I just got back from attending the "Taste of Lexus" event in NY. It was the first opportunity for a chance to drive the new IS, and Lexus made sure to have the 330i at the event as well. I drove the IS250, IS350 and 330i (no 325i at the event). It was my first experience with driving the new 3.

The new IS is nice looking from the exterior with very smooth lines. The 330i is noticably more aggressive in its styling, and looks substantially larger than the IS from the outside.

Inside, the IS is soft and cushy, with leather seats that are amongst the most comfortable I have sat it. The controls are user-friendly, and sound system was great. One thing I didnt like about the interior was the positioning of the seat and instrument cluster. I felt the gauges were somewhat distant and positioned too low, and I had a hard time finding the right seating position.

The IS350 is definately quicker than the 250, as the car literally flys when you step on the gas. While the car has great pick up, and accelerates smoothly, it quickly loses its composure in the turns, with steering that feels quite loose and sloppy. If you're looking for a car quick off the line, and great for highway cruising, you would probably love the IS350. It's comfortable, pretty and quick, if not very involving from an interior design/handling standpoint.

After driving both IS models, I drove the 330i. First off, the exhaust note on the 330 is deep and throaty when compared to the almost silent IS models. A guy I spoke to said he has a 330i and the exhaust on his car is noticably deeper than the one at the event. Sounds like Lexus may have tampered with it a little to make the car seem more bland.

The interior of the 330i is more stark looking than that of the IS, but the quality of the materials is a notch above the Lexus. The BMW's interior feels much more substantial and solid. While the seats in the Lexus were more comfortable, the dash looked a bit cheaper than that of the BMW.

The BMW didnt have the pick up of the IS 350, but then again I dont know if Lexus might have done something to mellow out the 330 before the event. As I havent driven one before, I cant say. It was quick, but not nearly as fast as the 350.

The 330i's handling is in a completely different league than that of the IS. When driving the 330i, you feel like the car is an extension of you. The sloppiness of the IS in curves wasnt apparent at all in the bimmer.

In conclusion, I would say in my opinion I came away loving the way the 330i looked and drove. It's definately an exciting car. The Lexus is a really nice car for the money, and seems well designed, but it lacks the hardcore edge of the BMW; I can imagine getting bored with the IS after a period of time. Based on the limited time i spent in these cars, I would pick the BMW, hands down.