DARCARS Lexus of Greenwich

2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport vs. 2021 BMW 330i

2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport vs. 2021 BMW 330i


Overview

When you think of luxury sports sedans, brands like Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and Audis all come to mind quickly. The Lexus IS 350 F Sport goes head to head with the classic BMW 3 series, and while both are undoubtedly quality performance cars, there are some things worth knowing about as you make your next buying decision.


Exterior (Overall Design)

When it comes to design, the BMW is starting to look a little dated. Don't misunderstand: you're getting the classic BMW look, and the sweeping door design lines are gorgeous. However, there's something more aggressive and just all-around sporty about the Lexus that propels it into the 21st century while the BMW retains a more dated, rounded shape. There's not a reviewer out there, frankly, who doesn't comment on the killer looks of the Lexus IS 350 F Sport. This one has a curb appeal that will turn heads. Otherwise, their overall exterior dimensions are pretty close. The BMW has a slightly bigger wheelbase, which might be part of the dated look, and they are about the same height and length. The Lexus is slightly wider.




Interior Features

On the inside, it's hard to find anything to complain about with either vehicle. They both have well-appointed cabins with luxury materials. In the Lexus, you're going to find more room for your legs, by a long shot, though there's slightly more headroom in the BMW. What we particularly love about the Lexus, though, is the way the interior feels both luxurious and tasteful at the same time. There's supple leather, tasteful wood trim, and perfect positioning for the bucket seats. The seats on the BMW are definitely supportive, but they lack just a little something in the comfort department. On the Lexus, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are all standard. You also get HD radio, satellite radio, a premium sound system, and other tech standards. Comfort features that come standard include heated seats and steering wheel, keyless entry, remote engine start, and more. There are not many options to upgrade to, and that's because Lexus stands out by providing nearly everything standard instead of nickel-and-diming you to death to get all the comfort, tech, and safety features you need. The BMW does have most of these features, too, but you'll have to upgrade to get them. Not the best deal when you're already paying more for the car to begin with.




Engines

The base engine of the BMW is a 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. The Lexus offers a 3.5L V6, also paired with an 8-speed automatic. Where the BMW generates 255hp, the Lexus has 311. As for driving feel, we can't recommend the Lexus too highly. When you engage the Sport mode, you immediately feel it. The car hugs the road, and the feedback is prompt. The BMW is no slouch, of course, with very precise steering of its own; but somehow you can't quite feel it in the BMW like you can in the Lexus.




Safety Features

The Lexus comes packed with standard safety features, including a backup camera, cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitor, lane-departure warning, traction control, and much more. A full suite of airbags comes standard, protecting drivers and all passengers, including those in the rear. The BMW offers all the same tech safety features, but you have to upgrade to get a lot of them. It's also missing the rear side airbag and knee airbags that the Lexus offers.