BMW 7 Series vs Lexus IS

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was a nod to its predecessor, the 2008 Lexus IS F, maintaining the essence of a powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine. This engine delivered 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque, channeled to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced at $56,500, plus a $1,075 destination charge, the IS 500 offered a thrilling driving experience, blending emotional excitement with everyday comfort and reliability. Despite its modest mechanical upgrades, it retained the spirit of the original IS F, providing a satisfying ride for driving enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language, particularly evident in its front-end styling with an oversized grille and split lighting elements. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the interior embraced a modern, minimalistic approach with high-quality materials and a futuristic design. The rear seats offered exceptional comfort, especially with the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating package, which included a reclining seat and a theater screen. The 7 Series exuded luxury and presence, appealing to those seeking a premium driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance was powered by a robust 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 472 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft 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, offering driving modes like Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable yet stable ride, while upgraded brakes ensured reliable stopping power. Despite its thrilling performance, the IS 500's fuel efficiency was a drawback, averaging 17.7 mpg.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series offered two powertrains: the base 740i with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, producing 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and the 760i xDrive with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The 760i xDrive accelerated to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, showcasing its powerful performance. The ride quality was slightly stiffer than competitors, but the Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness. The 7 Series balanced performance and comfort, appealing to drivers who valued both aspects.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective climate control and seat ventilation. The front seats offered snug yet comfortable support, while the rear seats accommodated average-height adults. Storage was adequate, though the trunk space was limited to 10.8 cubic feet. The control layout was intuitive, with buttons and knobs for easy operation, complemented by a touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated doors, though they were cumbersome to use. The front seats provided ample comfort with numerous adjustments, while the rear seats offered generous space and optional lounge seating with massage functions. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen added a wow factor, though its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk offered 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, with adequate interior storage for personal items.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance boasted a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by separate climate and stereo controls. The dynamic voice command system was impressive, handling queries accurately. Standard features included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured the iDrive 8 infotainment system, operable via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, deeper menu navigation was complex. Voice controls helped mitigate this, though they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided high-quality audio. The optional theater screen had usability challenges, with inconsistent touchscreen inputs.

The 2022 Lexus IS came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. The system included lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assistance. 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 frontal-impact rating.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control and highway driving assistant were praised for their smooth operation, reducing driver fatigue on long trips.