BMW i3 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 i3 starts from $109,900 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $65,540. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $44,360.
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 $72,094 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.
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 i3 features a 12.3-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 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.
Drivetrain
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.
Space & Comfort
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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m 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
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).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i3 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus ES if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW i3 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Lexus ES has a clear edge. The BMW i3 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 i3 and Lexus ES?
The Lexus ES is the cheapest at $65,540 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i3 by $44,360.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW i3 and Lexus ES carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus ES has the largest boot at 473L.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus ES has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW i3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i3 makes the most power at 250kW. The BMW i3 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.9s.
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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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