BMW M3 vs Lexus LM
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 M3
From $163,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
353kW
10.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Lexus LM
From $160,888
People Mover
Hybrid
2.5L Petrol-Electric Hybrid (A25A-FXS)
184kW
5.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
110L
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Price Breakdown
The BMW M3 starts from $163,700 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LM opens at $160,888. That makes the Lexus LM the more affordable entry point by $2,812.
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 $180,070 and $176,977 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus LM by roughly $6,555 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 M3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus LM gets a 14-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M3 stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Lexus LM. The Lexus LM counters with wireless charging and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW M3 uses a Petrol producing 353kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds.
The Lexus LM responds with a 2.5L Petrol-Electric Hybrid (A25A-FXS) making 184kW and 239Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 184kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 4.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M3 measures 4,801mm long on a 2,857mm wheelbase, 329mm shorter than the Lexus LM at 5,130mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LM generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW M3 and 110L in the Lexus LM, giving the BMW M3 a 370L advantage. The Lexus LM seats 7 vs 5.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.8m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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 $2,879/year for the BMW M3 and $1,568/year for the Lexus LM. That is a $1,311 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LM.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M3) vs $1,568 (Lexus LM). The Lexus LM saves you roughly $1,311 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3) vs 5 years (Lexus LM). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LM 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 M3 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Lexus LM will save you roughly $1,311 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M3 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW M3 and Lexus LM?
The Lexus LM is the cheapest at $160,888 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M3 by $2,812.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LM uses the least fuel at 5.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW M3 and Lexus LM carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW M3 has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M3 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M3 is quickest to 100km/h in 4.2s.
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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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