Hello,
I really would like to buy a car that is quiet and very quiet from inside. So I’m comparing lexus IS to BMW 3 to Mercedes C200
And I like lexus a lot but I don’t know how quiet it’s based on several months experience ?

 

I would say get the ES.. that is a really quiet ride.. sport sedans are less so.

 

I don't have experience with the Mercedes, but the IS is incredibly quiet in comparison to the G20 BMW 3 series.

 

Really? I haven't been in a G20, but I've always thought the F30 was pretty quiet.

I'd say, if you've made up your mind that you want a compact, rear-drive-based luxury sport sedan, the Lexus would be a decent way to go. However, if you don't need that specific type of vehicle, I'd agree with the above idea of getting a Lexus ES or something of that nature. I've had a couple of the newest-generation ES as loaners, and they are impressively quiet for the price point.

 

Second this. Drove a 2020 ES 350 last weekend and it was a smooth, quiet ride.

 

The G20 is one of the quietest cars in its class, and even in the world @ 62db cruising @ 70mph. I guarantee you there's no way an almost 8 year old design (3IS) is anywhere close. I'd even venture a guess to say that No Lexus, regardless of price, can out-quiet a G20. And yes I drove a G20 a few days. Noticeably quieter than my IS.

For example, the BMW X7 (which was designed around the time of the G20) is the 2nd most quietest car in the world, regardless of price. That same DNA runs throughout BMW's new models.

 

My observation is Lexus has de-prioritized quietness for sometime already.

Drove G20 320d in Europe on the autobahn. Noise levels (and everything else) beats my IS hands down. And it’s a base model diesel, but with performance not far off some previous gen M3’s. Yes it’s a new generation of 3 series, but feels a few gen ahead of my 3IS.

 

IMO IS is pretty quiet. Got a muffler delete on it and the drone was very minimal. If you want quiet, get a Tesla lmao

 

Buy a Tesla Model 3 performance. Quiet, Quicker, Faster. Same price or cheaper.

 

I don't see how it's the "same price or cheaper" for a Model 3 Performance. It starts at $54,990, which is roughly the price of an IS 350 fully-loaded. Sure you get some potential savings with the Model 3, but you also will probably pay under sticker on the Lexus.

Now for a non-Performance Model 3, sure. The Dual Motor one will scoot and costs around the same as an IS 350. Having driven a Dual Motor, I don't see why you need the Performance. It's already stupidly quick off the line.

 

just be mindful of tesla repair costs

 

I think the LS is probably the quietest Lexus sedan, but it's also pretty big compared to an IS or 3-series - having driven both the 340i and IS350 back to back, it's a toss up for me to which was quieter, but I did not appreciate the phony intake sound enhancement of the BMW. I can't speak to the Merc, not interested in them myself. These are "sport-luxury" sedans, so some of the quietness has been intentionally engineered out.

If you want a quieter cabin in the Lexus or BMW:
The IS350 (and other Lexus models) have a mechanical sound enhancer in the intake system, if you don't like the added induction noise, it can be swapped out for a a non-enhanced induction tube from the 2nd gen IS.
BMW utilizes the speakers to enhance intake sounds, the module can be unplugged or can be turned off/disabled via coding through third party software.

If you want a quieter cabin in the Merc:
Just wait until it breaks down.

To the Tesla vs. Lexus/BMW comment - they aren't even remotely in the same category; A Model 3 is basically an expensive economy car with regards to materials, fit & finish; most of the money is in the batteries, motors & controllers. Not knocking Tesla, it's a great EV if that's the market you are in, but luxury car it is not.