New BMW 3 Series
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 525
Likes: 87
From: CA
Things imo that need to be addressed:
-More storage (center console storage is lacking
-Better cup holder design
-Wireless charging
-Better infotainment system (get rid of the 7' display on lower trims)
The infotainment being changed is a given. The other things wouldn't take much to improve on or add.
-More storage (center console storage is lacking
-Better cup holder design
-Wireless charging
-Better infotainment system (get rid of the 7' display on lower trims)
The infotainment being changed is a given. The other things wouldn't take much to improve on or add.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 4,801
From: GA
I actually don't think the doors are that bad. I would like to see better materials on the center console - i.e., the area surrounding the cupholders - and the steering wheel. The steering wheel airbag cover looks ok from a distance, but it's kinda cheap feeling.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 674
Likes: 50
From: CA
A Camry can make more efficient use of its power than a RWD car due to a smaller driveline path (front wheel drive) but as a result, you'll pay a weight and performance penalty. Over 60% of its weight is over the front wheels.
So the takeaway is 0-60 in less than 6 seconds (similar to v6 camry yes) but better fuel economy, worlds better dynamics and stability and without the stigma of owning a camry.
It's nonsense to mention a Camry in the same breath of a RWD sports sedan so I had to respond. By that argument, you can compare a Camry to a 3IS... which begs the question, why didn't you buy a Camry instead of your 3IS? The fastest 3IS (the IS350) runs the same or slower than a V6 Camry.
So the takeaway is 0-60 in less than 6 seconds (similar to v6 camry yes) but better fuel economy, worlds better dynamics and stability and without the stigma of owning a camry.
It's nonsense to mention a Camry in the same breath of a RWD sports sedan so I had to respond. By that argument, you can compare a Camry to a 3IS... which begs the question, why didn't you buy a Camry instead of your 3IS? The fastest 3IS (the IS350) runs the same or slower than a V6 Camry.
(Not a Camry fan either, but I love leasing cars for that reason)
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 4,801
From: GA
But yeah there are a lot of qualitative things about the IS and 3 series both that make them overall better to drive than a Camry. They just feel like they are made better. And according to one of my coworkers who is somewhat of a BMW enthusiast, the IS feels possibly even more solid than his old E46. I feel like that is high praise. I would believe that the F30 and naturally the new one will be stronger and thus feel more solid out on the road. For my money I didn't like the F30 as much as the IS, but both are a notable upgrade in refinement over my old Camry.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 203
From: Florida
Do you think the new IS will have ambient lighting inside? I have to admit that the blue ambient lighting with the blue stitching in the black leather seats really looks good on the new 3 series. I also like the center leather cap on the steering wheel it makes it look very premium I hope the new IS adds these touches. Please Lexus also get rid of the climate slider I hate greasy marks that show, I prefer **** or button.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,612
Likes: 4,801
From: GA
Do you think the new IS will have ambient lighting inside? I have to admit that the blue ambient lighting with the blue stitching in the black leather seats really looks good on the new 3 series. I also like the center leather cap on the steering wheel it makes it look very premium I hope the new IS adds these touches. Please Lexus also get rid of the climate slider I hate greasy marks that show, I prefer **** or button.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 674
Likes: 50
From: CA
I would care! Especially given how Camrys nowadays don't really handle like boats anymore. That might be painful.
But yeah there are a lot of qualitative things about the IS and 3 series both that make them overall better to drive than a Camry. They just feel like they are made better. And according to one of my coworkers who is somewhat of a BMW enthusiast, the IS feels possibly even more solid than his old E46. I feel like that is high praise. I would believe that the F30 and naturally the new one will be stronger and thus feel more solid out on the road. For my money I didn't like the F30 as much as the IS, but both are a notable upgrade in refinement over my old Camry.
But yeah there are a lot of qualitative things about the IS and 3 series both that make them overall better to drive than a Camry. They just feel like they are made better. And according to one of my coworkers who is somewhat of a BMW enthusiast, the IS feels possibly even more solid than his old E46. I feel like that is high praise. I would believe that the F30 and naturally the new one will be stronger and thus feel more solid out on the road. For my money I didn't like the F30 as much as the IS, but both are a notable upgrade in refinement over my old Camry.
Otherwise, IS all the way. I love the IS (ISF owner but drove 3G IS a few times as loaner/rental).
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 203
From: Florida
So now that the 3 series has been uncovered when do you think we will start seeing some spy/cameo shots of the 4th gen IS? Not fake ones from magazines but Lexus testing spy shots? Have they even built a test mule yet?
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 1
From: NY
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 350
Likes: 10
From: MN
The new BMW interior looks classy. I'm glad they fixed the asymmetrical style of the current 3-series - I didn't care for that. The exterior I'm a little skeptical about, and may have to see it in person before rendering judgement.
The IS interior I think looks fine, but it is too fragile and cheap in some ways.
The IS interior I think looks fine, but it is too fragile and cheap in some ways.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rotaryrock
Car Chat
50
Jan 10, 2011 10:03 PM