BMW or Lexus - Page 3

detaildoc · 03-13-08, 04:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by itb76

As stated above, it depends on what you want from your car. Are YOU (actually your friend in this case) a BMW person or a Lexus person? I'm a BMW guy, so that's what I'll get next. Won't even look at anything else. I drive fast all the time. But if a smooth, quiet ride and the ultimate in reliability are at the top of your list, you're a Lexus person.

I am a Lexus person now and I have an ES350. When I went to buy my car last year I was actually thinking of the BMW 5 series because they look so darn nice on the outside, until I got a chance to drive one. It really disappointed me. I found the interior too plain (almost as if it belongs in a car from the late 80's) and the drive was too stiff. The leather seats were hard and not very high quality. So, disappointed I decided to go next door to Lexus (which had never crossed my mind), and wow! I loved the soft, quite, comfortable drive, super soft high quality leather and luxurious interior. I also liked the GS a lot, and the LS 460 is just the perfect vehicle, but I did not want to go that high on the price, so I got the ES350, which I love. So far, my friend seems to be leaning towards the Lexus GS, but he likes the exterior of the Es better, so still considering it. He is not too crazy about the interior of the BMW, but loves the exterior. He appreciates the luxury, comfort, and soft drive of Lexus and the performance of BMW. If he had more money, he would get the Lexus IS F, but he also needs a full size sedan.

HRP · 03-13-08, 05:05

Remind him that you don't see much of the EXterior when you are driving the car, but that's when you have to live with the INterior.

Josh Brown · 03-13-08, 05:08

My IS350 is amazing to drive. I tested the BMW 3 and 5 series but they lacked the refinement of luxuries (user experience) the Lexus offered me. I voted for the GS. I also have never had a problem ever.

detaildoc · 03-13-08, 05:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by HRP

Remind him that you don't see much of the EXterior when you are driving the car, but that's when you have to live with the INterior.

That's exactly what I said to him, especially since he commutes 2.5 hours a day.

nicknick · 03-13-08, 06:43

Lexus over BMW for too many reasons to mention. ok just a few;

looks

reliability

quality

nicknick · 03-13-08, 06:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

I can't really cast a vote for somebody else's decision as, IMO, it depends on the driver. My wife and I would vote BMW, but that's just *us* and most of our friends would be happier with the Lexus. NO question the Lexus would be a more trouble-free ownership experience, but I think he'd just have to drive them all and then make his decision.

If he doesn't appreciate the higher abilities of the BMW, then the Lexus would be a no-brainer choice. If he finds the Lexus' limits during his test drive (heh heh, imagine face of Lexus salesman

) then he'll want the Bimmer and there won't be any question in his mind about the choice.

*MOST* people really just want a good appliance that gets them around, so I'd bet on his taking the Lexus.

Mate, come on really, who drives a luxury car like a race car on the streets. The lexus ride and handling are fine.
Can BMW 5 series make up its mind *** to what it would like to be... a luxury car or a sports car, trying to be both is a compromise. And a compromise means missing out on something!

nicknick · 03-13-08, 06:57

Troubles with BMW reliabilty to me at least would put an end to the so called "fun"

detaildoc · 03-13-08, 08:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicknick

Troubles with BMW reliabilty to me at least would put an end to the so called "fun"

One huge downside to the BMW interior is the iDrive. It is very cumbersome to use. In the Lexus on the other hand, all the controls are very accessible and intuitive. The navigation system in Lexus is also one of the best in the market.

mysteryan · 03-14-08, 01:09

The IS-F looks fun to drive and retain the qualities of a Lexus:
Lexus IS-F on the track

KnuckleBuckett · 03-14-08, 04:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by detaildoc

One huge downside to the BMW interior is the iDrive. It is very cumbersome to use. In the Lexus on the other hand, all the controls are very accessible and intuitive. The navigation system in Lexus is also one of the best in the market.

That is the crumby interface I mentioned earlier. What a danger.

jpochile · 03-14-08, 05:11

Cool video ... The IS-F sounds like a terrific car . Too bad is more $$$$ ..

Cheers , Jean Paul

Accumulator · 03-14-08, 10:32

You know, it seems like *EVERY* Lexus owner I know likes their car. I do know two who sorta miss how their Audis drove (hi, Sam) but overall they sure are happy being Lexus owners.

detaildoc- No kidding bout the i-drive! It'd be a deal-breaker for me (as the Audi MMI is also). Other people don't seem to mind them though, or at least that what they *say*

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicknick

Mate, come on really, who drives a luxury car like a race car on the streets. The lexus ride and handling are fine...

No, I don't drive 'em like a race car (in which I have some experience), but at much higher limits than most luxury cars are built for. IIRC most Lexus stability/etc. systems are designed to kick in at around the 70% level (of vehicle capability). No thanks. I don't enjoy traveling in anything with lower limits than my S8 or M3 (in which I turn such systems off). Dunno how my wife lives with her A8's handling and brakes, but that's why I can't speak for another driver.

And for the record: no, I don't behave rudely/irresponsibly; I've been highly trained (and rigorously/objectively evaluated, most recently in Oct. '07). My passengers fall asleep, other drivers aren't bothered, and LEOs don't have a problem with me, even when they give me my very infrequent tickets.