Model Year | 2009 | 2014 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Lexus IS | |
Engine | 4.0L V8 DOHC-4v 414 hp@8300 295 lb-ft@3900 |
5.0L V8 DOHC-4v 416 hp@6600 371 lb-ft@5200 |
|
Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.7 in | 110.2 in | -1.5 in |
Length | 178.2 in | 183.7 in | -5.5 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 71.3 in | 0.2 in |
Height | 55.9 in | 56.3 in | -0.4 in |
Curb Weight | 3693 lb. | 3780 lb. | -87 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 17.4 gal. | -1.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.5 in | 38.2 in | 0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 55.9 in | -0.5 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 54.3 in | -54.3 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.5 in | 44.8 in | -3.3 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 36.9 in | 0.6 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 53.4 in | 1.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 54.0 in | -54 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 32.2 in | 2.4 in |
Total Legroom | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 77 in (over 2 rows) | -0.9 in |
Cargo Volume | 12.0 ft3 | 10.8 ft3 | 1.2 ft3 |
2009 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Coupe 414-horsepower 4.0L V8 6-speed manual RWD |
Power seats are very comfortable, even for long hauls. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Sport seats fit me exceptionally well. Plush enough for the wife to enjoy a long drive. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I found the sport package seats comfortable see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan 414-horsepower 4.0L V8 7-speed automated manual RWD |
Wish the rear seats had 1" more legroom. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Limited for adults see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD |
With a 6-foot driver, rear seat room is barely adequate for adults, for short trips. This is typical for this car segment, though. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 | 0 | Not much room in rear see if driver is 6 feet tall see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
A bit small for me, both in the seat and in the cabin in general. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
2 small for adults over 6 ft see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 2dr Hardtop conv. turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
It has a back seat, but unless it is a short trip it is very tight for adults. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2014 Lexus IS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2014 | Following the Germans' lead, many car makers have been fitting firmer and firmer seats. Cadillac might have once been known for seats you could sink deep into, but those in the ATS are the opposite, with too little give and contours that are far from form-fitting. No fear, Lexus hasn't done the same with the IS. Even the more heavily bolstered seats that are part of the F Sport package lack hard points, which helps them provide a slop-free fit for a wide range of body types. (Oddly, you'll find seats similar to these in some Chrysler people haulers.) Personally, I wouldn't mind a little firmer support, but then I also prefer a firm mattress. Notably, the lumbar support in the Lexus IS is only two-way and the spread of the side bolsters is not adjustable. For four-way lumbar support and adjustable side bolsters (plus somewhat firmer support) you need to step up to the larger Lexus GS. see full Lexus IS review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2014 Lexus IS.