Yes, not as fast, but just about there, and the ride is 10 times better than the stiff M3. On a BMW note, I would prefer the 335i over the M3. I think the ride in the E46 M3 is terrible!

 

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I think you`re right, and I definitely am going to do a thorough test drive before I make my decision. I have really gotten used to the handling and high revving power of the M, but like I said as long as the IS350 isn`t too 'floaty', I`m more than willing to give that up for a comfortable, luxurious, reliable ride (which my M3 is not).

Oh and I think I forgot to mention that as of this coming August, my daily commute will increase from 15 minutes on the expressway to 30-40 minutes of heavy traffic. I have already tried this route a couple times in my M3, and ended up with sore knees and an aching back. The ride is just far too jerky and uncomfortable when it`s not put in a performance oriented situation.

As for the interior, and this is an unbiased opinion seeing as I only currently own German cars, the IS350 has the nicest interior of any car in it`s price range, and nicer than most cars that cost 2x as much. The layout screams refinement and there are switches and buttons everywhere you look.

And finally, as for the 335i. Well, no thanks. I don`t care how well it balances speed with comfort, I can`t stand how bland the new BMW interiors are. And the exterior isn`t as nice as the 2IS either, if you ask me.

 

Test Drive it.

Join the club, just do it. Everybody else is doing it. The next time your car goes in for service I guarantee you will not be happy. So, just do it. Be like us. Join the cult. Once your one of us, its not that bad. And if the ride is too floaty, nothing that a new coilover suspension can't handle.

JOIN US!!!!!

Sorry about the peer pressure. I was always thought the M3's were reliable though. What problems have you been having though?

 

Well sitting in one and actually driving & using the Nav is not the same. Sorry, but the Lexus gen5 Nav is NOT better than the current Acura Nav with real time traffic. You can argue that the LCD screen in the IS is sharper & clearer, but the Nav itself is a distant 2nd to Acura. The Acura is more intuitive and user-friendly, and the voice commands are concise and efficient. Plus the Acura Nav can be utilized while moving, whereas the Lexus Nav cannot (unless it's hacked, but that's another thread). To state that the Lexus is the best navigation system is simply not true . . .

Oops, sorry for the thread hijack . . .

 

I would say you go test drive IS350, and wait for the IS-F since you come from M3.

 

Lol, the power isn't too far off from the M3 to the 350. Of course the ride is different. He didn't say he needs 50% more power than he already has. Yeah, wait for a car that's gonna be 10k more money (if not 15) they won't be discounting no IS-F's & they sure as hell aren't gonna be on everyone's lot so they have 10 to choose from. And he's gonna commute in it. Wow. You can easily get 4k off MSRP on a 350 now.

 

From reading your post, I assume you're now looking for luxury and can shave a little of the performance category if you can get top quality luxury to replace it. I test drove the G35 and the bimmer......While the drive was fascinating, there was no contest when it came to the interior and IMO the exterior styling. If you want luxury more than performance....definitely go for the Lex.

 

Its great that you are looking for a new resort, but IMO, the luxory features are amazing for the first few weeks and then get old. I love my IS to death but its way too luxorious for somebody who drives an M3. If you would like a smooth and silky ride that can still deliver with outstanding performance, this is for you. If you are a german-car type of guy, the S4's have the same options except for the smart access.


Overall, IS350 is great, but you may want to reconsider switching over from a beamer to a lexus.

Also, you may wana wait for all the powerhouses coming out in the next 2-5 months ( new g35 coupe, new m3, is500, skyline.)

Goodluck.

 

All 3 series have that generic look to them in the interior. The 335i however is far more enjoyable that the M3! I think the Acura TL Type-s 335i, and the IS350 are really on par with one another. Granted the 335i has boost, but very torquey(sp?)!

As far as the IS having the best interior in its price range, well the TL is really nice as well. It was extremely hard deciding between the TL and the IS!