2025 BMW 2 Series vs 2026 Lexus IS

The redesigned 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe adds a bit more power and technology. While it may be the least expensive BMW model, it makes only a few sacrifices on the sharp end of performance to get there. For most drivers, this entry-level sedan will be a great appetizer to the rest of the lineup.

Verdict: The all-new 2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is a relative bargain among compact luxury cars, leading shoppers to the brand’s pricier and more athletic models. However, if your preferences favor performance over practicality, you might want to consider spending just a bit more for the two-door 2 Series coupe.

Lexus refreshed the IS for the 2026 model year, infusing it with the latest digital instrumentation, infotainment, and driver-assistance technologies. It also updated the exterior and interior, re-tuned the steering and suspension, and refined the driving experience. However, the lineup loses the IS 300 with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the IS 500 with the thundering 5.0-liter V8, leaving a V6-powered IS 350 with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) as the sole model.

Verdict: The 2026 Lexus IS 350 is enjoyable to drive, exudes quality, and boasts a long-standing reputation for reliability. For those who want a small sports sedan with such characteristics, this is the car.