Lexus IS500 vs BMW M340i - DID I BUY THE RIGHT CAR???

Lexus IS500 or BMW M340i?
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0:00 - Intro

0:55 - M340i Hot Lap

2:25 - IS500 Hot Lap

4:40 - Track Discussion
Lexus
5.0 v8
8 speed - slow
LSD on back (RWD)
Traction on expert mode
More tread so more grip in the corners, definitely feels heavier, more power but feels sluggish
BMW
3.0T I6
8 speed - awesome
xDrive
Traction allows for rotation on power
Felt more track ready, loads of understeer with the narrow tread
ISF:1:02.24
M340: 1:03.38

9:05 - Styling

10:40 - On-Road Driving

12:08 - Trunk space

12:47 - Rear Seat

13:06 - Interiors

14:22 - Tech

16:02 - Price

16:46 - What would you choose?

[dwnshft]

Special thanks to our Patreons for their support of the channel! M340i or IS500?

[zacharyadamcruz]

Whenever ppl compare Lexus to bmw I always say the same thing, it’s an apple to oranges comparison. Apple to apple would be Mercedes to bmw. Nobody buys a Lexus because they are looking for the most dynamic and engaging ride, even though the Lexus is certainly capable, however not as capable as a bmw. And nobody buys a bmw because they are looking for a reliable car that will last and retain its value. They’re both very different cars. Lexus is for those who want reliability, luxury, build quality, longevity, and high retention value. The bmw is for those who want the most engaging driving experience, fast ride, great technology, and of course, whatever prestige the European brand eludes.

[ditiprel]

While both cars are excellent performance sedans, the IS500's v8 sound is unmatched.

[dimochik]

Thank you for such an unbiased review. Great work. A friend of mine has m340 and it's fast. But even after driving it, I still went with the IS 500 and have 0 regrets. They are different cars, but fun in their own way.

[alexkid]

NA V8, reliable, stunning look and rare. You can't be wrong

[rickjames]

The Lexus is just better to me personally. I could look at that car all day, and never get tired of it. 💙✌️😊

[zmir]

I’ve owned several Lexus vehicles. Including a 2015 IS 350 F Sport. I will always favor them for the long haul. But the M340i would be a lot more engaging. However, that V8 from Lexus is bulletproof. Great video!

[blu_is]

Both cars are great, but have different missions. I personally did not want anything turbo’ed or electrified. However, it had to be a luxury car first and a speed demon second. You guys proved in this video that you can’t drive spec sheets, the car has to talk you. These cars are too expensive not to include an emotional component. Thank God there’s something for everyone, thanks for posting! 😎

[Stylo]

Good review..My options were TL Type-S, M340i, Tesla M3P and IS500. After a month of test drives I was left with M3P vs IS500, at this point the choice was very clear…NAV8 IS500. 10-months in and no regrets.

[timw]

I have an IS500 but think both are great choices. As you said, it all comes down to the driver's preference. The awd would be a big factor if I needed a winter ready car.

[boostbrigade]

It's weird I love bmw and lexus. Many people cheer for one brand or the other but I appreciate both for different reasons. The correct answer is both. Although if forced to take 1 it would be the lexus because of the NA V8. I respect lexus for still staying in the V8 game despite the heavy push for ev and engine downsizing.

[abhisheknauduri]

I bought the 2023 Lexus IS 350 F Sport RWD last year. I was really tempted to get the IS 500 but those are $15k+ more but I love the 350. It drives so well and it's smooth and the take off is so nice! I got the Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 with white interior. Absolutely stunning 🔥

[VBrah]

You might have bought the better car but in 15 years more people will be searching the internet for a used IS500. Torque...you can get in any electric car.

[electrikoptik]

For me it's real simple. The BMW M340i you lease but the IS500 you buy and keep.

[hawkinsjd]

I test drove an RC 350 and a M240i both 2017. The transmission was completely absent in the Lexus. We went with the M240i and it is a blast to drive and own. If Lexus provided a proper sport transmission I would have gotten the Lexus for the seats alone. Also, get better tires. Contintental extreme contact sport 02 would work wonders.

[omars]

I have a m340 with the adaptive M suspension and staggered setup (265 rear michelin ps4s). Night and day difference. Lexus is still a great car and has that cool factor. Both good options

[datniquardo]

Amazing comparison, been waiting for a direct comparison of the two

[Eddy-]

In my opinion the M340i is the superior car in this category (sporty car). With just wider and stickier tires on the M340i alone, that’s going to help it take turns harder, come out of exits harder, stop better, and feel more planted. You’ll also be able to fully take off traction control to put down all of its power, and have it grip with the new tires. Both very awesome cars though!

[ZZGE]

Really good review. Finally a review where IS500 is being compared to its most direct rival. Funny thing is, the m340i weighs 3900+ lbs like the IS500 so it so not lighter on paper. I think IS500 did well. Being an RCF CF/TVD owner and having driven the IS500, chassis and suspension are way softer, . RCF feels way more stiff and has a heavier and more direct steering in SPORT+ so Lexus made it an F-Sport for that reason where it is mildly more tuned than my IS350 F-Sport and all about the V8, but like the m340i it does not have great ties either. It ran a faster lap time. I understand the argument about the m340i tires, but the point I an making, the IS500 would benefit greatly likewise from much better tires as well. Ideally, both cars should be tested with the same tires. Anyways, I think the IS500 did very well

[frankly]

The Lexus IS500 is a future collector’s car that will make it to 500k miles easily with its NA non stressed engine and bulletproof build quality. It will still be on the road years after the bmw is rusting in some junkyard.