DARCARS Lexus of Englewood

2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport vs. 2021 BMW 330i

2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport vs. 2021 BMW 330i


Overview

The 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport and the 2021 BMW 330i are both excellent sedans, but one will be perfect for you and the other will not. If 2021 is your year for a great new sports sedan, keep reading to learn all about the features of these cars so you can make an informed decision.


Exterior (Overall Design)

Both of these vehicles are immediately recognizable by their brand-specific grilles. As for dimensions, the numbers are nearly identical. In height and length, they're the same. The Lexus is just a little bit wider, and the BMW has a slightly larger wheelbase. However, numbers don't really tell the story. Look at these two cars sitting on the curb, and only one is actually going to make you salivate. The Lexus IS 350 has a fantastic look--you literally can't stop staring at it. The sweeping lines, angled headlights, snazzy doors, and aggressive styling look modern and appealing. Beside it, the BMW looks a bit rounded and dated.




Interior Features

The Lexus and the BMW both come with standard tech connectivity, like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there are lots of nice tech and comfort features, like HD and satellite radio, premium sound systems, different driving modes, heated seats and steering wheels, keyless entry, remote start, and lots more. But there's a big difference in what you'll pay for these things. Consider that the BMW is a more expensive car right out of the gate, and you might be surprised to learn that virtually everything mentioned above, and lots more, comes standard on the Lexus: but you have to upgrade to get it on the BMW. As for comfort, both of these cars have tastefully designed cabins that are comfortable to sit in and feature premium materials. The Lexus has quite a bit more legroom for front passengers, which tall drivers will appreciate. We also found the Lexus bucket seats just a bit more comfortable, though both sedans have supportive, well-placed seating.




Engines

Behind the wheel, you'll notice that both of these have responsive engines and steering: just what you want in this type of sporty sedan. The BMW is powered by a 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 that generates 255hp, while the Lexus gets 311hp from a 3.5L V6. Both are paired to smooth, 8-speed transmissions. What you might notice most, though, is the way you can feel the Lexus. It hugs the corners and provides responsiveness that makes it a joy to drive. The BMW is no slouch when it comes to steering precision, of course, but you don't feel things quite the way you do in the Lexus.




Safety Features

You can get a full suite of safety features on both of these sedans, but only on the Lexus does all this come standard. If you want a lot of these with the BMW, you'll have to pay extra. Here's some of what you can get:

  • Backup camera
  • Cross-traffic alert
  • Blind-spot monitor
  • Lane-keeping assist
  • Lane-departure warning
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • A full suite of airbags comes standard on both, too, but the BMW is lacking the knee and rear-side airbags the Lexus has.