BMW i3 vs Lexus ES

The BMW i3 starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $73,900. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $36,000.

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 $120,890 and $81,290 respectively.

The BMW i3 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus ES, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the BMW i3 and Lexus ES hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

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 5 in the BMW i3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW i3 and 8 in the Lexus ES. The Lexus ES adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW i3 misses.

The BMW i3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus ES gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW i3 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, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The BMW i3 uses a Electric producing 250kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 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 i3 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 160kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i3 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW i3 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 260L in the BMW i3 and 473L in the Lexus ES, giving the Lexus ES a 213L advantage.

For towing, the Lexus ES leads with a 1,000kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 250kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES). The BMW i3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus ES).