Wo! Since when was the Lexus IS a small car? OK it's quite small compared to a 7series, but it's not a small car! Mind you in the U.S I suppose it is small, but here in the UK it's a luxury family car! The LS is the equivelant of a limo in the UK, whereas I suppose it's just a 'car' to get from A-B in the U.S? Lol! Extravagance in excess!

 

Remember, we think of the H3 as the -small- Hummer.

 

But to be honest, it is quite small car. I mean, you can't fit 5 people comfortably in it. So there, a small car.

 

The Lexus IS is proving to be a good seller here in the U.S. and is competing strongly with 3 series sales. In its first 2 months (Nov & Dec 2005) the IS sold 8,591 units, compared to 19,138 for the E90 over the same period. The old IS sold only 1,124 units these same months in 2004.

The 3 series is still king of the entry luxury car segment, but it will be interesting to watch this play out.

 

My gf is looking to buy a IS250 or 325i. I searched few Lexus IS forums, by far it has a lot less complains and problems than BMW.

She has an Audi A4 now, it's the worst car I ever seen with so many problems inside and outside of the car. Mechanical, paint, electric? you name it, even the rear view mirror fade. When is the last time you seen a mirror fade out?? I think it was my grandpa 100+ year old house.

 

Agreed, the Lexus IS is quickly growing and becoming a tough competitor for the 3-series. Their latest offering is stronger and quicker than the e90 330i but auto enthusiasts (namely the top US mags) still prefer the e90 for drivability/handling (the typical expectation of anything built by BMW). In this segment, the 3-series has always been the model others measure up to.

Back on topic...
I also have an e46. I drive the e60 just as agressive, and because it's a bigger car, bigger motor, and looks better (in my opinion), I've been driving it more lately. It's difficult to explain, but I just have more FUN in the e60.

 

Didn't the interior have a contrived feeling?

 

I was considering an S4 for a while until I read all those reports about Audi reliability, or really VW group in general... I might waive that opinion though if I were given a free Bugatti.

The IS interior isn't too bad IMO, a little below the E90 but both are definitely steps below the 5 or higher series.

 

In what way specifically? I know Infiniti looks butt ugly, but you must be talking about its dynamics ... I was going to try a G35 and M45 this weekend, but maybe driving in the mountains instead is a better use of time.

 

I like Audi's style and handling. By far Audi's handling is the closest to BMW. But I will never buy an Audi due to the bad reliability. Especially when we took the car to service, they only give you cheap rental cars. There is once they gave my gf a Dodge truck, she is a tiny Asian woman.... they told her that's the last car they have, take it or call someone to pick her up.

I read an article in Car and Driver few months ago, it compared IS350, 330i and C-Class. It give the highest rating for IS interior, the writer said IS uses top quality material in the car. But the final test between all these cars, 330i still top the others.