BMW M3 versus Lexus IS-F
February 9, 2009 by Matt Brogan
BMW M3 vs Lexus IS-F
- photography Paul Maric & Matt Brogan
Model Tested:
- BMW E92 M3 M-DCT, 4.0-litre, seven-speed dual-clutch, sedan – from $145,000 (RRP)
- Lexus GSE20R IS-F, 5.0-litre, eight-speed automatic, sedan – from $127,400 (RRP)
Most tests involving upmarket sport sedans provide you with a few laps of a track, and little else. While this may indeed be a lot of fun, it’s of little use to anyone who plans on buying such a car for any other purpose.
So with that in mind, we set out to drive these amazing machines with real world expectations, and in real world conditions, putting each through a 1000 kilometre course of city, highway and performance driving to determine which will win the battle of BMW versus Lexus.
- Introduction
- Power Delivery
- Driving Dynamics
- Comfort & Practicality
- Conclusion
- Ratings, Specifications & Option Pricing
Introduction
The BMW M3 has been the datum point of the mid-sized sports sedan market for more than two decades now, and though many have tried to rival the successful formula the M3 offers, few have managed to equal the sharp driving dynamics and crisp performance credentials offered by the German marque.
Similarly Lexus, though a solid contender in the luxury car arena, had not until now proven itself as a rival in the performance motoring category, ergo the ‘F’ badge was introduced in a bid to bolster the brand’s image.
Representing Japan’s famous Fuji Speedway, the site of Lexus’ performance vehicle development, the ‘F’ badge aims to represent similar qualities in the Japanese brand’s performance future to that we’ve come to expect from BMW’s ‘M’ branded cars.
As we soon found out, the IS-F is a worthy first effort for our challenge.
- Introduction
- Power Delivery
- Driving Dynamics
- Comfort & Practicality
- Conclusion
- Ratings, Specifications & Option Pricing
It’s unnecessary to compare the price of the cars. Both are EXPENSIVE. It’s like comparing a $10M house vs $9M house.. not much difference.
IS-F looks absolutely stunning when I see with my own eyes. I was at Lexus dealer to test drive IS250 Sports Luxury and this may be the car I would get. I would love to get IS-F but my budget did not stretch. IS-F costs $140,000 drive away while IS250 Sports Luxury can be done for $82,000 but it’s almost $70,000 gap so I don’t think it’s worth the money. But nevertheless if I can stretch more then I’ll get the IS-F.
HJP – There was an article a couple of months ago on Inside line where they compared an IS-F and a TRD [US] enhanced IS250.. and [from memory] they thought that the IS TRD was a better all round car and easier to live with -probably because its got suspension; despite not having quite as much power as the IS-F
This review is kind of off and a lil bias towards the IS-F
Botton line, some of the things said were on point and some things said where not. They wanted to say the IS-F was better at times, but could not say it and just went around it.
The IS F is perfect on the track, dont know what the hell they are talking about. Dont believe me look at videos of the car. It was also developed on the track…why would it not be good.
In the end they just wanted to protect the M3 name. The IS F looks better, sounds better, is faster, will last longer, performs just as good, has more luxury & features and sum that all up with a MUCH cheaper price….Lexus has a win. Can I have mine now in pearl white?
I pick the IS-F.