I never drove any Lexus.
I never sat in the IS, either. But I sat in many Lexuses, mostly GS including the all-new. What always shocked me are the buttons: squared, grey, shiny. Awfully old-looking...

I would say that these cars are lifeless, too perfect to be interesting. Maybe it is the Japanese idea of a car, a perfect machinery...But it is not my idea of a car.

I read in many reviews that the IS was not very comfortable, without feeling very sporty...

Anyway, I prefer the Germans because they have charisma, they have character. Not as much as the Italians, but...the Italians sometimes have a bad character and that is not always good...

Lexuses are a bit blank to my eyes. But I reckon they are very valuable, very good cars. For someone that wants a luxurious, reliable, discreet car they sure are worth a look.

My choice here is the C-Class, I love it. It feels very solid, build to last, it is very pleasant to live with, comfortable, very good-looking. I find the old Benzes values in this car and I like it.

The Lexus isn't as bad as some of us German car fans might think it is. I've driven the GS as well but wasn't phased, everything was too numb and soft like a Volvo. Having driven the IS twice I can't find anything faulty about it except that the steering has a Logitech Force Feedback gaming wheel feel to it. Interior is pretty alright even though the feel of the buttons is no where near the new C-class.

Just like all Lexus car it's comfort orientated but I have driven the IS250 Sport as well. The sportiness was pretty subtle but offered a nice balance between the sport and comfort. It absorbed small pot poles but you could feel the deep ones.

All in all, my opinion on the IS250 is positive. Drives good, looks good and offer decent quality. Wouldn't choose one over the Germans unless i was offered one at a very low price.

It's a tough one...

I personally would go for the Lexus. In my opnion, it looks great and has a quality feel. It's just as good as the other too.

If your Dad is wanting a really fast sporty machine, then it would have to be the E90. If he is wanting something with the same power, but is a bit more sophisticated, it should probably be the C-Class. If he wants both, and wants something 'different', go for the Lexus.

Just my opnion.

we have both the new c-class and the 3-series, the c lass is much more comfortable than the 3 series but the 3 series is more fun to drive, its sportier. its a matter of what u r looking for. from the inside i think the bmw looks better but both have the same quality feel. I think u should buy the merc because its newer and the 3 series will be facelifted at the end of this year.

Tell him audi is completely different to what he thinks it is. Old people still think because something was not too great back in the 1980's that chances are it still is today. My dad thought that untill I took him to a audi garage.

Just tell him to go along to one as fun. You to guys can go there one weekend. Father, son and cars. A great combo.

I'd just go test drive them all (including the A4) with an open mind (no prejudice ).

Bimmer & than Lexus, driven both & realized both are highly satisfying (luxury & sports) compacts ...!

P.s; Why the handy bar like Audi is missing here ...?

Was the A4 automatically disqualified for some reason?

The Lexus is good, indeed. The merc should be very good, as well. However, dude, you've always respected the power and beauty of the BMW. That should be the answer for you. BMW all the way!

C avantgarde please Andreas