Last week I switched from IS250 to E90 325. It has been interesting comparing the differences between their gear shift patterns
The Lexus seems to favour high gears. To reduce speed slightly, the driver can release the accelerator and the car is able to coast freely for quite a distance since it is in 5th or 6th gear. The computer downshifts only when the car is about to come to a complete stop, so the gears hardly have any braking effect.
In contrast, the 325 favours lower gears, even in regular D mode. This has a pronounced braking effect once the accelerator is released. So when reducing speed slightly, the accelerator still needs to be depressed, albeit to a lesser extent, or the car will lose speed too rapidly.
The advantage of the 325's tendency to favour lower gears is better acceleration, quicker response, more precise speed control, and reduced brake wear (since low gears help brake the car). However, this also implies higher fuel usage since the low gears don't allow the car to coast freely.
Is there some special trick in manipulating the accelerator to avoid this?
The IS250 in "ECT Power" mode employs lower gears, which comes close the gearshift pattern of the 325 in regular D mode. I will try the 325 in S mode after the engine breaks in.
Otherwise, driving the two cars one after the other is a real study in contrasts.
Everyone already knows how different these two rivals are, but here's another 1st hand perspective.
Lexus is about a soft, comfortable and quiet ride. It is designed to float you above the road. The controls on the Lexus feel more luxurious to operate. The IS does feel powerful to drive and confident on the road, but finer driving dynamics are blunted and sacrificed to increase comfort and so you feel imperturbed by the world around (and the road underneath). The IS250 feels heavier and more sluggish, which is a plus point for those who seek a graceful and stable drive. Many people would prefer the Lexus. It coddles your body and makes you feel relaxed and pampered. It cushions you from the roughness of the road surface.
The 325 is a world apart in its sharp handling and anchored roadholding (helped by 18" staggered wheels.) The In-line 6 sounds more aggressive than Lexus' gentlemanly V6, but the inline 6 certainly feels more responsive and muscular; more of a savage beast than a domesticated pet. It is literally a "different animal". Helped by a much lighter body, the 325 is far more dynamic in character. Although its ride is not as bouncy and its engine noise is more instrusive, I do relish sensing more tactile feedback from the road and receiving aural feedback from the engine. It provides a more engaging driving experience.
Although they are often compared, the two cars achieve very different goals. While the Lexus is ideal for the passive driver who values effortless driving, the e90 is definitely the active drivers' choice. I now realise I've been a BMW driver driving a Lexus for the past three years.
That said, the 325 does not go to extremes. It does have a more luxury, comfort and silence than pure sports cars, while same time offering a substantial sportiness quotient.
The Lexus seems to favour high gears. To reduce speed slightly, the driver can release the accelerator and the car is able to coast freely for quite a distance since it is in 5th or 6th gear. The computer downshifts only when the car is about to come to a complete stop, so the gears hardly have any braking effect.
In contrast, the 325 favours lower gears, even in regular D mode. This has a pronounced braking effect once the accelerator is released. So when reducing speed slightly, the accelerator still needs to be depressed, albeit to a lesser extent, or the car will lose speed too rapidly.
The advantage of the 325's tendency to favour lower gears is better acceleration, quicker response, more precise speed control, and reduced brake wear (since low gears help brake the car). However, this also implies higher fuel usage since the low gears don't allow the car to coast freely.
Is there some special trick in manipulating the accelerator to avoid this?
The IS250 in "ECT Power" mode employs lower gears, which comes close the gearshift pattern of the 325 in regular D mode. I will try the 325 in S mode after the engine breaks in.
Otherwise, driving the two cars one after the other is a real study in contrasts.
Everyone already knows how different these two rivals are, but here's another 1st hand perspective.
Lexus is about a soft, comfortable and quiet ride. It is designed to float you above the road. The controls on the Lexus feel more luxurious to operate. The IS does feel powerful to drive and confident on the road, but finer driving dynamics are blunted and sacrificed to increase comfort and so you feel imperturbed by the world around (and the road underneath). The IS250 feels heavier and more sluggish, which is a plus point for those who seek a graceful and stable drive. Many people would prefer the Lexus. It coddles your body and makes you feel relaxed and pampered. It cushions you from the roughness of the road surface.
The 325 is a world apart in its sharp handling and anchored roadholding (helped by 18" staggered wheels.) The In-line 6 sounds more aggressive than Lexus' gentlemanly V6, but the inline 6 certainly feels more responsive and muscular; more of a savage beast than a domesticated pet. It is literally a "different animal". Helped by a much lighter body, the 325 is far more dynamic in character. Although its ride is not as bouncy and its engine noise is more instrusive, I do relish sensing more tactile feedback from the road and receiving aural feedback from the engine. It provides a more engaging driving experience.
Although they are often compared, the two cars achieve very different goals. While the Lexus is ideal for the passive driver who values effortless driving, the e90 is definitely the active drivers' choice. I now realise I've been a BMW driver driving a Lexus for the past three years.
That said, the 325 does not go to extremes. It does have a more luxury, comfort and silence than pure sports cars, while same time offering a substantial sportiness quotient.
Wonder any bros there ever does that on their E90:screwedu: That would be very useful for new owner buying over a pre-loved Beemer.
