Tie – 2006 BMW 330i and 2006 Lexus IS 350

Coffee or tea? Sometimes that can be a hard choice. Both are beverages served hot or cold, caffeinated or decaffeinated, with or without additions like cream. They’re the same, but different, much like the 2006 BMW 330i and the 2006 Lexus IS 350.

Each is considered a sport/luxury sedan, and both offer similar features packaged within similar dimensions and are offered at similar prices, though each is bundled in a uniquely designed wrapper. That’s the part that is, for the most part, the same. However, get inside to discover two completely different approaches to interior design, separate takes on seat design and comfort, and in the case of our iDrive-equipped BMW, an example of when good technology goes bad. With so much being different on these similar cars, the question for the buyer becomes what do you want versus which do you want?

For the driver who gets excited about the act of driving, the BMW 330i offers a powertrain and handling setup that simply outmatches the Lexus IS 350. Granted, the Lexus has more power, but that overzealous VDIM puts a serious damper on the fun factor and all but negates any advantage afforded by the higher horsepower and torque ratings. Also, the BMW offers understated luxury – people who know cars will recognize the freshened 3 Series, and those who don’t will likely appreciate the BMW badge. Conservative it may be, but when you’ve built respect over the long run the way the 3 Series has, there’s no need for eye-popping design. That’s the BMW 330i in a nutshell – a car that offers a helluva ride yet can blend in to a certain extent. Don’t come looking here for the most comfortable ride and soft suspension – there’s good reason for a BMW being called the Ultimate Driving Machine.

Poised at the opposite end of the spectrum is the 2006 Lexus IS 350. In contrast to the BMW 330i, the IS 350 offers exaggerated interior and exterior design cues, soft and luxurious leather and wood interior appointments, and large paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The ride is just as stiff as the BMW’s, but better seat padding makes the IS 350 easier on the ol’ keister. Overall, the Lexus offers a sense of luxury and warmth not found in the BMW, though it comes in a less athletic package.

In the end, I couldn’t say that one was better than the other as a whole. Both are fantastic cars that appeal to different tastes and satisfy different senses, making them the same…but different. -- Thom Blackett