Model Year | 2020 | 2008 | |
Model | Lexus LS | BMW 3-Series | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan, ext. | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 123.0 in | 108.7 in | 14.3 in |
Length | 206.1 in | 178.2 in | 27.9 in |
Width | 74.8 in | 71.5 in | 3.3 in |
Height | 57.5 in | 55.9 in | 1.6 in |
Curb Weight | 4707 lb. | 3340 lb. | 1367 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 21.7 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 5.8 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 37.3 in | 38.5 in | -1.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 58.8 in | 55.4 in | 3.4 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.5 in | 0.0 in | 55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.0 in | 41.5 in | -0.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.3 in | 37.5 in | -0.2 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.4 in | 55.1 in | 1.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 0.0 in | 55.1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.9 in | 34.6 in | 4.3 in |
Total Legroom | 79.9 in (over 2 rows) | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 3.8 in |
Cargo Volume | 17.0 ft3 | 12.0 ft3 | 5 ft3 |
2020 Lexus LS Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2019 | The original Lexus LS showed the world how quiet and smooth-riding a luxury sedan could be. As long as you avoid the F Sport variant, the fifth-generation LS remains among the quietest, smoothest-riding cars you can buy. But the far less expensive ES is nearly as smooth and as quiet; as are many other current sedans, including some from Hyundai and Kia. So what sets the latest Lexus LS apart and justifies its lofty price? Perhaps most of all, its seats. I imagine even the 16-way adjustable heated-and-ventilated front seats in an unoptioned $76,475 LS (add $3,220 for AWD and/or $4,510 for the hybrid) are quite comfortable on long drives and properly supportive if the road gets twisty. But it's hard to imagine anyone getting this car and not opting for at least the Interior Upgrade Package, which with additional options it requires bumps the bottom line to $82,615. This package upgrades the upholstery to quilted, soft semi-aniline leather, upgrades the headliner to synthetic suede, adds heat to the rear seat, and increases the number of driver-seat adjustments to 28. Perhaps most importantly, this package adds a highly customizable shiatsu-like massage feature to the driver seat that's capable of providing the most vigorous rubdown I've ever experienced at 70 mph. My sister judged it "better than the chairs at the salon." But supreme comfort on long drives need not be restricted to the driver. Opt for the Luxury Package, which bumps the price of a rear-drive LS 500 (no h) to $93,475, and the front passenger gets the same 28-way massage seat as the driver, while the rear passengers get heated-and-ventilated 18-way adjustable seats and their own climate controls. Desire massage for the rear seat passengers? Then add another $8,000 for the Executive Package, which also includes a recliner with legrest for the right rear spot and "butterfly" headrests for all four outboard seats. As much as the LS isn't personally my sort of car, there's something to be said for cruising mile after mile while the driver and three passengers receive thorough massages from exceptionally comfortable climate-controlled seats. My elderly parents, with many aches and pains between them, loved these seats. Weaknesses? Even though the new LS is offered in only one length, and is longer than the extended wheelbase version of the previous LS, it does not offer as much rear legroom as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series. The fancy executive recliner can only be used if no one is in the front passenger seat, as the latter must be compacted against the instrument panel. Blame the new car's racier "coupe-like" styling and proportions. (The new LS shares its underpinnings with the LC coupe.) see full Lexus LS review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2020 Lexus LS.
2008 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 |
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 |
2007 | 2dr Coupe turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
More padding, slightly larger than e46 sport seats, fully adjustable side bolsters and the Dakota leather seems thicker and softer than the e-46 leather. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
back support see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
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 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 | 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 | 2dr Coupe 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Too small for most adults. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
ride is very jiggly, can feel every imperfection in the road. I think the tires may be very poor for this car. 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 |
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 | 4dr Wagon 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tighter quarters in rear than RX see full BMW 3-Series review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD |
With a young family, not much room in the back seat for children in car seats. see full BMW 3-Series review |