Complete configuration comparison
TrueCar says if starting price matters most, the Lexus IS has the edge, at a $46,895 MSRP against $80,650 for the BMW M3, a $33,755 difference, and iSeeCars' spec-and-value scoring rates the Lexus IS 350 a better car than the BMW M3 overall. That verdict reflects value and features more than outright performance: the M3 is a dedicated high-performance sedan priced well above the mainstream IS 350, so choose the M3 if track-capable performance is the point, and the IS if you want a comfortable sport sedan for far less money.
TrueCar says if starting price matters most, the Lexus IS has the edge, at a $46,895 MSRP against $80,650 for the BMW M3, a $33,755 difference, and iSeeCars' spec-and-value scoring rates the Lexus IS 350 a better car than the BMW M3 overall. That verdict reflects value and features more than outright performance: the M3 is a dedicated high-performance sedan priced well above the mainstream IS 350, so choose the M3 if track-capable performance is the point, and the IS if you want a comfortable sport sedan for far less money.
TrueCar (opens in a new tab) says choosing between the BMW M3 and the Lexus IS comes down to price up front versus cost at the pump, and that if starting price matters most, the Lexus IS has the edge, with a $46,895 MSRP against $80,650 for the BMW M3, a difference of $33,755.
iSeeCars (opens in a new tab) says that for a new model, the Lexus IS 350's price runs $46,323 to $56,587, against $83,110 to $112,475 for the BMW M3, and that based on its comparison of the two cars' specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 350 is a better car than the BMW M3 overall. That scoring weighs value and features rather than outright performance: the M3 is a dedicated high-performance sedan built to compete on a track, at a price point well above the mainstream IS 350, so the two serve different buyers even though they are cross-shopped here.
TrueCar (opens in a new tab) says the Lexus IS, with a $46,895 MSRP against $80,650 for the M3, a $33,755 difference.
No. The M3 is a dedicated high-performance sedan priced well above the mainstream Lexus IS 350; a value-and-features score favoring the IS does not mean it matches the M3's performance.
Side-by-side matrix
| Decision field | BMW M3 | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Exact EPA records | 3 | 2 |
| Model / option labels | 3 | 2 |
| Drive layouts | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Engines / propulsion | 3L 6-cyl SIDI | 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium |
| EPA classes | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Combined efficiency | 18–19 MPG/MPGe | 22 MPG/MPGe |
| Electric range | Not listed | Not listed |
| Annual fuel / energy estimate | $4200–4450 per year | $3650 per year |
Head to head
| Measure | BMW M3 | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price (KBB base) | $80,650 | $46,795 |
| Top trim price (KBB base) | $89,950 | $51,245 |
| Horsepower | 473-523 hp | 311 hp |
| Torque | 406-479 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| 0 to 60 mph | 3.4-4.1 sec | 6 sec |
| Curb weight | 3,840-3,990 lb | 3,913 lb |
| Length | 189.1 in | 185.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in | 110.2 in |
| Cargo volume | 16.9 cu ft | 10.8 cu ft |
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Basic warranty | 4 years | 4 years |
Figures are ranges across each model’s trims from Kelley Blue Book records (2027 and 2026 model years); prices are KBB base prices.
Background on each vehicle
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986. The initial model was available in a coupé body style, with a convertible body style made available soon after.
Source: BMW M3 (Wikipedia)
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 BMW M3, most often about unknown or other (1), lane departure (1).
The Lexus IS is a compact executive car (D-segment in Europe) sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota, since 1998. The IS was originally sold under the Toyota Altezza nameplate in Japan from 1998 until 2005 (the word Altezza is Italian for 'height' or 'highness'). The IS was introduced as an entry-level sport model positioned below the ES in the Lexus lineup.
Source: Lexus IS (Wikipedia)
Equipment. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) F Sport parts for the Japanese IS sedan include a front spoiler, side skirts, rear spoiler, sport muffler and rear diffuser, diamond-like carbon fibre shock absorbers, 19-inch aluminium wheels (measuring 19x8.5J front and 19x9J rear, 45 mm front and 50 mm rear insets, 245/35ZR19 front and 265/30ZR19 rear tyres), member brace and performance dampers.
Awards. Power and Associates named the second-generation IS 250/IS 350 sedans the best vehicles in the entry luxury class in its 2006 Initial Quality Survey. Power and Associates named the first-generation IS 300 sedan and IS 300 SportCross the best vehicles in the entry luxury class in its 2005 Initial Quality Survey.
Open both dossiers
Comparison answer desk
The 2026 Lexus IS lists the higher combined-efficiency midpoint in this snapshot (22 vs. the 2027 BMW M3's 18.5 MPG/MPGe).
3.5 combined MPG/MPGe separates the 2027 BMW M3 from the 2026 Lexus IS at the midpoint, a relative difference of 18.9%.
Yes. The 2027 BMW M3 and the 2026 Lexus IS both list All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive among their current drive designations.
No. Their current engine or propulsion descriptions do not overlap. The 2027 BMW M3 lists 3L 6-cyl SIDI. The 2026 Lexus IS lists 3.5L 6-cyl SIDI & PFI.
Yes. The 2027 BMW M3 and the 2026 Lexus IS both list Automatic (S8) among their current transmissions.
Yes, entirely: the 2027 BMW M3 and the 2026 Lexus IS both run on Premium and nothing else in this snapshot.
Yes, at least partly: the 2027 BMW M3 and the 2026 Lexus IS are both categorized under Conventional in this snapshot.
The 2026 Lexus IS lists the lower annual-cost estimate midpoint than the 2027 BMW M3 ($3,650 vs. $4,325).
$675 per year separates the 2027 BMW M3 from the 2026 Lexus IS at the midpoint under EPA's standardized assumptions.
The 2027 BMW M3 spans a wider combined-MPG range across its own current configurations than the 2026 Lexus IS does (1 points vs. 0).
Yes: both the 2027 BMW M3 and the 2026 Lexus IS are certified only as Compact Cars, so their efficiency figures are compared inside the same class boundary EPA uses.
The 2027 BMW M3, with 3 certification records against the 2026 Lexus IS's 2.
The 2027 BMW M3, at a 13 cubic-foot midpoint against the other's 11.
More comparisons