[carnuts3]

06' Lexus IS 350 gets good reviews from most experts - only knock is that it only comes with auto trans. Priced with "reasonable " options brings its price within a couple of grand of the BMW 330i. Great looking car. However, reading the road tests indicates that, on an overall basis, it is in second place to the 330i and the other competition like the infinite G35 and Acura TL falls further behind. However, the IS350 (vs the 330i) comes out ahead in 0-60 times by about one-half second (mid 5's vs low 6's). Any body out there able to test this assumption - that the IS 350 is that much faster than the 330i??

[cosmosblau]

Originally Posted by carnuts3

........Any body out there able to test this assumption - that the IS 350 is that much faster than the 330i??

I drove one yesterday- we are now considering either a 250 or 350 for my wife. There is a HUGE difference between the 250 and the 350, unlike the difference between the 325 and the 330.

The 350 is possibly faster than a 330, but in a wild, uncontrollable way. I would describe it as overpowered. I gunned it on a highway ramp, had it up to 80 in no time, came upon a slight curve, and became momentarily terrified. Its suspension can't keep up. On this same road, I'd never flinch at that speed in my car.

It's apples and oranges compared to the e90. The people who want this car don't want the same things that BMW drivers crave. They like the idea of having a fast car, but don't really plan on driving it that way. They also don't like the idea of any BMW dusting them off, and just like the bragging rights the specs bring them. What is really comical is that the IS brochure is all about driving in Berlin, and on the Nurburgring and living the european lifestyle!

My wife is an executive and has a miserable commute and wants a ultra comfortable, yet peppy car and this may be a good move for her.