BMW M3 vs Lexus LS
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 M3
From $163,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
353kW
10.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Lexus LS
From $199,850
Sedan
Petrol
3.4L V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol
310kW
10 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Track the BMW M3 & Lexus LS
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The BMW M3 starts from $163,700 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LS opens at $199,850. That makes the BMW M3 the more affordable entry point by $36,150.
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 $219,835 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
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 LS gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M3 stands out with panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Lexus LS. The Lexus LS counters with wireless charging and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW M3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Lexus LS offers leather accented. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW M3 and 4-zone in the Lexus LS.
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 LS responds with a 3.4L V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol making 310kW and 600Nm, paired to a 10-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5 seconds.
The BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 310kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 0.8s 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, 434mm shorter than the Lexus LS at 5,235mm (3,125mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW M3 and 480L in the Lexus LS.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.2m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m 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 $2,879/year for the BMW M3 and $2,850/year for the Lexus LS. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LS.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M3) vs $2,850 (Lexus LS). The Lexus LS saves you roughly $29 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 LS). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LS if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M3 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Lexus LS will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. 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 LS?
The BMW M3 is the cheapest at $163,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LS by $36,150.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus LS uses the least fuel at 10L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW M3 and Lexus LS carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
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.
Free: Chinese Cars in Australia Cheat Sheet
Sign up free and we'll email you our Chinese Cars Cheat Sheet (PDF) — all 22 brands ranked on service, parts, warranty and dealer experience. Plus new-car launches, reviews and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
