2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2025 Lexus IS

$45,950 · Sedan

$40,535 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The 2025 BMW 3 Series bursts onto the scene with a potent 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, championing the driver engagement ethos with its renowned handling dynamics. In contrast, the 2025 Lexus IS captivates with its sharper entry price of $40,535, positioning it as the sophisticated alternative. While the BMW pulls ahead in performance metrics, offering 14 more horsepower and significantly more torque, the Lexus commands respect for its efficiency, delivering a combined 25 MPG compared to the BMW's 31 MPG combined—though the 3 Series maintains a strong 28/35 MPG highway/city split. Dimensionally, the cars are nearly identical in length (185.9 inches vs 185.4 inches), but the BMW grants a substantially larger 16.9 cu ft of cargo space versus the Lexus's 10.8 cu ft. This contest pits raw German performance and utility against Japanese poise and accessible pricing.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series is the superior choice for commuters due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 3 Series

Car1 wins for families by offering nearly 6 cubic feet more storage space, boasting 16.9 cu ft versus the Lexus's 10.8 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series provides superior outright power with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the Lexus's 241 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus IS

The Lexus IS offers compelling value, saving buyers $5,415 in upfront MSRP costs while still providing a premium RWD experience.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You prioritize spirited driving dynamics backed by 295 lb-ft of torque.
You need practical space, as the 16.9 cu ft cargo capacity beats the competition.
You can utilize the superior 35 MPG highway rating for longer trips.

Choose the Lexus IS if...

Your budget is tighter, leveraging the $40,535 starting MSRP.
You prefer a slightly wider stance for road presence (72.4 inches width).
You value dependability and seek a more efficient package despite the 241 hp output.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 3 Series	Lexus IS
Length	185.9"	185.4"
Width	71.9"	72.4"
Height	56.8"	56.5"
Wheelbase	112.2"	110.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	gas
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	241 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	21/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	436.8/546.0 mi.	365.4/539.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	17.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	—
Speaker System	10	10
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Front Head Room	38.7 in.	38.2 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	44.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	55.9 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Hip Room	—	54.3 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	36.9 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	32.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	—
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	54.0 in.
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.5 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	235/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Lexus
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 3 Series and 2025 Lexus IS.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 2025 Lexus IS?

The BMW 3 Series holds the performance edge, generating 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from its engine, outperforming the Lexus IS's output of 241 hp and 258 lb-ft.

How does the fuel economy compare for daily driving?

The BMW 3 Series offers significantly better efficiency for daily commuting, achieving a combined 31 MPG versus the Lexus IS’s 25 MPG combined rating.

Is the difference in MSRP substantial enough to sway a purchasing decision?

Yes, the difference is $5,415; the Lexus IS starts at $40,535, making it the clear budget-conscious entry point into premium rear-wheel-drive performance.

Which sedan has more usable trunk space for groceries or luggage?

The 2025 BMW 3 Series offers considerably more utility with 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity, greatly exceeding the 10.8 cubic feet found in the Lexus IS.

Are there major differences in size or footprint between these two RWD sedans?

The dimensions are very close; the BMW is slightly longer at 185.9 inches, but the Lexus IS is slightly wider at 72.4 inches, making both highly maneuverable.