First, I am American.Grew up in a family.that owned only American cars since the 1950s. I am first to do motorsports or understand a differential. And I'm a serious beginner. I am researching family sports sedans. I have driven everything. The level of what is offered for $30-50k is awesome. Everybody makes a really good car, competitive warranties, goodnservice (depending on where u live there is variance)

Now all the contenders ate submitting packages to the public that are more "sporty" than ever. BMW 3 is now a luxury car and the 2 series is the light and nimble. Cadillac ATS is being considered best in class for sporty car.Audi is ..Lexus is and so on.

I drove all of them and most recently in 48 hours, a 335i, ATS, M3 and previously A4, S4 , 535 and Q37/50. After testing them several times over the past year and then a few weeks ago, the IS350 F Sport seems to me to be the closest to the 3 series in terms of sound, interior comfort, driving focused display(non - distracting) center console, substantial car weight, and turn of the wheel. Ok, so the IS is down on power comparatively but in all things stable and all things experienced, this seems like the better of the 3 series contenders. Am I missing something?

Ok, the fairest thought I've heard is that when the cars are pushed to the limits, the IS isn't the winner. The ATS is better at a limit of driving potential. If this is true would one have to be on a track to appreciate that? At normal driving speeds and even slightly more aggressive are these cars all the same, if so wouldn't that place the IS consistently ahead of class?

It is most comfortable.Looks best (ON THE INSIDE) and in person isn't as ugly as print and screen transmit.

Is their a bias in favor of the American brand? The IS F Sport seems the best. Unfortunayely, the dealership is an hour away so I haven't been able to push the car on the types of roads I can drive nearby in the Germans and American cars. Can any multi brand owners offer insight?

 

The reviews you've seen about the ATS were mostly at a time when the the 3IS was still not out or available for direct comparison, which put the ATS, from an enthusiast and track performance standpoint, at the top by many journalists. Fast forward to today and you now see the IS 350 F-Sport RWD take the crown as the overall winner but with the ATS winning the most votes as the top track performer with the IS a close 2nd and the Germans behind. So I wouldn't say there is a bias towards the ATS (or American brands) in the sport luxury compact segment. In fact, one can argue there is a bias towards the German vehicles, like the 3-series recently honored (yet again) in Car and Driver's Ten Best List this year despite their praise for the 3IS 350 F-Sport RWD.

As you've experienced in your many test drives in this segment, the 3IS is the better vehicle over the 3-series in all areas except straight-line acceleration (350 vs 335i) but one must shell out $8K more for the Bimmer. The ATS falls short in real-world driving comfort, fit/finish, and interior room. So unless you will be track driving this car often, get the 3IS and enjoy the car that is best-in-class plus you get the added bullet-proof reliability bonus!

 

Well, there is the rub, I have track intentions. As I'm researching it all, the Lexus is the least tunable for power and handling(unless something has changed.) So a manual ATS 2.0T with 272 can be tuned towards 400hp. In the Lexus, I'd love 350hp or so as the chassis is amazing. One thing I hate is when an audio manufacturer creates a system where the amplifier can overdrive the included speakers where is the logic in that? So, I do greatly appreciate Lexus for making the IS350 chassis and the available power match for typical car use, thoughtful safety concept.

I imagine the IS F is overkill for my typical 4 door daily use but as a motorcyclist who experiences insane acceleration and torque daily, I have a need for a particular grunt. The IS350 fits my injured body well and matches my personality quite well also. Power,power,power needs create the cognitive tension.

This offers a little
Thanks for the informed reply.

 

If you are looking for 400hp, you might consider the ISF. You can get a low mileage pre-owned in the $40k to $50k range.

 

On the 2ndgen body, my head hits the door frame. I test drove an IS 250. I believe it is same body style. Not so comfy.