[climkt]

i have driven both cars in singapore- is250 auto and e20i manual and auto.
The running cost for lexus may be comparable to bmw but i think the jap car will be more reliable in the long term. definitely is250 looks better in the flesh when you compare it to stock e90. the the lexus interior material quality is as good or not better than bmw. the is250 rear is really claustrophobic with the rear sloping roof line- it is a 5 seater but can only seat 4 adults. the centre reat seat sits on top of a transmission tunnel and is really hard and high. i doubt most people can sit on this hard area of the rear seat for more than 30 min. my head was literally touching the roof- i am 1.85m tall! the singapore version has a foot operated parking brake whilst the UK and Australia versions have a conventional handbrake. paddle shift in the lexus did not feel as sporty as a manual car but car was remarkably refined and quiet.
i would love the manual version of the lexus (not available in singapore) but the lack of a 5 seater capacity is a turn off for me as a family guy.