BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
BMW 3 Series
From $94,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
190kW
6.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
480L
Lexus IS
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
4GR-FSE 2.5-litre V6 D-4S dual injection
153kW
9.2 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
480L
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BMW 3 Series packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Lexus IS.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Lexus IS. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Lexus IS responds with a 4GR-FSE 2.5-litre V6 D-4S dual injection making 153kW and 252Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 153kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 3 Series is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,713mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 48mm longer than the Lexus IS at 4,665mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 480L in the Lexus IS.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series and $2,622/year for the Lexus IS. That is a $769 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (BMW 3 Series) vs $2,622 (Lexus IS). The BMW 3 Series saves you roughly $769 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus IS). The BMW 3 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus IS if: You or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 3 Series takes 4 of 4 key spec categories. The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $769 a year in fuel. The BMW 3 Series adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 3 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 3 Series makes the most power at 190kW. The BMW 3 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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