As I occasionally do, I attended the BMW Ultimate Driving Experience at MetLife Stadium yesterday (being reminded that I am a Giants fan was admittedly painful) and test drove the IS 500 competitor M340i (pictured). If for no other reason, these events offer the opportunity to not only test drive high-end performance models, but to push vehicles to their limits on a closed track(like) course without the concern of the dealership salesperson wondering if you will damage or buy the car. In short, as far as performance was concerned, I had no complaints. The M340i's acceleration, handling, and balance were all very good as expected. But, gas mileage not withstanding, the naturally aspirated V8, styling, and superior reliability of the IS 500 made it the clear choice for me. That said, it is a free and very entertaining event regardless of your vehicle preference. To that point, as far as I could tell, my IS 500 was the only Lexus in the lot but plenty of people offered compliments all the same, particularly the instructors. (smile)

 

The M340 is a fantastic car, hands down. THis is one of those debates that basically boils down to personal preference, and which attributes one values more. I'd love to have the transmission and stiffer suspension of the M340 in the IS500, but there's no way I'd take the b58 engine over the V8 in the IS500 (as good as the Bimmer's engine is). For me, the V8, exterior styling, RWD, and just more "rawness" of the Lexus won me over. But so many arguments to go other way as well. Oh, and by the way - the M340 is not making 382 hp at the crank. I'll give it to BMW for being able to pull off that fabrication of the truth. LOL.

 

BMW underrating their engines is actually some benefit to the driver as I believe some of the reason for IS500 insurance being significantly higher than the M340i is because of the HP ratings. As I mentioned in another thread, the M340i for a 49 year old male in soCal with a clean driving record is about 35% cheaper than my IS500. ($120/mo vs $185/mo)

 

Every now and then I wonder if I’m just a Fan Boy or an IS500 Troll. (I comment on every YouTube video, so probably the latter.) 😈

Then I see the Beemer on the road and think, nah I’m good. The styling of the 500 is so much better; and although both have presence, there is nothing like the IS on the road. I feel more special and unique, there’s no blending in with everyone else.

 

Very true. In my case, I’ve yet to see another IS500 in person but I see M340is and M3s every day. I just can’t appreciate the car I’m driving if I see them everywhere which is why I’ve always sought out the more unique cars.

 

Amen.

 

Agreed... and I see M340i more often than IS 500 by a long shot! That's not to say the IS 500 is better just because its #rare, as I really do think the M340i is probably a more well-rounded car for a lot of people and certainly more modern. However, the BMW-ness of it all is a problem for me. Numb steering in a sport sedan? No thanks. Auto stop-start that I have to turn off every time? Ew. (And yes, I know our steering also isn't exactly brimming with feel, but at least it feels natural, dang it!)

 

I literally had this conversation today with myself. My debate when I got the is5 was m340i rs3 or the is5. Today I said to myself what if I got the M but I like the rare ness of the is even when I see them 99% are 300 or 350. Then the infared color is a compliment *****. The power the styling just over all no regrets

 

LOL! Not a ‘compliment *****’! 😂😂

Lexus kicked a$$ with the colors, others pale in comparison. (Mazda Red and Acura Blue aside.)

 

I still think USBM2.0 is much better than Apex Blue. It's the color I really wanted with infrared a close 2nd, but I panicked over tariffs and now I'm stuck with Iridium

 

Iridium is a classic color! Our RX500h is Iridium and it's gorgeous. I like it more than the Atomic Silver on my old ES.

 

Ultimately I agree, but Apex Blue is pretty close! The Iridium is pretty amazing too, you did well with it. 👏🏽👏🏽

 

'Club 77' for life! (smile)

 

I thought I would give a little insight on my current experience with the IS500 vs BMW M3 E92. So my wife has a 2013 M3 and to drive the car it is one of the best driving cars from the drivers seat and the car is just a joy to "drive" now from the passengers perspective front passenger seat the car rides like a brick. It does have a much stiffer suspension and handles very well but being a passenger in the car this weekend I was like this feels a little rough! Funny thing is if I was driving, I don' t think I would have noticed as I think you focus more on the driving aspect then comfort and smoothness. So when people say they would like the IS500 to have a little more stiffness in the suspension I am thinking I don't agree with that as the IS500 feels pretty close to what I want in a non-track road car. Now I am getting a little older and I am thinking I am shifting gears from wanting a sports car which I have had a few to now wanting and having a nice smooth powerful sports sedan and as of today that is exactly what I got! I think after getting out of the M3 made even appreciate the IS500 a little more and to be honest if I had to choose to take a ride in either the Lexus or BMW I would choose the Lexus. I have not driven or even have an interest in the current BMW line up as I am still in the want of having a good old V8 vs turbo V6 but who knows my mind is changing all the time.