[noflash]

Originally Posted by wyrm11

MB has had some SERIOUS reliability issues of late. In the past, MB used to be the benchmark for luxury sedans and a major part of that include the QUALITY of the cars. But then they got a little too happy with themselves and the quality has slipped considerably.

Today brands like Lexus and BMW have gone a long way towards closing the gap with MB because of their mis-steps.

BMW stands at the top of the performance/luxury catagory, but it's clear that Lexus is gunning for BMW. I just hope that BMW recognizes the threat and keeps working to ensure their position at the top.

...hence the 335i.

[imageWIS]

Originally Posted by wyrm11

MB has had some SERIOUS reliability issues of late. In the past, MB used to be the benchmark for luxury sedans and a major part of that include the QUALITY of the cars. But then they got a little too happy with themselves and the quality has slipped considerably.

Today brands like Lexus and BMW have gone a long way towards closing the gap with MB because of their mis-steps.

BMW stands at the top of the performance/luxury catagory, but it's clear that Lexus is gunning for BMW. I just hope that BMW recognizes the threat and keeps working to ensure their position at the top.

As far as people more knowledge than I can piece together, somewhere in 95’-96’ MB decided that their cars were over-engineered (presumably because they were so far away from any competition), and decided to scale off the level of quality, because well, no one was going to catch up anyways. Unfortunately for MB, BMW, Lexus, and Audi are not stupid and decidedly started to take MB’s market position.

MB however in a less than intelligent move decided to bring the cars lower and lower down market, while not bringing the quality back to it’s early 90’s level. Top that off with the addition of way too much technology (I work at a software firm, and even I think its way too much technology!) and the Chrysler acquisition and well…shit rolled downhill.

Jon.

[BKsBimmer]

Lexus did a good job on the new IS. It's good strong competition for BMW and ups the anty in the HP department. They force BMW not to rest on past success and we should thank them for that. None of us really know if the upcoming Lexus coupes will out perform the upcoming M3 but if the Lexus coupes look anything like their pics they should do very well on looks alone.

[HoosBMW]

Originally Posted by Compos Mentis

Sorry, I was trying to insinuate that the Lexus guys are getting boring with the constant carping about how great the IS350 is compared to the 3er. I didn't mean you were.

It seems that someone arguing from a weak position usually starts talking louder, or goes to the personal attacks, and that is what those boards tend to do, to the point that it IS 'boaring'. Sometimes even funny.

sorry for the misunderstanding....my bad...you are totally right...i just thought it was funny

[wyrm11]

I like what Lexus is doing...healty competition only benefits us, the consumers.

I have no blind loyalty to BMW. I like their cars, but if Lexus, MB, Infiniti, Audi or something other car company releases a car I really like, I'll buy that instead.

And plus, it's always fun to have a little rivalry.

[imageWIS]

The IS250 was a serious contender when I was debating my new car purchase, plus the service at JM Lexus in Margate, FL is unbelievable (their waiting area alone is the size of a midsize dealership and has leather couches, with Wi-Fi, free drinks, computer terminal stations, an arboretum, and they are even installing a small gym!).

But, the Audi won out because I liked the way it drove more, had a much nicer interior, and insurance costs me $2000 less per than the IS!

Jon.

[no1sportz]

Originally Posted by Dawg Nuts

Lexus will never be able to acheive the design and look that BMW has to offer...especially concerning interior looks and quality. All Japanese interiors are cheap and very plastic looking.

I think you need to re-examine your Japanese interiors. Nissan yes...very cheap. Lexus has some of the best interiors...period. It may not be on par with Audi but they are indeed quality!

[no1sportz]

Originally Posted by wyrm11

I like what Lexus is doing...healty competition only benefits us, the consumers.

I have no blind loyalty to BMW. I like their cars, but if Lexus, MB, Infiniti, Audi or something other car company releases a car I really like, I'll buy that instead.

And plus, it's always fun to have a little rivalry.

Exactly!

[ChineseGuy]

Lexus only knows how to put horsepower in their cars. They're gonna turn to a Amercian car company soon....all they care about is 0-100's speed......their cars will be so heavy and clumsy that they'll probably need to slow down to 10mph to do a corner

[amdmaxx]

Ya all are soooo wrong..
Take Toyota experience of building last Supra, update with today's tehcnology, throw that suspension/experience into IS500/IS460 coupe and boom.. Oh ye, for those not in the know.. Toyota is planning to build next gen Supra for about $50k with 5.0 v8 good for 450hp/387 torque (Latest Car and Driver).. Same issue lists this same engine, slightly detuned for IS500...
Let the speculation begin..

[0700700]

i like it

[Hej]

The hard top convertible looks sweet. Too bad I'll never be able to afford the $60k+ it will no doubt cost...

[Hej]

Originally Posted by Dawg Nuts

Lexus will never be able to acheive the design and look that BMW has to offer...especially concerning interior looks and quality. All Japanese interiors are cheap and very plastic looking.

Ironic. I've been in both the current 3-series, and the new IS. I was suprized how cheap some of the plastic in the 3 was (buttons on the steering wheel, window & lock controls, etc), considering it is supposed to be a "premium" brand. It especially seems low grade when compared to the IS, IMO.