Compare the2026 BMW 2 Series Gran CoupeVS 2026 Lexus IS

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The IS doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the IS have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the IS’ (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series Gran Coupe for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the IS (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 43 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s warranty.

The 228 Gran Coupe’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 280) than the IS’ 3.5 DOHC V6. The M235’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 1 more horsepower (312 vs. 311) and 15 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 280) than the IS’ 3.5 DOHC V6.

As tested in Car and Driver the M235 is faster than the Lexus IS:

On the EPA test cycle the 2 Series Gran Coupe gets better mileage than the IS:

Regenerative brakes improve the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The IS doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The IS doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Lexus IS (4). This means the 2 Series Gran Coupe produces up to 13.2 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the IS every 15,000 miles.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The IS doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The IS doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the M235’s brake rotors are larger than those on the IS:

The 2 Series Gran Coupe stops shorter than the IS:

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The IS base model’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The IS’ suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The M235 handles at .94 G’s, while the IS 350 F Sport pulls only .89 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 350 to 400 pounds less than the Lexus IS.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is 6.6 inches shorter than the IS, making the 2 Series Gran Coupe easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has 1.8 inches more front headroom, 2.5 inches more front hip room, 2.2 inches more rear legroom and 2.3 inches more rear hip room than the IS.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a much larger trunk than the IS (15.2 vs. 10.8 cubic feet).

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the IS’ useful trunk space.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s trunk can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The IS doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its trunk, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. An easy entry system costs extra on the IS.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The IS doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The power windows standard on both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the IS have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the 2 Series Gran Coupe is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The IS prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The IS’ cruise control switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the 2 Series Gran Coupe to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The IS doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the IS.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The IS doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Lexus IS, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Lexus IS by 6% during 2025.