Design
The 2006 Lexus IS 350’s exaggerated body lines make a powerful statement, something that should be required of any sport luxury sedan with an as-tested sticker in the $45,000 range. The 2006 BMW 330i, on the other hand, represents with a powerful stance, but the off-the-shelf look of the taillights, for example, relegates the Bimmer to the Lexus IS 350’s shadows.
Flashy or conservative. Sharp or soft edges. Wood trim or aluminum. They’re each choices in the subjective category of automotive design. In this test, competitors from Japan and Germany offered two distinct interpretations of the look that should represent the entry sport luxury sedan segment, with Japan offering a bold, exaggerated form with its Lexus IS 350 and Germany going the more traditional route with the relatively conservative BMW 330i. In the end, our editors gave a slight edge to the Lexus’s aggressive, muscular stance and look-at-me styling that was just one massive rear wing shy of being over the top. But, without that hopped-up Honda Civic add-on, the 2006 Lexus IS 350 makes a powerful statement, something that should be required of any sport luxury sedan with an as-tested sticker in the $45,000 range. The 2006 BMW 330i, on the other hand, represents with a powerful stance, but the off-the-shelf look of the taillights, for example, relegates the Bimmer to the Lexus IS 350’s shadows.
2nd Place: 2006 BMW 330i
Inside and out, the 2006 BMW 330i exudes quality. Our test car’s sport seats were upholstered in durable and soft leather, the metal accents were carefully placed throughout the cabin, a woven headliner was attached overhead, and all of the soft-touch and hard plastics are solidly affixed and own a heft that suggests everything will feel just as tight when the odometer hits 100,000 miles. The doors close with a comforting thunk, and the overall package feels more like it came off the line amidst indestructible Caterpillar front-end loaders than the precision-crafted machines with which it shares the BMW namesake. But, the 330i proves that a gathering of quality materials may not necessarily be visually stimulating. Awash in a sea of black, both of the leather and plastic varieties, our test car’s interior was what one editor called “austere.” Indeed, aside from the driving aspect there really is nothing terribly uplifting about solid black surroundings. True as that is, the dark color was only one reason why our BMW 330i felt a touch impersonal. Many drivers desire generous use of such bits of trim, but in the absence of soft shapes, warm colors, or even a bit of offsetting wood, the result is a cabin that feels cold – especially with its real aluminum trim on the dashboard. Similarly, the exterior design of the 2006 BMW 330i fails to raise the needle on the excitement meter, despite the least controversial tail design to hit a Bavarian Motor Works model in recent years. The body is slung low to the ground in front and hard creases run along the hood and flanks, which in total yields an aggressive appearance. That’s especially true when the 330i is outfitted with 18-inch alloys, as was our tester. Up front are streamlined headlights and a split chrome grille that creeps onto the leading edge of the hood, while the rear end features a subtle rendition of the tiered BMW tail that has been so often criticized. Where the design loses some of its luster is in the generic red and white taillight assemblies that lack the inspired styling of those on the Lexus IS 350. From the driver’s perspective, the Bimmer offers a larger greenhouse, and less obstruction from the rear pillars impedes visibility, though the rearview mirrors are on the small side and the hood looked too long to one of our editors.
1st Place: 2006 Lexus IS 350
A one-eyed dog with a cataract could see the design chasm evidenced in this comparison test. If the rather sedate BMW 330i were black, the conspicuous Lexus IS 350 would most definitely be white. While it’s true that both models sit low to the ground in front and sport relatively short rear overhangs, the similarities end there. With an up-swept shape to the grille, headlights, fog lights, and the lower front air dam, the IS looks as though it just emerged victorious from a battle with a wind tunnel. Sharp ten-spoke, 18-inch alloys are placed inside flared wheel wells, which sit below a power dome hood up front and a snub rear end. Above the beltline is a greenhouse that is recessed about two inches from the body, a design element best viewed from the front or tail end. Once inside, drivers will notice that window space is small, and when coupled with the wide rear roof pillars, that puts a big dent in visibility. The large rear headrests and tapered rear side windows don’t help, either. The same can be said of the high dashboard and steeply raked windshield. Luckily, large rearview mirrors give a good glimpse of what’s going on around the car and the hood is easy to see over. Inside, the 2006 Lexus IS 350 is more inviting than the BMW 330i. The leather seats are super soft, and as in the BMW, soft-touch and hard plastics are bolted down tight. Multiple colors add some flair to the interior, with black used on the dash cap, door sills and center console, contrasting with tan door panels, seats, lower dash panels, and headliner. Graphite circles the gauges, the instrument panel, and the top of the center console, while alloy trim is used on the door pulls and pedals. Finishing things off are chrome accents on the door handles, shifter handle, vent knobs, and start button. One editor wrote that the interior gave the 2006 Lexus IS 350 an “up and comer, long hours and happy hour” attitude, suggesting it may be the perfect ride for the upwardly mobile young professional.
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