Lexus finally has a BMW 3 series
convertible competitor with the introduction of the IS
convertible. Now the only thing missing is an IS coupe.
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| 2010
Lexus IS Convertible |
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2010
BMW 3 Series Convertible |
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| Both look good up front. The Lexus
is more angular than the BMW but that's neither good nor bad.
They're different but equal. |
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Both are hardtop convertibles
(which is gaining popularity). Both can look good
with the top up or down unlike most soft tops. It sacrifices
weight but adds better protection in accidents, among other
things.
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| The BMW is a bit too bland with its
top down and can look abnormally long. The Lexus's profile looks
better with a curved rear and more interesting design. The IS
also puts the rear passengers slightly higher than the front passengers. |
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Both make sacrifices to their
profiles to make the top go down but the Lexus actually manages
to look better. The 3 series convertible's profile is similar to
the ill-proportioned 1 Series.
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The 3 series trunk is a bit too flat unlike the IS which has a
curved rear. The IS looks better but the elevated rear
passengers might block driver visibility.
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| The Lexus's interior looks better
but the BMW wins in ergonomics. The IS has a nice looking gauge
cluster and housing which is unique with a sharp trapezoidal
shape. It curves into the rest of the dashboard but the
passenger side looks off. The BMW places the information screen
at the highest point which is better when driving. The controls
and buttons look outdated compared to the IS but the rest of the
materials are still top notch. |
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Stats
Price: $38,940 - $44,390
Engine: 2.5L V6 - 3.5L V6
Horsepower: 204-306 hp
Torque: 185-277 lb-ft
Weight: 3814-3880 lbs
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 18-21/25-29 mpg |
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Stats
Price: $44,550 - $50,700
Engine: 3.0L I6 - 3.0L I6
Twin-Turbocharged
Horsepower: 230-300 hp
Torque: 200-300 lb-ft
Weight: 3792-3957 lbs
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy): 17-18/26-27 mpg |
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Recap
Pros
+Beautifully sculpted
+Nicely curved rear
+Elevated seating for rear passengers
Cons
-Rear driver visibility impaired |
Recap
Pros
+Beautifully sculpted
Cons
-A little too flat of a profile
-Outdated interior controls |
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