Mercedes A250 vs Lexus IS350

[speed_kills]

The premium car category is starting to get more exciting as new models are packaged very well.

For 2.5M, which one is your pick?

Mercedes A250
- latest and better value than BMW 1-series
- FWD but reviews are positive
- 211hp = 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds
************ - Philippine Car News, Test Drives, and Prices: CATS Motors Launches All-New 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

or

Lexus IS350 (non-F Sport)
- latest and best value in its class
- RWD and won in a recent car comparo vs the BMW 335
- 306hp = 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds
************ - Philippine Car News, Test Drives, and Prices: Lexus Manila Launches All-New IS Sports Sedan

The IS350 is one class bigger and more powerful but the A250 has less weight and looks fun to drive.

[kyle618]

The premium car category is starting to get more exciting as new models are packaged very well.

For 2.5M, which one is your pick?

Mercedes A250
- latest and better value than BMW 1-series
- FWD but reviews are positive
- 211hp = 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds
************ - Philippine Car News, Test Drives, and Prices: CATS Motors Launches All-New 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

or

Lexus IS350 (non-F Sport)
- latest and best value in its class
- RWD and won in a recent car comparo vs the BMW 335
- 306hp = 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds
************ - Philippine Car News, Test Drives, and Prices: Lexus Manila Launches All-New IS Sports Sedan

The IS350 is one class bigger and more powerful but the A250 has less weight and looks fun to drive.

i would pick the is350 in a heartbeat. im pretty sure it will be more fun to drive than the FWD A250.

[ghosthunter]

The premium car category is starting to get more exciting as new models are packaged very well.

For 2.5M, which one is your pick?

Mercedes A250
- latest and better value than BMW 1-series
- FWD but reviews are positive
- 211hp = 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds
************ - Philippine Car News, Test Drives, and Prices: CATS Motors Launches All-New 2013 Mercedes-Benz A-Class

or

Lexus IS350 (non-F Sport)
- latest and best value in its class
- RWD and won in a recent car comparo vs the BMW 335
- 306hp = 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds
************ - Philippine Car News, Test Drives, and Prices: Lexus Manila Launches All-New IS Sports Sedan

The IS350 is one class bigger and more powerful but the A250 has less weight and looks fun to drive.

I would choose the Merc.

I would be happy enough to have a three point star badge greet me every morning for my morning drive. And cars like these are simply about enjoying the drive, not racing each other.

The IS350 might be faster than a BMW335 on the track but for us mere moral drivers on the normal open roads, we will never match even 75% that level of driving unless you want to spend a few weeks at a driving school and some days on a race track.

[ClaNker]

I'd pick Merc A250 anytime of the day.

[viper888]

For P2.65 M you can get yourself a 120d coupe

however it is also the slowest among your choices (if thats relevant to you) even if its the fastest looking one
Think of it as a Gt86 by BMW with a better interior quality and a bit more practicallity
Plenty fast enough for today's standards, cool looking and very very fuel efficient

however if you need four doors, Id rather get the lexus since im sure the A class has small rear seats

[E240]

Get the merc! You are paying millions of course go for the more prestigious brand. Anyway you will not abuse or race your car.

[jhnkvn]

I'm going for the Lexus. Sorry Germans, but Lexus really stepped up their pricing and game in the latest redesigns of their models.

[speed_kills]

Some cool videos of both cars...

Mercedes A-Class



Lexus IS

[Egan101]

The A250 may have the Merc on its nameplate but for the same amount of money, the IS350 is a better choice. You have a sporty sedan with good performance, bigger interior space, and its amenities are not far off from its German counterparts. If you're in the market for a performance-oriented hatch, mayber we can wait for the Ayala's to bring over the VW Golf GTi next year.

[basti08]

Lexus. Had it been the more gorgeous CLA 4 door coupe, then it would be Benz for me.

[xthine]

Can't really compare but my sister has a 2009 MB300 and it was nice, but I've always been drawn to Lexus. I was recently trying to decide what car to purchase and safety, dependability, technology were some of the factors I looked at. Could've gone with MB but didn't. I mainly looked at the Prius Plug In and the Tesla Model S. Eventually went for Lexus and very happy with my decision.

[jhnkvn]

Can't really compare but my sister has a 2009 MB300 and it was nice, but I've always been drawn to Lexus. I was recently trying to decide what car to purchase and safety, dependability, technology were some of the factors I looked at. Could've gone with MB but didn't. I mainly looked at the Prius Plug In and the Tesla Model S. Eventually went for Lexus and very happy with my decision.

You should have went for the Tesla Model S, it's now receiving raving reviews there

[xthine]

Not enough Supercharging stations for me, If I were in CA perhaps I would've considered it more. Plus I didnt feel like being on a waiting list for the Model S. They will come out with another model in a few years, that will be something to look forward to.

[asag]

The torque figures are also important. The two cars have almost the same amount of torque. The A250 is turbocharged but spools pretty fast and matches the IS350's NA motor well. Definitely fun cars. A test drive should settle the issue along with you priorities.
The IS350 will be a more practical choice because of size and comfort.
The A250 is simply fun in a small package. Throwing around a lighter car with this much torque around corners may be the clincher.
I have not driven these cars and just based my assumption on the articles you linked.
If you could hold out a little while longer and extend your budget wait for the A45 or a coupe version of the IS350. As is though these two cars are good choices.

[E240]

Sorry if you live in the U.S. I will get the lexus over the a class. But if the cla is on the list I might go for the cla.

[EQAddict]

these cars automatically make the over priced mini-coopers' irrelevant.

BTT: I like turbo power but 300+ HP on that lexus 8-speed tranny sure is sweet. Tough choice. Im thinking if you can afford any of these cars, then this wont be your ONLY car. Either way they are both great choices. My personal pick would be the Lexus (but it would be the P3M version) for all the tech toys it has.

[imperialv]

is 350 for me.. :-) specially the f-sports.

[Egan101]

Damn, the IS350 really looks nice on the road. I saw 2 of them in Makati/BGC area the other day. It really shouts out as sporty, even more sporty-looking than the standard BMW F30 3-series.

[oliver1013]

Lexus..ever since i talked to a guy who fabricates replacement parts for german cars here... secrets were revealed..

I think Lexus after sales service is way above expectation...

[EQAddict]

i drove my sister's brand spanking new A250 sport yesterday. Was blown away by the performance in such a small car. I changed my mind. Id pick this instead over the Lexus. Fun in a small car really cant be beat. Didnt feel any turbo lag. The noise was nice. Didnt spend too long in it but for the short time i drove it, it was red line shifting all the way

The interior controls get a bit getting used to as the transmission stalk is like a windscreen wiper stalk. For all the tech goodies it has , its surprising what it DOESNT have though. Like a push start button and lack of power seats.

I really really really didnt like the manual seats - i particularly hated the rotary knob for reclining the seat back.

If I had the spare change, I'd get one but I heard theyre all sold out and the next batch arriving is a long way away