes that the IS is priced more favorably than European rivals.

   Rather than get less for your luxury dollar, the 2023 Lexus IS offers a lot of stuff at a relative affordable price, according to Edmunds. US News refers to it as a lengthy standards list. Kelley Blue Book calls it generous in both standards and available features.

2. Luxuries and Amenities

   Back to the lifestyle question, does the 2023 Lexus IS measure up? Looking at the initial packaging, the Lexus easily covers as many luxury basics as the BMW. This includes dual power chairs, taking care of the driver and front seat passenger. It also includes a SmartAccess key, push button start, and dual-zone automatic transmission.

   Phoenix drivers will be happy to note that Lexus has made ventilated seats and a rear power shade available on all models. This is just another way that the packaging price can favor the Lexus over the BMW.

   Like the BMW, the Lexus has an advanced touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Lexus includes Amazon Alexa connectivity as well. The 10-speaker premium stereo can be upgraded to an incredible 17-speaker Mark Levison audio system on any Lexus model.

3. Drivability and Power

   The Lexus IS design hints at its athleticism and its fun-to-drive nature. BMW 5 series starts out with a 225-horsepower engine. That’s not quite as good as the 241-horsepower Lexus IS.

   Lexus RWD models are mated to a clever 8-speed automatic. It uses artificial intelligence to learn from the driver. This Direct Shift G-Force unit is known for its precision gearing. This may be one reviewer calling this small sedan a blast to drive.

   Ready to compete with the higher BMW 5 trim levels, the most exciting model is the Lexus F Sport Performance model. It cranks out 472 horsepower, outrunning the 382-horsepower BMW M340i. The 395 lb-ft torque rate is higher than the BMW’s 369 lb-ft.

4. Ride Quality

   A good luxury car smooths the road, and the 2023 Lexus IS has no problems there. US News praises the Lexus IS as a comfortable cruiser even on curvy or bumpy roads.

   With its carefully engineered build, there’s plenty of insulation to keep the cabin quiet. As Edmunds writes, the cabin is well isolated from noise.

5. Driver Aids

   Lexus driver aids are described as generous. Not so with the BMW. Kelley Blue Book calls them meager. Car and Driver calls them skimpy. Here’s why.

   The standard Lexus IS has all-speed dynamic cruise control while adaptive cruise control is an extra cost on the BMW. In the same way, lane departure assistance, blind spot monitoring, and a rear cross traffic alert are Lexus standards. Again, these cost extra on the BMW. This is particularly significant because the BMW is already so much more expensive.

   Lexus has updated its lane tracing assist to recognize the road edge as well as the lines. The lane departure system has a steering mitigation to move the vehicle out of harm’s way.

6. Reliability and Resale Values

   And what about how well the 2023 Lexus IS is made? US News refers to its high quality materials. Edmunds calls it solidly constructed.

   JD Power has given it an amazing 92 out of 100 for reliability. That is a rare rating. The BMW 5 only has a rating of 81 out of 100.

   Kelley Blue Book has given the Lexus repeated Best Resale Value Awards. This is encouraging to those who consider their luxury car purchase to be a true investment.

Conclusion

While you could spend more on the BMW, you will simply get more with the 2023 Lexus IS. That’s definitely worth a test drive at your Earnhardt Lexus dealer.