Lexus IS vs BMW 3 Series
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 | Lexus IS | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 26 mpg | 36 mpg ✓ |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg | 31 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 32 mpg | 43 mpg ✓ |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,900 | $2,200 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 345 g/mi | 158 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2026 |
| Configurations on record | 52 | 105 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
IS vs 3 Series: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus IS or the BMW 3 Series?
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 IS and 3 Series offer?
Lexus IS: SIDI & PFI, SIDI. BMW 3 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Lexus IS and the BMW 3 Series as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
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Comparison id: lexus-is-vs-bmw-3-series