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AutoExpress pits the Lexus IS 300h against its closest competitors in the segment: a BMW 320d EfficientDynamics and an Audi A4 TDI tronic. BMW rises up as the best of the bunch.
The Lexus gets a 2.5-litre petrol engine that manages 65.7mpg and it’s the only car in this test to emit less than 100g/km. It beats the Audi A4 in terms of fuel economy, but the BMW 3 Series edges it slightly with 68.9mpg.
In terms of performance, the three cars are quite closely matched. The BMW and the Lexus are both quick off the line due to their rear-wheel drive, and both can reach 0-60mph in 7.8 seconds. The Audi, however, took 8.4 seconds.
The BMW really is the benchmark in the class, though, with great handling, really good steering and narrow tyres that helps the ride and really gives you a feeling of what’s going on the whole time.
So, has the Lexus IS finally emerged from the shadow of its German rivals? Well, it’s a good car, and definitely better than before. But it still isn’t as good as an Audi A4, which in turn, isn’t as good as the BMW 3 Series.
