2021 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Lexus IS
Overview | |
MSRP$41,250 | MSRP$39,050 |
Average price$32,485 | Average price$35,834 |
Listings1900 | Listings453 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 BMW 3 Series Reviews SummaryEarly generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. | |
2021 Lexus IS Reviews SummaryThe Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway36 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space13.0 cu ft | Cargo Space10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3589 lbs | Curb Weight3715 lbs |
Height56.8 in | Height56.5 in |
Length185.7 in | Length185.4 in |
Width81.4 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase112.2 in | Wheelbase110.2 in |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $41,250 | $39,050 |
Average price | $32,485 | $35,834 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 5.0 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 6.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
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Summary | Early generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. | The Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City | 26 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 36 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 13.0 cu ft | 10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3589 lbs | 3715 lbs |
Height | 56.8 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 185.7 in | 185.4 in |
Width | 81.4 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in | 110.2 in |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.