As someone who had a Focus, then a 3-Series Coupe and now a IS250, I would say the Lexus is by far the nicest place to sit while driving. The Focus was awesome for handling, and indeed when replacing it, my main criteria was that it had to handle at least as well - hence the 3-series. But in terms of quality, the Focus always beat it hands down. No faults whatsoever with the Focus, but the 3-series.......seals, window mechanisms etc. nothing major but all irritating. And as far as the dealers go, I asked 2 BMW dealers to arrange test drives of the 325i, but both cancelled at the last minute and then never came back to me. So I bought a lexus, and I'm still smiling. My only criticism is the road noise - quite obvious until you put on the amazing stereo. no creaks, rattles etc - lets hope it stays this good. And the MPG is better in the IS250 than in my 318ci (not quite sure how). The Top Gear roadtest of the IS250SE finished as follows:
Looks like the 3-series finally has some competition