Automotive Forums

old article but
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/9391/spoilsport-sedans.html
luxury sedan comparison 2005

top 3 were japanese cars @_@
i think german automobile manufacturers in general have somethin to worry about  

Crisis62485:
old article but
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/9391/spoilsport-sedans.html
luxury sedan comparison 2005

top 3 were japanese cars @_@
i think german automobile manufacturers in general have somethin to worry about

It would make sense that the M45 would win.  I think Infiniti comes the closest to dethroning BMW because they give you more power for your money and they have handling that is almost as good as BMW's.  Lexus has some cars with good power but their handling stinks (IS 350).

If you were to take this comparo one class lower, this is how I would rank them:
1)Infiniti G35 coupe
2)BMW 3 series
3) Lexus IS  

The question whether BMW is better than Lexus is easy to answer for some and harder for others.  To that end, and for the latter group of respondents, Lexus has done a great job of blurring the line between a "Luxury Edition X United States" Toyota and the Werke from Bavaria.  However, for others it is clear as crystal that Lexus is not a BMW and cannot take the place of a BMW.  Lexus does of course have its own merits: Its autos are tastefully luxurious, exceedingly reliable, and very well-built.  That's, arguably, where the list ends.  In fact, some have compared a Lexus to an older Buick and I tend to agree: These cars cater to the driver's and the passenger's wanting to travel incognito and wanting to stray from any pretensions of maneuverability or sportiness.  A BMW is the antithesis of this last sentence.  Moreover, BMW is a leader where, in their respective price ranges, leadership counts significantly.  The iDrive, some love it others detest it, has unquestionably altered the automotive landscape as other luxury marques have sought to match the wizardry of this device in their cars simply to compete with BMW's interpretation of an uncluttered interior.  BMW has also influenced the way cars are designed: In the past it was Bauhaus and today it is...well Bangle.  Thus, it seems BMW has been a leader for a consistent period of automotive history, history that cannot be matched by Lexus.  In addition, Lexus obviously has a strong association with bargain Toyota.  I believe that this blatant parts swapping relationship with Toyota is hurting the brand image at Lexus.  It's a very industrialized/mass-produced image that works at Hyundai but won't work when competing with the focus of individuality with every BMW vehicle.  This last observation is perhaps why Lexus vehicles do not sell in Europe or in other parts of the globe: Because a Lexus is interpreted, unfortunately, as a glamorized Toyota.  Here in the United States, however, our strong association with Toyota and our appreciation of Toyota reliability is what makes our market a Lexus stronghold.  But like Buick's of the past, reliability changes year to year and Lexus simply cannot bet on competing with BMW with the hapless slogan of the "Pursuit of Perfection."  

Thats one of the better posts I've seen around here in awhile.  

i say its apples and oranges...

"lexus cant make a car with bmw performance" - BS!!  lets not forget toyota at one time made the legendary Supra twin turbo, mr2 turbo, all-trac celica rally car, etc.  to say they CANT is just ignorant.  they are in different markets.  Lexus never set out to outperform bmw, they set out to do what they have done - make reliable luxurious cars that will actually sell.  

toyota is simply making smart decisions in order to move up in the industry, and they have, beating out ford to take the #2 spot...

your comparing a company based on performance - "the ultimate driving machine" and a company who makes decisions based on sales and reliable, luxurious cars.  they are what they are.  

sure, performance enthusiasts will say lexus doesnt match bmw performace.  but they arent trying to.  they are trying to be what they are (as said in the last post), and it shows with toyotas #2 spot and the way they crush BMW in sales  

"But in the end people want the status of BMW.  Lexus will probably never match BMW in that category"


 Actually... the "status" of BMW is exactly what I dont want. I have found myself looking at the Lexus, and Acura because I dont view them as "snob" cars. Many people (myself included) view BMW owners as boring snobs. I will be buying a lexus or acura.  I dont want the car every yuppie in town has, I want something different. I also want a reliable car.  

 I also have never, and will never drive on a race track. I always find it amusing listening to vehicle comparisons that talk about performance on the track....I drive the crappy roads in and around chicago.... so I want a vehicle that is comfortable, well appointed, yet fun to drive when I want a bit of pep.