The 2016 Lexus IS competes in a highly competitive segment—but it's up to the challenge.
The edgier Cadillac ATS may be its most natural competitor.
It's softer than it's been in the past, but the BMW 3-Series still sets the standard, arguably, for compact luxury sport sedans.
There's no denying that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class feels more luxurious than anything else in this group.
And we like the Audi A4 for its understated good looks and all-weather functionality.
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 2016 Lexus ISBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Audi A4Browse Used Listings |  2016 BMW 3-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Cadillac ATSBrowse Used Listings |  2016 Mercedes-Benz C ClassBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | ||||
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The 2016 Lexus IS doesn't quite hit the high-water mark set by German rivals, but it's a pleasantly capable compact luxury car. |
The 2016 Audi A4 is still a handsome, strong competitor with solid fuel economy and good power from its lone engine, even as the current generation comes to a close. |
The 2016 BMW 3-Series delivers outstanding performance and comfort in a tastefully understated package. |
The 2016 Cadillac ATS meets all the benchmarks for performance, features, and driving dynamics, and it somehow emerges to market with a little more soul than most of its key rivals. |
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one very charming luxury car; in AMG trim, it's risen above and beyond Bavarian levels of handling. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $37,325 | $35,900 | $33,150 | $33,215 | $38,950 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 19 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 42 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 32 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Gas I4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 4-Door Sedan | CVT FrontTrak 2.0T Premium | 4-Door Sedan 320i RWD | 4-Door Sedan 2.5L Standard RWD | 4-Door Sedan C 300 Luxury RWD |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Sedan | FrontTrak Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Sedan |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2016 Lexus IS vs. 2016 Audi A4 | 2016 Lexus IS vs. 2016 BMW 3-Series | 2016 Lexus IS vs. 2016 Cadillac ATS | 2016 Lexus IS vs. 2016 Mercedes-Benz C Class | |
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