BMW 5 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 5 Series starts from $114,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $73,900. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $41,000.
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 $126,390 and $81,290 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW 5 Series and Lexus ES hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 89% for the BMW 5 Series and 95% for the Lexus ES.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus ES packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the BMW 5 Series.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 5 Series and 8 in the Lexus ES. The Lexus ES adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW 5 Series misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW 5 Series features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus ES gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW 5 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 and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 5 Series uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.6 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 Lexus ES has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 5 Series is 3.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 5 Series measures 5,060mm long on a 2,995mm wheelbase, 85mm longer than the Lexus ES at 4,975mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 5 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 520L in the BMW 5 Series and 473L in the Lexus ES, giving the BMW 5 Series a 47L advantage.
For towing, the BMW 5 Series leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.9m
Based on 11.9m 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 $1,710/year for the BMW 5 Series and $1,511/year for the Lexus ES. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.
Estimated annual total: $1,710 (BMW 5 Series) vs $1,511 (Lexus ES). The Lexus ES saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 5 Series) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES). The BMW 5 Series has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus ES).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 5 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 ES if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 5 Series takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The Lexus ES will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 5 Series has a clear edge. The BMW 5 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.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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