BMW 3 Series vs Lexus ES
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW 3 Series starts from $94,700 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $65,540. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $29,160.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $104,170 and $72,094 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus ES by roughly $2,565 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 3 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus ES gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Lexus ES. The Lexus ES counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW 3 Series gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Lexus ES offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Lexus ES responds with a Hybrid making 160kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 3 Series is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 266mm shorter than the Lexus ES at 4,975mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 473L in the Lexus ES, giving the BMW 3 Series a 7L advantage.
For towing, the BMW 3 Series leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,024/year for the BMW 3 Series and $1,511/year for the Lexus ES. That is a $513 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.
Estimated annual total: $2,024 (BMW 3 Series) vs $1,511 (Lexus ES). The Lexus ES saves you roughly $513 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES). The BMW 3 Series has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus ES).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus ES if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 3 Series takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus ES will save you roughly $513 a year in fuel. The BMW 3 Series adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 3 Series and Lexus ES?
The Lexus ES is the cheapest at $65,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW 3 Series by $29,160.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW 3 Series all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 3 Series has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 3 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 3 Series makes the most power at 190kW. The BMW 3 Series is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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