rhinorover
Champion Author
Edmonton
Posts:1,860
Points:329,150
Joined:May 2004
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Message Posted: May 28, 2007 10:15:05 PM
I've test driven the Lexus IS class, C-Class MB and the BMW 335i. The GS class Lexus is not in the same category as the 335i so not a really good apples to apples comparison.
Here are my thoughts on the 3 cars:
C-Class: nice luxery mid-size sedan but very sedate. It drives nice but it won't make your toes curl. Cost-wise in the same range as the other two and if you like the heavy German auto feel the MB will give you that but as I said, it's a rather sedate driving feel. It doesn't put a grin on your face and looks wise, while it's nicer it doesn't give off a young feel to the car. It almost gives the impression that you should be older and more seasoned to drive it.
Lexus IS: styling I like quite a bit and it's got some nice pep BUT it's driving feel is "muted" as best a word I can use. There are a lot of driving nanny's in place that take the feel of driving out. You get a sense that the car will let you go so far before it slaps your hand and makes you dial it back. All around it wasn't bad and the interior isn't bad but it's hard to get past that "muted" feel.
BMW 335i: interior is much improved over the older models. I've always found them cramped and stifling but this new 3-Series has changed that. I was quite surprised on the test drive how roomy the new 3-Series feels. Handling is very surefooted and responsive. That was very evident. The big thing is the engine. This is an incredible engine.
Overall after driving all 3 cars, the BMW left the biggest grin on my face and I subsequently bought a new 335i sedan. This car is faster than what BMW states and as far as gas mileage goes, it doesn't quite do the same numbers as the IS but still quite respectable when you consider this is a 300hp twin-turbo engine. So far in city driving I've seen around 27mpg and this is on a brand new car that has seen some "agressive" driving. On the hwy I'm even more impressed. If the figures are correct on my current road trip, I should see somewhere between 800-850 kms on a tank of gas which should be somewhere in the mid-30's for fuel mileage.
I'm ecstatic with this car but the Lexus IS wouldn't be a bad alternative. The MB C-Class was not even in the same league. The only car that seems to give BMW a run for it's money is the new G series Infinity and from some of the reviews I've read, it still doesn't quite catch up. The only reason I never considered the Infiniti is because I'm not crazy about the looks.
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dakine
Champion Author
Orange County
Posts:19,739
Points:3,617,625
Joined:Feb 2003
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Message Posted: Dec 17, 2006 8:22:59 AM
Have you driven the Lexus IS 350? My buddy has one and it is quick and handles great. I have not driven the BMW 335 yet, but would be interested in a performance comparison.
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RacerZ
Champion Author
New Jersey
Posts:10,470
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Joined:Jul 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 24, 2006 5:45:45 AM
The GS350 is very quick, however, it's a much larger car the 3-series. 3-Series will handle better than the Lexus.
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dakine
Champion Author
Orange County
Posts:19,739
Points:3,617,625
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Message Posted: Oct 4, 2006 6:18:58 AM
Do you know if the sedan is out or just the coupe?
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vecent45
Rookie Author
Los Angeles
Posts:12
Points:11,785
Joined:Sep 2006
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Message Posted: Oct 3, 2006 12:16:06 AM
Actually you can test drive the 335I already from any dealership, I would rather choose a BMW than a Lexus, even though Lexus GS350 is a very nice car, but the BMW maintainance program is the best. Free break pads, break rotor within warranty.
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