Photo: CAR Magazine
When Lexus released the 2014 IS model, they specifically said that in the development of this car they had only one competitor in mind: the reigning king, BMW 3 Series.
They tested this car to be better than the Bimmer and finally take its crown after many failed attempts. The guys from Car Magazine decided to put that to the test and see if they managed.
Nowadays, we're facing incredible prices on petrol and diesel alike. Therefore, getting an economical car is extremely important for potential buyers. That being said, since Lexus left out diesels completely (at least for now), you can only go to the hybrids to claim to drive an economical IS.
The 320d from BMW was therefore set up agains Lexus' IS300h, a car fitted with a 2.5-liter Aktinson-cycle naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine (180 HP and 163 lb-ft of torque) and an electric unit that develops 141 HP. Don't be scared, though, the combined power of the two reaches only 220 HP, still more than the Bimmer.
As we all know, the diesel car in this comparison is powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged unit that develops 184 HP and 380 Nm of torque, hooked up to the 8-speed automatic, ZF gearbox that is simply brilliant.
Actually, this is where the difference was made. Apart from other massive downsides (like the weight and interior), the major fault found in the Lexus was the CVT transmission, the Achille's heel of a perfectly good car. However, you couldn't live with that and you'd end up wanting to burn your car after every drive. The BMW keeps its crown.
For the full story, check out CAR Magazine.
Nowadays, we're facing incredible prices on petrol and diesel alike. Therefore, getting an economical car is extremely important for potential buyers. That being said, since Lexus left out diesels completely (at least for now), you can only go to the hybrids to claim to drive an economical IS.
The 320d from BMW was therefore set up agains Lexus' IS300h, a car fitted with a 2.5-liter Aktinson-cycle naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder engine (180 HP and 163 lb-ft of torque) and an electric unit that develops 141 HP. Don't be scared, though, the combined power of the two reaches only 220 HP, still more than the Bimmer.
As we all know, the diesel car in this comparison is powered by a 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged unit that develops 184 HP and 380 Nm of torque, hooked up to the 8-speed automatic, ZF gearbox that is simply brilliant.
Actually, this is where the difference was made. Apart from other massive downsides (like the weight and interior), the major fault found in the Lexus was the CVT transmission, the Achille's heel of a perfectly good car. However, you couldn't live with that and you'd end up wanting to burn your car after every drive. The BMW keeps its crown.
For the full story, check out CAR Magazine.
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