Lexus IS vs BMW M
The Lexus IS and BMW M are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 26 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Across 2 measured categories, the BMW M leads in 2. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Lexus IS | BMW M |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 26 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 22 mpg | 23 mpg ✓ |
| Best highway MPG | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,900 | $2,900 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 345 g/mi | 264 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI, SIDI | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S6), Automatic (S8) | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd, Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium | Premium and Electricity, Premium |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 52 | 236 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
IS vs M: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Lexus IS or the BMW M?
The Lexus IS and BMW M are evenly matched on fuel economy — both peak at 26 mpg combined — so the decision comes down to engine choice, drivetrain, and class.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the BMW M runs about $2,900 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,900 for the Lexus IS — a difference of roughly $0 per year.
What engines do the IS and M offer?
Lexus IS: SIDI & PFI, SIDI. BMW M: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI, SIDI; Mild Hybrid.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Lexus IS as Compact Cars and the BMW M as Subcompact Cars, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More IS comparisons
Comparison id: lexus-is-vs-bmw-m