2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F, featuring a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500 plus a $1,075 destination charge, the IS 500 F Sport Performance offered a thrilling driving experience, blending emotional excitement with daily driving comfort. The car's design included subtle yet distinctive elements like a raised hood and quad exhaust outlets, maintaining a stealthy appearance while delivering a powerful performance.

Inside, the IS 500 F Sport Performance mirrored the IS 350 F Sport, with quality materials and a comfortable interior for four passengers. The car featured a wide touchscreen display for the infotainment system, although the touchpad on the center console remained a point of contention. The Premium trim added luxurious touches like triple-beam headlights, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system. Despite its higher price tag, the IS 500 F Sport Performance was praised for its balance of thrill and comfort, making it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each model featured a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, offering dynamic tuning for improved handling. The high-performance M3 topped the lineup.

The M340i test vehicle featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac-color SensaTec simulated leather upholstery, and several optional packages, bringing the total price to $67,390. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, with optional 19-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance tires. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided an upscale look, while the car's design focused on driving enjoyment. The 3 Series was praised for its quality materials and technical design, maintaining its reputation as a benchmark for sports sedans.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine, shared with the RC F and LC 500, was paired with an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The car's driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and greater stability, while upgraded brakes ensured reliable stopping power.

During testing, the IS 500 demonstrated impressive performance on various road types, with a throaty engine note and responsive handling. However, the car's road noise on the freeway was noted as a drawback. The V8 engine offered a thrilling driving experience, though it required a moment to build revs in Normal mode. Sport S and Sport S+ modes improved response, but not dramatically. Despite its extra weight over the front axle, the IS 500 felt capable and engaging, with an intoxicating soundtrack. Fuel efficiency was a concern, with an observed average of 17.7 mpg, below the EPA rating of 20 mpg combined.

The 2022 BMW M340i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 hp between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i offered a Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The rear-wheel-drive test vehicle included an M Sport differential, with all-wheel-drive available as an option. The M340i's performance was enhanced by M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an optional Adaptive M Suspension.

BMW claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds for the M340i, and the car delivered impressive acceleration and handling. The transmission performed flawlessly, and the car's driving dynamics were praised for their precision and responsiveness. The M340i excelled on winding roads, providing a confident and enjoyable driving experience. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with an observed average of 24.9 mpg, just shy of the EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. The M340i was noted for its balance of performance and practicality, making it a standout choice in the sports sedan segment.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with an effective climate control system and seat ventilation to combat Phoenix's heat. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, offering excellent support and a driver-focused position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Storage was limited, with the touchpad controller occupying valuable space. The trunk measured 10.8 cubic feet, small for the segment. The IS's control layout was praised for its clarity and ease of use, with buttons and knobs for essential functions.

The 2022 BMW M340i provided power-adjustable front sport seats with ample support for various driving conditions. The driving position was ideal, with a thick-rimmed steering wheel for comfort and grip. Rear seat passengers had sufficient legroom, though the center seat was less practical. The back seat offered good thigh support, but the rigid front seatback panels could be uncomfortable. The M340i featured a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available. Interior storage was decent, and the 17 cubic-foot trunk provided ample cargo space. The back seat's 40/20/40-split folding design added versatility, though a sports wagon variant would have been preferable.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance benefited from a touchscreen infotainment display, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The system was logical and intuitive, with separate climate and stereo controls. The dynamic voice command system was highly effective, handling queries accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the digital gauges were less appealing than traditional analog ones, the infotainment package was functional. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a gesture control system. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system. The Connected Package Pro added BMW Remote Services and Intelligent Personal Assistant, which handled various queries effectively. The M340i also offered a head-up display and advanced driver assistance features.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, a comprehensive suite of safety features. The system included adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and low-speed automatic braking. While some features were helpful, others could be irritating or overly aggressive. The IS earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received a four-star rating for frontal-impact collisions.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring 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, while the Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, including for rollover resistance.