BMW 3 Series vs. Lexus IS 350

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and Lexus IS 350 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 3 Series and the Lexus IS 350.

When we compare the BMW 3 Series's and the Lexus IS 350's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Lexus IS 350 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Lexus IS 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 350 is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.

Pricing: A used 2025 BMW 3 Series ranges from $38,998 to $61,980 while a used 2025 Lexus IS 350 is priced between $42,935 to $56,980. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $49,425 and $69,475, with the Lexus IS 350 priced between $46,323 and $56,587.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value and the Lexus IS 350 loses 39.2 percent of its value. This means the Lexus IS 350 retains 12.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 3 Series.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.7 out of 10 while the Lexus IS 350's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Lexus IS 350 being ranked 2 out of 36.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Lexus IS 350 the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Lexus IS 350 an advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Lexus IS 350 base engine makes 311 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles. The IS 350 is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 487 miles. This gives the BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus IS 350. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Lexus IS 350 has the advantage in the area of front leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the BMW 3 Series and the Lexus IS 350 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.