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2026 BMW 3 Series vs. 2026 Lexus IS Comparison

See how the 2026 BMW 3 Series and 2026 Lexus IS performed in our rigorous, independent road tests. Our experts evaluate hundreds of vehicles annually at our 327-acre testing facility, putting each model through over 50 data-driven assessments—including braking, emergency handling, fuel economy, and cabin noise. Review our side-by-side comparison of tested specifications, real-world fuel efficiency, and crash-test safety ratings to see which is the best for reliability, performance, and more.

Comparing 2 Models

3 Series 2026

Luxury small cars

2026 BMW 3 Series

$47,500 - $88,600

All Test Results

IS 2026

Luxury small cars

2026 Lexus IS

$45,500 - $49,950

All Test Results
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About
About
The 3 Series blends driving enjoyment, creature comforts, high-tech features, and good fuel economy. The 330i is fitted with a punchy 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic. Handling is nimble, but the...
 
The IS luxury sports sedan continues to trail the competition in terms of the driving experience, interior room, and fuel economy. For 2026, all versions come with a polished but thirsty 311-hp V6. The sedan can dash from 0 to 60 mph in just over 6 s...
Highs
Highs
Green Checkmark Icon Handling
Green Checkmark Icon Acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Transmission
Green Checkmark Icon Front-seat comfort
Green Checkmark Icon Fit and finish
 
Green Checkmark Icon Acceleration
Green Checkmark Icon Braking
Green Checkmark Icon Fit and finish
Lows
Lows
Red 'X' Icon Controls require some practice to master
 
Red 'X' Icon Controls
Red 'X' Icon Tight quarters
Red 'X' Icon Driving position
Red 'X' Icon Fuel economy for class
Red 'X' Icon Lumbar support adjustment isn’t available
Road Test Score
Road Test Score
/ 100
 
/ 100
Reliability
Reliability
/ 100
 
/ 100
Owner Satisfaction
Owner Satisfaction
/ 100
 
/ 100

Overview

Body Styles
Body Styles

sedan

 

sedan

Trim Lines
Trim Lines

330i, M3, M3 Competition, M340i

 

350 F Sport, 350 F Sport Design

Base Price Range
Base Price Range

$47,500 - $88,600

 

$45,500 - $49,950

Drive Wheels
Drive Wheels

AWD, RWD

 

AWD, RWD

Seating Capacity
Seating Capacity

2 Front, 3 Rear

 

2 Front, 3 Rear

Engines/Motors
Engines/Motors

3-liter 6 turbo (473 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (523 hp); 2-liter 4 turbo (255 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (503 hp); 3-liter 6 turbo (386 hp)

 

3.5-liter V6 (311 hp)

Transmissions Available
Transmissions Available

8-speed Automatic, 6-speed Manual

 

8-speed Automatic, 6-speed Automatic

Performance

Comfort & Convenience

Fuel Economy & Range

Vehicle Safety

Specification

Warranty

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Auto Test Center

Precision testing comes standard at our 327-acre auto test center.

TESTING LIKE NOBODY ELSE

50+

tests are conducted on every car we buy.

PERFORMANCE TESTING

6

miles of track for testing acceleration, ride, handling, braking, and advanced driver assist systems.

TIRE TESTING

400

tires tested a year for all-weather grip and rolling resistance.