2022 Lexus IS vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

When comparing the exterior and interior styling of the 2021 BMW 3 Series and the 2022 Lexus IS, both vehicles showcased distinctive design philosophies that catered to different tastes.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series embraced a familial aesthetic, reminiscent of BMW’s classic E30 3 Series. It adhered to the “same sausage, different lengths” principle, resembling a smaller version of the 5 Series and 7 Series sedans. However, unlike its iconic predecessor, the G20 3 Series appeared somewhat staid. The oversized grille, a signature feature on the larger 5 Series, seemed oddly disproportionate on this smaller sedan. Besides this prominent grille and the somewhat nostalgic halo-referencing headlights, the 3 Series lacked other distinctive styling elements. Nonetheless, the badge on the hood remained a significant draw for many customers. Our test car featured optional M 19-inch wheels and blue brake calipers, adding a touch of flair available with the M Sport trim package. The base Sport Line trim offered 18-inch wheels with a different design.

Inside, the 3 Series followed a conservative design ethos, with material quality falling short of true luxury. While the layout was functional, the plastic trim and faux Ash wood were disappointing. Leather upholstery was an expensive extra, with synthetic Sensatec being standard. The optional heated M Sport steering wheel, despite its utility, felt out of place amidst the otherwise understated interior.

Inside, the IS 500 featured an intimate and comfortable cabin design, well-constructed with high-quality materials. Unlike its BMW counterpart, Lexus included heated and ventilated seats, effective climate control, and logically laid out controls that made the driving experience seamless. Despite the inclusion of a touchpad controller in the center console, the transition to a touchscreen infotainment system improved overall usability and aesthetics.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered multiple powertrain options to cater to different performance preferences. The base 330i featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid variant combined a less powerful version of this engine with an electric assist, producing a total of 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The M340i came with a turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering an impressive 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. All models were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with both rear-wheel drive (RWD) and xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) options available. BMW claimed the M340i could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds, while the 330i took 5.6 seconds.

Despite these promising figures, the 330e plug-in hybrid lacked the seamless acceleration that driving enthusiasts might hope for. The transition between electric and gasoline power was not smooth, undermining the car’s otherwise impressive technical capabilities. While the 3 Series provided a solid chassis and excellent handling, it fell short in engagement, leaving the driving experience less thrilling than expected.

Driving modes such as Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+ adjusted the powertrain, steering, and suspension damping to suit different driving scenarios. An added Yamaha rear performance damper enhanced ride refinement at low speeds and stability at higher speeds, while an upgraded braking system ensured reliability even under extreme conditions. Despite its V8 engine, the IS 500 maintained comfort and docility in everyday driving, only letting road noise dampen the experience slightly.

Premium trim added advanced options like a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system. The dynamic voice command system, free for 10 years, further enhanced its functionality, making the 2022 Lexus IS’s infotainment system one of the most user-friendly in its segment.

In the arena of interior space and functionality, the 2021 BMW 3 Series and the 2022 Lexus IS had contrasting approaches.

The BMW 3 Series excelled in maximizing its interior space, especially for a compact luxury sedan. It boasted exceptional rear headroom, surpassing many rivals, and above-average front headroom, though it trailed behind the Infiniti Q50. Legroom was adequate but not extraordinary, potentially feeling cramped for rear passengers when tall occupants occupied the front seats. Shoulder room was also narrower compared to competitors like the Acura TLX, giving the TLX a more spacious feel.

Cargo capacity varied between models. Gasoline variants offered a generous 17 cubic feet of trunk space, significantly outpacing competitors. However, the plug-in hybrid 330e, with its lithium-ion battery pack, saw a reduction to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk’s long and narrow design necessitated an awkward reach to utilize the space efficiently, though the standard 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat added versatility. The cockpit remained driver-focused, with a well-placed touchscreen and excellent outward visibility enhancing the driving experience.

On the other hand, the 2022 Lexus IS prioritized comfort and ergonomics within a more confined space. The front seats provided substantial support and comfort, with snug bolstering that held occupants securely without being restrictive. While the rear seats were sufficient for average-sized adults, the rear legroom and overall space were relatively cramped. Rear passengers also lacked conveniences like smartphone charging, despite the presence of rear air conditioning vents.

Storage within the IS was practical but fell short of optimal. The trunk space was notably smaller than the 3 Series, at just 10.8 cubic feet, limiting its utility for larger items. Despite these limitations, Lexus excelled in creating an intuitive and driver-friendly cockpit, with clearly labeled controls and a streamlined infotainment system now featuring a touchscreen, making the driving experience more pleasant and less cumbersome.

Technological advancements and infotainment systems are pivotal in modern vehicles, and both the 2021 BMW 3 Series and the 2022 Lexus IS offered robust tech packages.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came with a standard iDrive infotainment system featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and dual USB ports. Gasoline models benefited from both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while the 330e only offered CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional system, which included a digital instrument cluster and navigation plus an available head-up display (HUD), enhanced the tech experience.

In practice, the Live Cockpit Professional setup was one of the standout features in our 330e test car. It offered high-quality graphics, responsive screens, and intuitive controls that surpassed competitors like Mercedes-Benz. Multiple control options, including the iDrive controller, steering wheel buttons, a voice assistant activated by "Hey BMW," and gesture controls, provided users with versatile ways to interact with the system. Though some features like gesture control seemed more gimmick than necessity, the overall system allowed for significant user preference customization.

For the 2022 Lexus IS, the switch to a touchscreen infotainment display in 2021 rectified previous ergonomic issues. The new setup, combined with dedicated climate and stereo controls, simplified interaction and improved the overall driving experience.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series earned a “Top Safety Pick” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), achieving top “Good” scores across all crash tests. However, the headlight ratings were inconsistent, and the optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention compared to the base system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not yet published safety ratings for this model.

Like many luxury brands, BMW required additional expenditures for advanced safety features that are standard on more affordable vehicles. Standard safety gear included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Enhancements like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated lane centering, and a stop-and-go function (available through the Driving Assistant Professional Package) could be added. Further options included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a parking-assist package with a 360-degree camera system and automated parking aid.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5), an extensive array of safety features encompassing driving assistance, collision warning, and prevention technologies. Our evaluations of the IS 500’s LSS+ 2.5 revealed its overall effectiveness, with some features, like the lane-departure warning system’s subtle vibrations and adaptive cruise control, performing admirably.

During tests, some quirks emerged, such as the overly aggressive Curve Speed Reduction function and lane-centering system’s confusion on certain roadways, which sometimes created unexpected and unwelcome experiences. Nevertheless, the comprehensive safety package provided peace of mind.

The IS earned the highest overall rating of “Top Safety Pick+” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cementing its reputation as a safe and reliable choice.