BMW 3 Series vs Lexus GS
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.
BMW 3 Series
From $94,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
190kW
6.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Lexus GS
Price TBC
Sedan
Hybrid
Petrol Electric Hybrid
254kW
6.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
451L
Lexus GS: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h and ground clearance.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
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 GS gets a 8-inch display.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus GS. The Lexus GS counters with head-up display, heated front seats and ventilated seats. 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 GS offers sport leather accented.
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 5.8 seconds.
The Lexus GS responds with a Petrol Electric Hybrid making 254kW and 352Nm, paired to a continuously variable transmission with paddleshift driving the rear wheels.
The Lexus GS has the clear power advantage at 254kW vs 190kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,713mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 137mm shorter than the Lexus GS at 4,850mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 451L in the Lexus GS, giving the BMW 3 Series a 29L advantage.
For towing, the BMW 3 Series leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series and $1,796/year for the Lexus GS. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Lexus GS.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 3 Series) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus GS). The BMW 3 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus GS if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 3 Series takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Lexus GS will save you roughly $57 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 GS?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus GS uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW 3 Series and Lexus GS carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
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 1,600kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 3 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus GS makes the most power at 254kW.
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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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