2021 BMW 330i vs Lexus IS350 F Sport - Which Makes the Better Base?

#BMW #LexusIS #LexusIS500

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Here we have what could be considered opposite ends of the spectrum within the same segment.

On one hand we have a thoroughly modern BMW that’s got a turbocharged engine and stiffer chassis

And on the other hand we have an old-school N/A Lexus that doesn’t seem interested in anything other than looking incredible

But is there any overlap between these two?

Age before beauty means the BMW goes first and we’ve been in this many times before.

The benchmark entry level sports sedan takes itself seriously if not a bit too seriously.

The turbocharged 4 cylinder is down on HP by over 50, but still manages to get to 60 a whole half second quicker than the Lexus.

That’s what peak torque at 1500 RPM will do in a launch.

The ZF 8 speed gearbox is tuned to the point that its damn near tlepathic - BMW might do the best tuning of a torque converted gearbox in the world.

It’s chassis is also over 30% stiffer than the previous generation and the balance is an eyelash away from 50/50

What this results in then is a car this seems to have found the sweet spot in power, transmission, and chassis balancing. Now for the Lexus.

The IS 350 come switch a 3.5L N/A V6 - that’s two more cylinders and 1.5 more liters than the BMW and it still gets dusted off the line. That’s for 2 reasons

1 transmission. The 8 speed Lexus box is lazy in my experience even in their F cars

Second, and most importantly, is that snailshell. The BMW makes peak torque at under 2000 RPM and the Lexus doesnt get there until almost 5000.

Another annoying thing is the gauge cluster doesn’t slide over in sport mode like you get in the LC...i guess that’s fair….

Now you do have a multilink rear suspension so it’s not liike this thing handles poorly,

you just have to rev it out and when you do it sounds better. Not as good as the 5.0s but better than the Bimmer

However the biggest indication that this isnt a sport sedan has to do with this button here
Gesture to stability control*

You have to have stability control off anytime you approach a corner. If you go anywhere near the throttle mid corner the computer throws a tantrum and cuts power

So it’s not like the Lexus isn’t fun to drive, but it’s just not as dynamic or responsive as the BMW...shocking. But let’s talk about some more Lexus-y things

I want to start with exterior design and I know lexus has a reputation for overstyling their cars, but my god this thing looks amazing.

I was getting Broll of this the other day and was staggered by the looks.

The front is sharp and aggressive, the wheels fit perfectly with the silver paint and the rear hips are wide and sporty.

All it’s missing is a V8 and quad stacked tips, but we’ll get those soon

The BMW on the other hand is very german and in essence very classic BMW.

Understated and handsome design with kidney grilles that aren’t the size of a planet.

Profile is perfect proportions and has the typical kink in the rear window and then around back it’s subtle and simple.

But with the BMW it’s like trying to find a math equation sexy

However, regardless of what revs your engine it’s easy to see the Lexus is making a comeback with scoring big points in the looks department.

Now we have to step inside and again we’ll start with Japan.

Here’s the highlights: back seat room is big enough for adults, nice
Stark red interior isn’t my first choice but ok
Seats are comfy, but cockpit feels small and tight
Infotainment is the old gen unit not the all touch unit in the leaked NX

But here’s where Lexus makes its value prop - it’s in the build materials. The fit and finish and the fact that each car’s interior is unique to the rest of it’s lineup. It just feels more special

And on that note let’s jump into the BMW

Again gunna hit you with the highlights: rear seat is liveable for adults
Seats are comfy, but not lexus comfy
Interior feels bigger, but more sterile
Technology and implementation is worlds better

And then there’s the finer details. The build, fit and finish is decent and honestly better than MErcedes. BUt there’s a significant flaw for me. Every BMW interior is a clone. So the 150k 7 series interior is damn near identical to what yo get here in the 3. I’m not mad about it in the 3, but if I paid what they want for a 7 series I’d be a little peeved.

There’s also things to be considered like Lexus’s reliability, especially with an NA engine, then there’s BMW’s potential to get more out of the car with simple modifications.

[dwnshft]

Special thanks to my Patrons for their support of the channel! Which would you have?

[philipkircher]

The Lexus does have a full touchscreen. You don’t have to use the track pad at all.

[matthewbarrientos]

Lexus IS is also built from award winning factory from Japan so really in terms of build quality, it's undeniably better.

[leftright]

Lexus just looks way more menacing! I don't care about performance but looks is very important for me.

[upyours]

Proud owner of a 2006 is350, bought in 08 at 25k. Engine is fine, transmission is fine, currently has 170k. No problem at all. Complain all you want about power and transmission, but its reliable.

[hakukuze]

Good review. I drove the 330 & 340 and IS300, no v6 was in stock then. 340 was powerful but I felt disconnected from the car. Lexus better looking outside, BMW inside is almost perfection of a layout. Own an older 330, love the handling and the repair bills taught me how to work on them. Buy a Lexus or lease a BMW.

[BryanChance]

I"ve owned BMW 3 series and Lexus IS/RX models. If you plan to keep your vehicle longer than 60, 000 miles, you'll likely have your first major repairs on the BMW around this period. Is the typical repairs that all 3 series go through, it seems. Electric water pump, oil leaks, power steering leak, cooling system leak, battery safety terminal issues and seat belt/airbag faults. Other things go bad at around 90-100k miles, fuel injectors, ignition coils, alternator, high pressure fuel pump, rear main seal leak. Having said all this, the BMW is way more fun to drive than the Lexus IS, in my opinion. On the Lexus, you most likely won't have any major issues for at least 150k+ miles. I had an RX 330 with 250k miles. The only thing that broke was the AC compressor. It died at around 200k. I put 20-25k miles a year. And the IS300 (bought used) now 190k, i can't remember any repairs other than normal wear maintenance. The BMW 335i now has 160k miles. Still drives and looks great inside and out. The cost of repairs is on both Lexus are practically zero. Just some things to keep in mind...-:) and understand that this is from my own experience. What i stated here for educational purposes. -:)

[Diamondsxi]

I would definitely choose the Lexus lmao

[DVAMEKAGK]

I see your point in performance. However, that Lexus will beat the BMW any day after 5 years lmao! I appraise vehicles every day. And every time I get a 3 year old German car, the check engine light is on. And it is always the turbo. Just yesterday I have a 2013 vw tiguan, and a 2015 WV Jetta come to me, and both had turbo problems that would mean having to replace them. And the blind appraisal prices after I inspected their cars dropped by 60-70%. One guy sold no question asked. The couple with the Tiguan couldn’t believe it. They went home, called me that afternoon and said “fine we will take the offer” do yourself a favor. In the long run buy the Lexus. Lease the BMW. That 3 series will lose 70% of its original value due to high cost of maintenance, insurance and poor reliability. That Lexus will only lose 30% of its original value.

[christophers.]

In 5 years, one will be on a buy here/ pay here lot and the other will be sold certified preowned. guess which is which.

[frankmiller]

One important omission from an otherwise well done review: Modern BMWs use DI only and are subject to serious carbon buildup on the intake ports and valves. This often happens within the first 40k miles. Removing the carbon is necessary for proper performance and is a major PIA, requiring disassembly of the entire intake system at a cost of $1800-2000, or a good 1 1/2-2 days labor for a skilled DIY mechanic. As a former BMW mechanic, this alone is reason enough to avoid all BMWs after the E46.

[timw]

I would definitely pick the IS and can't wait to see the 340i vs IS500 comparisons.

[mahntasticfilms]

I just bought a 2022 Lexus is350 and I love it. Great ride quality … more than enough power for me when I step on that gas pedal and go around corners … sure i probably won’t win a race against a BMW …. But I ain’t tryna race anyone

[royamit]

The 330i all day! That Lexus IS is out of date

[MandusahRamirez]

I actually Love the snug feeling of the Lexus IS! Especially the 06-13(2nd Gen)

[SirCentex]

I would take the Lexus all day everyday I can live with out all the fancy BMW tech and reliability issues 😅

[leobonilla]

I have to say man, I really enjoyed this video. You describing the cars at the end made me realize how much more I wanted the Lexus. Thank you

[tiankata]

After personally owning 7 BMW's, 1 Audi and 1 Mercedes - I drive a 2004 Lexus GS300 now- far better build car!
I WILL take the new the Lexus IS any day instead of that BMW!
I can honestly say the cars build in Japan are the best when it comes to reliability, quality and high RESALE value.
That old I6 might be old school, but is the most reliable engine offered in its class currently.
The plastic 4 cylinder, turbocharged - junk of the engines you will find these days in Audi, BMW or Mercedes are not in danger to handle even half of the mileage you will get from the V6 that is in the Lexus.

The Lexus also looks better in my eyes, The BMW is ok but is loosing the sharp European look that the old Beemers from the 80's and 90's use to have- E30, E36, E46 series.
BMW are build for high specs, not to last. Lease a BMW if you like, but buy the Lexus.


suggestion: get rid your the goofy sunglasses, it is very unprofessional...

[ahmedkazmi]

Your final decision made my decision whole lot easier. I've been going back and forth on pulling a trigger either on a 2021-2022 330i X drive M package vs 2022 IS350 AWD F Sport Des. Test drove em both and even threw Genesis G70 Sport Prestige 2.0T in the mix but the styling, interior built quality and its looks and ofc the reliability had me Lexus leaning but still confused af. Performance was never a big concern because all 3 are fun enough to drive as a daily in what they offer. So this review from 2 years ago is still appreciated haha!

[King_]

The front of that BMW looks like a crossover! Like this VW polo cross things😂😂😂