BMW 3 Series vs Lexus IS
The BMW 3 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus IS, a 10 mpg advantage and costs about $700 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW 3 Series leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 3 Series | Lexus IS |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 31 mpg ✓ | 22 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 43 mpg ✓ | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 ✓ | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 158 g/mi ✓ | 345 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid | SIDI & PFI, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel | Premium |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 105 | 52 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
3 Series vs IS: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 3 Series or the Lexus IS?
The BMW 3 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 26 mpg for the Lexus IS, a 10 mpg advantage and costs about $700 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW 3 Series runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the Lexus IS — a difference of roughly $700 per year.
What engines do the 3 Series and IS offer?
BMW 3 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid. Lexus IS: SIDI & PFI, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 3 Series and the Lexus IS as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
More 3 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-3-series-vs-lexus-is