VS
At a Glance
Power
386hp @ 5200
311hp @ 6600
Torque
398lb-ft @ 1900
280lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
30 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
3.5 L/211ci
Choosing between the BMW 3 Series and the Lexus IS is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW 3 Series delivers 386hp @ 5200 while the Lexus IS produces 311hp @ 6600. On fuel, the 3 Series returns 30 mpg est. while the IS uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $45,950 for the 3 Series and $49,950 for the IS. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW 3 SeriesM340i Sedan 2025 - From $45,950
Lexus ISIS 350 F SPORT AWD 2026 - From $49,950
Performance
Power Output (hp)
386hp @ 5200
311hp @ 6600
Torque (lb-ft)
398lb-ft @ 1900
280lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
3.5 L/211ci
Engine Layout
Inline
V
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
30 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27mpg
19 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
33mpg
26 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
15.6gal
17.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
185.9in
185.4in
Width (in)
71.9in
72.4in
Height (in)
56.4in
56.5in
Wheelbase (in)
112.5in
110.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3896lbs
3913lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW 3 Series
3 / 4 categories
Performance
3 Series
Fuel Economy
3 Series
Value
3 Series
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 3 Series
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($45,950)
Few notable weaknesses
Lexus IS
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 3 Series or IS?
The 3 Series gets 30 mpg est. and the IS gets 22 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The 3 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 3 Series or IS?
The 3 Series produces 386hp @ 5200 and 398lb-ft @ 1900 of torque while the IS delivers 311hp @ 6600 and 280lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. The 3 Series is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 3 Series and IS?
The 3 Series starts from $45,950 and the IS from $49,950. The 3 Series is cheaper by $4,000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the 3 Series or the IS?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider