If you’re thinking of upgrading to a new luxury sports car in El Monte, CA, the Lexus IS and the BMW M3 are worth considering. Both deliver outstanding performance and a smooth drive quality thanks to formidable and efficient engines. They also feature plenty of in-vehicle tech designed to transform your daily driving. But which offers better value? This side-by-side spec comparison will highlight the main differences to help you compare car features and pick the right one.
Pricing and Value Proposition Breakdown
The new Lexus IS 500 starts at $60,815 MSRP for the F Sport Performance, with the price increasing with more packages and features. The mid-tier IS 500 F Sport Performance Premium starts at $65,315, while the top-tier Ultimate Edition starts at an MSRP of $71,495.
The BMW M3 starts at $78,400 MSRP, a considerable $17,585 gap compared with the base IS 500. The M3 Competition starts at $82,600, and the apex M3 Competition xDrive starts at $87,700.
Engine Performance and Driving Dynamics
Each Lexus IS 500 is equipped with a 5.0-liter DOHC V-8 engine that produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque. What makes this special is that it’s the last naturally aspirated V8 in this class, delivering an authentic exhaust note that turbocharged engines simply can’t match. It’s paired with an eight-speed sport direct-shift automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive.
The Lexus IS 500 delivers remarkable performance on the track and the highway, reaching 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. As for fuel economy, you can expect a decent 17mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highways.
The BMW M3 is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six, producing 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It makes the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4.1 seconds, giving it a slight edge over the IS 500’s V-8. That being said, the Lexus delivers a more engaging soundtrack that should make your driving in El Monte a lot more thrilling.
Interior Design, Technology, and Comfort
Both the 2025 Lexus IS 500 and the BMW M3 have beautifully designed and spacious interiors. But each brings distinctive amenities to elevate the driving experience in El Monte. Let’s have a look at how they stack up against each other in a few key areas.
Cabin Quality and Materials
The Lexus IS 500 uses high-quality materials for its interior, with highlights, such as satin and embossed trims. Nu-Luxe synthetic leather seats come standard, imbuing the cabin with a premium look.
The BMW M3 features a sporty interior design with bold accents, including carbon-fiber trim. Leather seating surfaces provide supreme support and comfort while adding a more luxurious feel to the interior.
Seating Comfort and Ergonomics
The 2025 Lexus IS 500 offers a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, providing superb comfort, especially during long drives. Standard four-way power-adjustable headrests provide excellent neck support. The model also offers generous headroom and legroom across both rows for enhanced passenger comfort. You get 38.2 inches of headroom in the front row and 36.9 inches in the rear. As for legroom, the IS 500 provides 44.8 inches in the front row and 32.2 inches in the rear.
The BMW offers slightly more headroom, with 40.6 inches in the front row and 37.8 inches in the rear. That said, taller passengers may find the cabin a little cramped due to the comparatively less legroom. The front row offers 41.6 inches of legroom, while the rear row provides just 35.6 inches.
Infotainment Systems Comparison
The standard Lexus IS 500 comes equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen. The higher-end Performance Premium and Ultimate Edition variants feature a larger 10.3-inch display. Both systems work seamlessly with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, keeping you connected without any issues. Lexus kept the physical controls, making it easier to adjust settings while driving. This design helps drivers stay focused and drive more safely.
The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound system transforms your commutes with advanced 3D audio and QuantumLogic Surround. Its immersive listening experience makes even the most boring commutes enjoyable.
The BMW M3 features a curved display merging a 12.3-inch driver display with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. The iDrive 8.5 system includes voice controls and over-the-air updates for keeping software current. Its 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system sounds impressive, though it doesn’t quite match the Mark Levinson refinement.
Reliability and Warranty
This category reveals one of the most compelling reasons to choose Lexus. JD Power gives the IS 500 an outstanding reliability rating of 91 out of 100, measuring defects and malfunctions owners experience. This high score means fewer problems, less stress, and more time enjoying your car instead of visiting service centers.
The BMW M3 scores just 2 out of 5 from RepairPal based on repair costs, frequency, and severity. This suggests more service visits and higher bills when issues arise, which impacts your peace of mind and budget.
Warranty coverage strongly favors Lexus. The IS 500 includes a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty plus a six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranty, which protects the engine and transmission longer. Complimentary scheduled maintenance covers the first year or 10,000 miles, reducing initial ownership costs.
BMW provides a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a 4-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty. While complimentary maintenance extends three years or 36,000 miles, the shorter powertrain coverage can leave you exposed down the line.
Which Performance Sedan Should You Choose?
While both models deliver remarkable performance and plenty of exciting in-vehicle features, the Lexus IS 500 emerges as the stronger contender. The BMW M3 accelerates slightly faster and offers more rear-seat space, making it appealing to speed enthusiasts. However, the IS 500 delivers where it truly matters for real-world ownership. You get that increasingly rare naturally aspirated V8 experience for over $20,000 less upfront. The Lexus backs this up with significantly better reliability ratings, a longer powertrain warranty, and dramatically lower long-term ownership costs.
Experience the IS 500 Difference Today
Want to know what makes the 2025 Lexus IS 500 special? We invite you to visit our Longo Lexus dealership at 3530 North Peck Road, El Monte, CA 91731 to check out the models in our showroom and have our team help you find the right one. You can also contact us to book a test drive and feel that V8 power for yourself.
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