2022 BMW i4 vs 2022 Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, with a similar formula. It featured a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500 plus a $1,075 destination charge, it offered a thrilling driving experience, blending emotional excitement with everyday comfort and reliability. The IS 500 F Sport Performance maintained a stealthy appearance with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch wheels, while its interior mirrored the IS 350 F Sport, providing a cozy yet high-quality environment.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW i4 shared its styling with the gasoline-powered 4 Series Gran Coupe, featuring a polarizing oversized grille and a four-door sedan design with a rear hatch. The i4 boasted improved aerodynamics, with a drag coefficient of 0.24 for the base eDrive40 model and 0.25 for the M50 variant. BMW achieved this through various tweaks, including a smooth underbody and active airflow control. The i4's interior balanced minimalism with traditional BMW elements, featuring a freestanding screen and familiar controls. However, the seats felt flat and lacked bolstering, and the fastback roof limited headroom. Despite these drawbacks, the i4 offered a spacious and efficiently designed cabin.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a powerhouse, equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. This rear-wheel-drive sedan featured an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. It offered various driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the car's performance to their preferences. The IS 500 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, providing a thrilling driving experience. Its adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper ensured a comfortable ride and enhanced stability. However, the car's fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered two powertrain options. The base i4 eDrive40 produced 335 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. The M50 model, with its two-motor powertrain, delivered 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Despite its weight, the i4's handling was impressive, thanks to its low center of gravity and advanced suspension systems. The adaptive suspension provided a smooth ride, while the integrated braking system offered natural pedal feel. However, the adaptive recuperation system's inconsistent regenerative braking was a minor concern.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective climate control and seat ventilation systems. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, offering excellent support and a driver-focused position. Rear seats were adequate for average-height adults, but rear passengers lacked smartphone charging options. Storage space was limited, with a small trunk measuring 10.8 cubic feet. The control layout was intuitive, featuring buttons and knobs with clear labeling.

The 2022 BMW i4 provided a low seating position despite its battery pack, offering good outward visibility. However, the fastback roof limited headroom, and the seats felt flat and hard. The interior felt open and airy, with an efficiently designed center console. The i4 offered folding rear seats, but cargo space was limited to 10 cubic feet. Unlike some competitors, the i4 lacked a front trunk.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured a touchscreen infotainment system, addressing previous ergonomic issues. The system was intuitive, with separate climate and stereo controls. The IS 500 Premium included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries accurately. The Premium trim added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

The 2022 BMW i4 showcased the latest iDrive8 infotainment system with a BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The user experience was familiar to BMW drivers, with a rotary controller and effective voice recognition system. Optional features included a head-up display and Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2022 Lexus IS came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. The system included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. The IS received top safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 BMW i4 offered standard driver-assist features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and parking assistance features. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.