2010 Lexus IS-F vs 2010 BMW

The current generation M3 is powered by a V8 for the first time in history which gains fifteen percent more power over its predecessor yet is also more fuel efficient. Competitors have tried and tried again to knock off the M3 from the top with Lexus being the newest rival. Lexus is relatively new to the sports sedan world. Their traditional goals sought luxury and refinement with performance being sacrificed for a soft, supple ride. All that changed with the introduction of the Lexus IS-F. The IS-F is based on the Lexus IS obviously but was developed at Fuji speedway for a performance makeover. It comes packed with a 5.0L V8 that rivals the BMW’s 4.0L V8 engine along with a tuned sports suspension.

The IS-F’s front fascia gets heavily modified from the regular Lexus IS. A more aggressive bumper gets pushed out the front end and incorporates larger air intakes to help cool the engine. Shoving a V8 into a V6 engine bay required a new hood with a massive power bulge in the center to allow for adequate space and cooling.

The M3 gets a new hood of its own with a more modest power dome than the IS-F. The front fascia gets reworked to incorporate larger air intakes as well which replaces the fog lamps on the 3 Series sedan. The rest of the design stays true to the 3 Series form and looks less modified than the IS-F. The difference between the two vehicles is that the 3 Series was designed with the M version in mind whereas the IS-F was designed well after the IS sedan was already in production.

The M3’s design cues have some familiarity from the previous generation with vents on the front fenders, now an M3 trademark. The side mirrors are new and come with an interesting aerodynamic design (best seen from the front view above). Body pieces on the front end are well integrated with one another giving a muscular and aggressive demeanor.

The IS-F’s profile has its ups and downs. The front end looks a tad long, especially with the extruded front bumper. The rest of the design looks good with a roofline that flows better into the rear than the M3. The window shape makes the C-pillar look more coupe like giving the IS-F a sleeker look. The IS-F gets fitted with custom 19-inch forged alloy wheels specially designed by BBS.

Both interiors get minor upgrades from the regular sedans. F and M Logos are placed in various locations to signify the performance orientation of each vehicle. The IS-F gets added metal trim for the center stack and console along with an oil-temperature gauge and shift indicator lights. Some features are added for 2010 such as Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and available voice-activated navigation. The M3 gets HD Radio as standard equipment for 2010 while the rest of the interior remains unchanged. One unique feature still in place is a warning zone on the tachometer that recommends engine speed based on the engine oil temperature that changes to yellow and red.

Both cars drives exceptionally well but obvious one will do much better than the other and it has to be the M3. The IS-F is said to be quite hard on the tarmac due to the tough suspension. But if you bring or are driving one here in Nigeria, you’ve thumbs up. You could get anywhere in a short period of time and you wont have to pay as much as a 7 series or S-class.