2020 Lexus IS vs 2020 BMW 3 Series

Only once in while are icons born. Engineers and designers do their thing and together create a new vehicle. While the process is generally the same no matter if a car, SUV or truck is built, the results are not always as expected. More often than not, the vehicle delivers. Occasionally, it fails. Very rarely is the final product far more than the sum of its parts.

The Lexus IS and the BMW 3 Series are two of these automotive occurrences where they’ve actually shaped the industry be it through design, technology or performance. Within these two luxury sport sedans, all of these elements were in their ultimate forms.

If BMW feels the ability to charge far more for these achievements, Lexus has a different point of view. In fact, Lexus is a rare luxury car company that believes that value, the sense of getting more for one’s money, is part of the luxury car ownership experience. This is why the 2020 Lexus IS is priced right.

A lower price entry-point, however, does not equate fewer features or a lesser cabin. Both cars include large display screens which sit proudly in the center-most portion of the dashboard. In upper-level trims, displays grow to over 10 inches for the ideal user-experience when navigating through the complete infotainment menus and features.

As part of the near endless series of luxury amenities both cars can be delivered with, expect high-powered premium audio systems, leather, heated and ventilated seats, and so much more.

Another facet to these cars’ personalities is the driving experience. Here, Lexus has focused on chassis tuning dynamics for the most responsive and rewarding feedback imaginable through the IS’ controls. The secret is a lower curb weight, between 125 and 300 pounds less compared to the BMW 3 Series, and a sophisticated double wishbone front suspension configuration. This dynamic advantage applies to the turbocharged 2.0-liter and the AWD V6 iterations of the Lexus IS.

Lexus has built a reputation for building some of the most refined and luxurious cars in the world. The Lexus IS raised the bar when it was introduced nearly 20 years ago and continues to do so.