2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Lexus IS

The 2021 Lexus IS made a bold statement with its athletic proportions and great stance. Its design captured motion even while standing still, with an elegant distance between the front axle and dashboard. The fast roofline and the kick-up of the window base at the back of the passenger door added to its sporty and compact look. The new spindle grille with diamond mesh and narrow headlights gave the IS an assertive squint. Inside, the dash was tastefully simple, with a retro hi-fi feel to the center stack. The interior matched the exterior with bold, assertive choices and a modern aesthetic, although the analog clock felt outdated.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i had a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 topped the lineup. The M340i test vehicle featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, bringing the price to $67,390. The M Performance exterior design treatment, 19-inch wheels, and blue brake calipers added to its undeniable appeal. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac color provided a trendy contrast against the dark cabin. The 3 Series boasted quality materials and a technical design focused on driving enjoyment.

The 2021 Lexus IS brought serious sport to the luxury sports sedan category. Tested and developed at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama, the IS introduced the "Lexus Driving Signature," emphasizing linear operation faithful to the driver's intentions. The IS 300 RWD featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 241 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The IS 300 AWD had a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 260 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the IS 350 models had the same V6, tuned to 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. RWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models had a six-speed automatic. The IS had a top speed of 143 mph, with 0-60 mph times ranging from 6.9 seconds for the IS 300 RWD to 5.6 seconds for the IS 350 RWD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the IS 300 RWD rated at 21/31/25 mpg, the IS 300 AWD at 19/26/22 mpg, the IS 350 RWD at 20/28/23 mpg, and the IS 350 AWD at 19/26/22 mpg.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. It paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control, driving the rear wheels through an M Sport differential. The M340i had M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and a standard M Sport suspension, with the test car featuring the optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, and the car returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, just shy of the EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. The M340i excelled in driving dynamics, offering precise response and a thrilling driving experience, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons.

The 2021 Lexus IS offered a driver-centered focus with a great driving position and comfortable, supportive seats. The F Sport trim's bolstered seat was standard in IS 350 models, with heating and ventilation. The IS featured perforated NuLuxe fabric, a synthetic upholstery that looked and felt like leather. Storage space was ample, with an open cubby, twin cupholders, big door pockets, a decent glovebox, and an under-armrest compartment. The second row was comfortable for two but cramped for three, with legroom negotiable with front-seat occupants. Trunk space was adequate at 10.8 cubic feet, with a temporary spare stored beneath the trunk’s load floor.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i featured power-adjustable front sport seats with plenty of support and a perfect driving position. The rear seat offered just enough legroom for four relatively tall people, with outboard bolstering positioning passengers further inboard. The back seat was comfortable with good thigh support, but the center rear seating position was likely to go unused. The M340i had a three-zone automatic climate control system, with the Premium package adding a heated steering wheel and heated front seats. Interior storage space was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk offered roomy cargo space with a 40/20/40-split folding design and a center armrest pass-through for added utility.

The 2021 Lexus IS finally offered a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The touchpad remained but was no longer the default option. Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect, WiFi, and Remote were included with free trial periods. The Navigation Package included Dynamic Navigation and Destination Assist for the first three years. The Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 1,800-watt premium surround-sound audio system was a recommended option, providing superb audio quality and including a CD player.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive to use, with options for the center console knob, touchscreen display, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition system. The 3 Series included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. Connected Package Pro technology was standard, with BMW Remote Services and Intelligent Personal Assistant. The Driving Assistance Professional package added a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability. A head-up display was available but challenging to read with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Lexus IS had not yet been rated for crashworthiness by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and intelligent high beams. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a backup camera, LED headlamps, taillamps, running lights, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect with a three-year trial.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, with forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, and Emergency Stop Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.