.jpg)
Thinking about buying a Lexus IS250C? Compare it to a BMW 328i Convertible first!
The BMW 328i Convertible Overview
BMW's 3 Series Convertible, like every other 3 Series, has won more comparison tests than any other luxury compact. Many of these have pitted the 230-hp 328i against more powerful – and more expensive – competitors. Likewise, the 335i remains the standard for performance convertibles, and its new 300-horsepower TwinPower Turbo represents the ultimate in no-excuses response.
As with any 3 Series, the reason for that acclaim is easily explained. The 328i and 335i Convertibles have none of the typical convertible compromises of slow reflexes, sluggish acceleration, or softly sprung suspensions. These two are still, first and foremost, BMWs, and as such still offer all the performance expected of the Ultimate Driving Machines – they just add a dash of al fresco appeal. Combined with the standard power-driven retractable hard-top, the 328i and 335i truly do offer the best of both worlds.
And this year, the 320-hp 335is ups the ante for performance even further, ensuring even fewer challenges for drop-top supremacy. Thereby keeping the rest of the competition in its traditional place – right behind BMW's 3 Series.
The Lexus IS250C Overview
The Lexus IS-C is something of an odd one out in this collection of competitors, as it's the only car here that does not have a coupe counterpart. Instead, the IS250C and its upscale IS350C stablemate are based on the entry-level Lexus IS sedan, though the drop-top and 4-door compacts have nothing more in common than conceptual designs (the aluminum hood is the only exterior part that's actually interchangeable).
Like the sedan, the IS-C comes in two flavors. The entry-level IS250C features a 204-hp 2.5-liter V-6, with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic. The upscale IS350C offers an automatic-only 306-hp 3.5-liter V-6. Lexus also features an aluminum hardtop, but the top-down profile of the car has a rather pronounced hump that gives the car an unusually awkward look top-down, and has also prompted complaints about rear visibility.
Typical of Lexus, the IS250C is aimed more toward sedate cruising than sport driving, despite the available manual gearbox. Also typical, the $40,315 IS includes a wide range of standard features, including Smart Access keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, leather seating, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, Bluetooth and Homelink universal transceiver. Options include navigation, heated/ventilated front seats, bi-xenon adaptive headlights and Mark Levinson stereo. A number of sport options are available on an individual basis, including sport exhaust, shock absorbers and 19-inch wheels.
BMW vs. Lexus IS250C
(1).jpg)
What BMW offers…
- The 328i Convertible is not only sportier than the IS, it's often considered the standard in terms of handling.
- Automatic High Beams are an optional feature not available on the Lexus.
- BMW's standard Xenon headlamps combine an active feature with Cornering lights for improved nightvision.
- With a 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds (manual) or 7.2 seconds (auto), the 230-hp 328i is much quicker than the IS250C.
- The 328i's 3.0-liter inline-6 is inherently smoother than the 90-degree Lexus V-6, and has been praised for its smoothness and response.
- Despite its shorter wheelbase and overall length, the 328i includes 49.3 inches of rear shoulder room, and at 32 inches, more than 6 inches more rear legroom.
- BMW includes a 4-year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Warranty
What Lexus doesn’t…
- The Lexus is considered a pleasant car to drive, but its handling isn't on par with BMW's in road tests (see quotes).
- Though it offers a wide range of standard and optional features, automatic high beams aren't available.
- Bi-xenon headlights are an $875 option on the IS250C, and don't include cornering lights.
- The 204-hp IS is, in a word, slow, with an 8.4 second 0-60 time with either manual or automatic transmission.
- The IS250C's V-6 is considered reasonably smooth for a V-6, but it's not as responsive as BMW's inline-6, and has been described as "lifeless" in road tests.
- With a slightly smaller wheelbase, the IS-C offers significantly less interior room, including only 44.7 inches of shoulder room and 25.9 inches of rear legroom.
- Lexus includes the same length warranty period, but no full maintenance.
"The current 3 Series... remains the target of every automaker looking to make
a name for itself in the mid-size luxury segment – and it's the standard by which they are measured." – Motor Trend
Shelly BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Anaheim, Atwood, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, La Palma, La Habra, Lakewood, Midway, Placentia, Pomona, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Whittier, Westminster and Yorba Linda.
Shelly BMW
6750 Auto Center Drive
Buena Park, CA 90621
New Car Sales: 800-696-3926
Pre-Owned Sales: 888-247-3890
Schedule Service: 800-577-6067
Service: 888-270-6271
Parts: 888-706-7492
Instant Sales Feedback
We Speak Your Language
Search Our New Inventory
Certified Pre-Owned Inventory
Search Our Used Inventory
New Vehicle Sales Specials
Pre-Owned Vehicle Sales Specials
Service Specials
Parts Specials
Schedule Service
Collision Repair
Buy BMW Parts and
Accessories Now
Click here to vist our online parts store.
Choose Your Language.
All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, dealer document preparation charges, and emissions testing charges. We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
