Merged 2021 IS re-design / refresh threads
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 508
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From: CA
We have to look at price. It's not priced like those cars but it is priced like a G70 and Model 3 AWD, and CT4-V at about $50k loaded so the straight line performance is lacking comparatively. I think that's where all the complaints come from. The 2nd gen was much more successful because it was class competitive in terms of horsepower. This matters a lot to enthusiasts who are one of the last remaining market segments that have stayed with sedans during the transition to CUVs. That's why the current sales are abysmal because most of the enthusiasts have left for other brands. I was hoping the newer offering would bring them back but not with the 3.5L. It's a gorgeous looking car but I don't think that's enough.
Last edited by GaryJG; Oct 4, 2020 at 09:39 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,602
Likes: 89
From: Singapore
We have to look at price. It's not priced like those cars but it is priced like a G70 and Model 3 AWD, and CT4-V at about $50k loaded so the straight line performance is lacking comparatively. I think that's where all the complaints come from. The 2nd gen was much more successful because it was class competitive in terms of horsepower. This matters a lot to enthusiasts who are one of the last remaining market segments that have stayed with sedans during the transition to CUVs. That's why the current sales are abysmal because most of the enthusiasts have left for other brands. I was hoping the newer offering would bring them back but not with the 3.5L. It's a gorgeous looking car but I don't think that's enough.
When viewed from that angle, the IS350 seems like a bargain :
1) bulletproof NA engine with literally a decade track record of reliability vs typical BMW turbo-charged engine with it's attendant spotty maintenance and reliability history.
2) seamless throttle response of a large NA V6 vs a slight turbo-lag from the 2L turbo BMW engine.
3) Better looks from the 2021 IS vs the dated 3 series.
4) IS has been proven superior chassis-wise and handling-wise vs the 3 series ever since the F30 3 series. BMW 3 series lost its handling crown to the 3rd Gen Lexus IS in 2014. Granted the G20 has improved upon the F30 but that was a very low bar to begin with.
With the additional chassis and suspension upgrades of the 2021 IS and all the other advantages I mentioned above, seems like a no-brainer to choose the 2021 IS350 F-Sport over the BMW 330i for the same price.
Last edited by natnut; Oct 4, 2020 at 10:01 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 508
Likes: 100
From: CA
I think it's a matter of perspective. Sure G70 and the others you cited may give better straight line acceleration for the money but what about the BMW 330i which compares to the IS350 in price?
When viewed from that angle, the IS350 seems like a bargain :
1) bulletproof NA engine with literally a decade track record of reliability vs typical BMW turbo-charged engine with it's attendant spotty maintenance and reliability history.
2) seamless throttle response of a large NA V6 vs a slight turbo-lag from the 2L turbo BMW engine.
3) Better looks from the 2021 IS vs the dated 3 series.
4) IS has been proven superior chassis-wise and handling-wise vs the 3 series ever since the F30 3 series. BMW 3 series lost its handling crown to the 3rd Gen Lexus IS in 2014. Granted the G20 has improved upon the F30 but that was a very low bar to begin with.
With the additional chassis and suspension upgrades of the 2021 IS and all the other advantages I mentioned above, seems like a no-brainer to choose the 2021 IS350 F-Sport over the BMW 330i for the same price.
When viewed from that angle, the IS350 seems like a bargain :
1) bulletproof NA engine with literally a decade track record of reliability vs typical BMW turbo-charged engine with it's attendant spotty maintenance and reliability history.
2) seamless throttle response of a large NA V6 vs a slight turbo-lag from the 2L turbo BMW engine.
3) Better looks from the 2021 IS vs the dated 3 series.
4) IS has been proven superior chassis-wise and handling-wise vs the 3 series ever since the F30 3 series. BMW 3 series lost its handling crown to the 3rd Gen Lexus IS in 2014. Granted the G20 has improved upon the F30 but that was a very low bar to begin with.
With the additional chassis and suspension upgrades of the 2021 IS and all the other advantages I mentioned above, seems like a no-brainer to choose the 2021 IS350 F-Sport over the BMW 330i for the same price.
At least the 350 is about $2500 cheaper now...
"The IS 350, which delivers 311 hp and 280 lb-ft and now comes standard with the F Sport package. This model starts at $43,925. Both cars are priced lower than their 2020 equivalents—especially the 350 F Sport, which was priced from $46,400 last year. That means the 2021 Is 350 F Sport represents a significant $2,475 discount over last year"
https://www.autoblog.com/2020/09/30/2021-lexus-is-300-350-price/
Last edited by GaryJG; Oct 4, 2020 at 10:20 PM.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Originally Posted by natnut
I think it's a matter of perspective. Sure G70 and the others you cited may give better straight line acceleration for the money but what about the BMW 330i which compares to the IS350 in price?
When viewed from that angle, the IS350 seems like a bargain :
1) bulletproof NA engine with literally a decade track record of reliability vs typical BMW turbo-charged engine with it's attendant spotty maintenance and reliability history.
2) seamless throttle response of a large NA V6 vs a slight turbo-lag from the 2L turbo BMW engine.
3) Better looks from the 2021 IS vs the dated 3 series.
4) IS has been proven superior chassis-wise and handling-wise vs the 3 series ever since the F30 3 series. BMW 3 series lost its handling crown to the 3rd Gen Lexus IS in 2014. Granted the G20 has improved upon the F30 but that was a very low bar to begin with.
With the additional chassis and suspension upgrades of the 2021 IS and all the other advantages I mentioned above, seems like a no-brainer to choose the 2021 IS350 F-Sport over the BMW 330i for the same price.
When viewed from that angle, the IS350 seems like a bargain :
1) bulletproof NA engine with literally a decade track record of reliability vs typical BMW turbo-charged engine with it's attendant spotty maintenance and reliability history.
2) seamless throttle response of a large NA V6 vs a slight turbo-lag from the 2L turbo BMW engine.
3) Better looks from the 2021 IS vs the dated 3 series.
4) IS has been proven superior chassis-wise and handling-wise vs the 3 series ever since the F30 3 series. BMW 3 series lost its handling crown to the 3rd Gen Lexus IS in 2014. Granted the G20 has improved upon the F30 but that was a very low bar to begin with.
With the additional chassis and suspension upgrades of the 2021 IS and all the other advantages I mentioned above, seems like a no-brainer to choose the 2021 IS350 F-Sport over the BMW 330i for the same price.
Pole Position
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,602
Likes: 89
From: Singapore
I would also choose the IS over the 330 even if it may be a tad slower. However, I was ready to move to a more powerful option and had no path forward with the Lexus. That's probably the main gripe in this forum. For those that don't care as much for power, the IS may be a fine car for them.
I read this quote(not exact) by a motoring journo once that seems to apply to BMW's situation : " Horsepower is the consolation prize of an un-involving chassis."
Not to say that the G20 is a uncommunicative drive but used to be BMW could sell purely on its telepathic steering feel and chassis communication/engagement with the driver, without having to play horsepower oneupmanship but nowadays, cars like the 3rd Gen IS and G70 are beating BMW at its own game of handing/chassis tuning.
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Thread Starter
Lead Lap
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Lexus Fanatic
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Pole Position
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