This was the day my wife and I were waiting for. Although we had looked at the IS in the showroom of our dealer, we held off going for a standard test drive. Also having the chance to compare the 330i against the IS made it even better.
Arrived before noon and the line for the IS350 was long, as well as the line for the 330i. The test sequence I noticed people using was, IS350 first, 330i 2nd and then IS250.
All of the talk about how BMW has it all over the the IS had me very anxious to find out for myself whether there is truth to this opinion.
First the IS350. The course layout allowed you to stomp on the gas from the start. Acceleration just a rush. This is a strong engine really puts you into the seat. The course is quite short but has some nice corners, ess turns and quick switchbacks. I was very impressed with the handling. I didn't feel tentative at all accelerating out of turns or trying to see if I could make the tires squeal or the car lose it's composure. It didn't, rock solid thu the entire course. End of IS350 test run, got in line for the 330i. First impression, shitty looking shift lever and boot cover. This was an automatic. Acceleration obviously not close to the IS. Now for the handling. I have to say that I have no idea why anyone would rate BMW as a better handling car than the IS350. I know that enthusiasts speak volumes about road feel, feedback from the wheels to the steering wheel, balance...etc. I just felt a jittery steering wheel, tires squealing thru turns, having to use the brakes more often, losing momentum, did not increase my confidence thru the switchbacks and entering the slowdown at the end section, just an overall dissatisfied feeling about the 330i.
The IS350 in my opinion is a better feeling car. Here the feeling comes from it's smoothness, like butter, the lack of jitteryness, what others might call roadfeel. I call it a distraction. What many call a numbness from Lexus cars thru the steering column, I call unobtrusiveness. I felt the IS, unlike the 330i, responded to my inputs far better than the BMW. This is of course all seat of the pants stuff. I'm not into driving at the limits all of the time. Our 2002 IS300 probably has more of the BMW roadfeel that is talked about. It probably is sharper handling than the IS350. But I always called it a bit twitchy. I never could get real comfortable with it. Compared to my wife's IS300, the new IS is a superb successor. Perhaps I'm not an "enthusiast" as so many BMW drivers call themselves. My main ride is a V-8 Toyota Tundra Limited pickup truck. But like the IS350, it is ultimately better handling and smoother driving than perhaps many passenger cars let alone the competitions pickups. I feel that the IS makes me a better driver. In my case, my confidence increased as I drove the IS, while I simply was not able to become "one" with the BMW. Stayed several hours, was able to test several times. Same result, Damn fine car the IS350 .Thanks to Lexus for a really fine event. Got two Paul McCartney CDs in the gift bag at the exit. His newest CD, Chaos and Creation in the Backyard and a compilation CD, Motor of Love. KOOL! George
Arrived before noon and the line for the IS350 was long, as well as the line for the 330i. The test sequence I noticed people using was, IS350 first, 330i 2nd and then IS250.
All of the talk about how BMW has it all over the the IS had me very anxious to find out for myself whether there is truth to this opinion.
First the IS350. The course layout allowed you to stomp on the gas from the start. Acceleration just a rush. This is a strong engine really puts you into the seat. The course is quite short but has some nice corners, ess turns and quick switchbacks. I was very impressed with the handling. I didn't feel tentative at all accelerating out of turns or trying to see if I could make the tires squeal or the car lose it's composure. It didn't, rock solid thu the entire course. End of IS350 test run, got in line for the 330i. First impression, shitty looking shift lever and boot cover. This was an automatic. Acceleration obviously not close to the IS. Now for the handling. I have to say that I have no idea why anyone would rate BMW as a better handling car than the IS350. I know that enthusiasts speak volumes about road feel, feedback from the wheels to the steering wheel, balance...etc. I just felt a jittery steering wheel, tires squealing thru turns, having to use the brakes more often, losing momentum, did not increase my confidence thru the switchbacks and entering the slowdown at the end section, just an overall dissatisfied feeling about the 330i.
The IS350 in my opinion is a better feeling car. Here the feeling comes from it's smoothness, like butter, the lack of jitteryness, what others might call roadfeel. I call it a distraction. What many call a numbness from Lexus cars thru the steering column, I call unobtrusiveness. I felt the IS, unlike the 330i, responded to my inputs far better than the BMW. This is of course all seat of the pants stuff. I'm not into driving at the limits all of the time. Our 2002 IS300 probably has more of the BMW roadfeel that is talked about. It probably is sharper handling than the IS350. But I always called it a bit twitchy. I never could get real comfortable with it. Compared to my wife's IS300, the new IS is a superb successor. Perhaps I'm not an "enthusiast" as so many BMW drivers call themselves. My main ride is a V-8 Toyota Tundra Limited pickup truck. But like the IS350, it is ultimately better handling and smoother driving than perhaps many passenger cars let alone the competitions pickups. I feel that the IS makes me a better driver. In my case, my confidence increased as I drove the IS, while I simply was not able to become "one" with the BMW. Stayed several hours, was able to test several times. Same result, Damn fine car the IS350 .Thanks to Lexus for a really fine event. Got two Paul McCartney CDs in the gift bag at the exit. His newest CD, Chaos and Creation in the Backyard and a compilation CD, Motor of Love. KOOL! George