Lexus ES vs BMW 2 Series

The Lexus ES starts from $73,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW 2 Series opens at $59,900. That makes the BMW 2 Series the more affordable entry point by $14,000.

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 $81,290 and $65,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Lexus ES and BMW 2 Series hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 95% for the Lexus ES and 94% for the BMW 2 Series.

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 2 Series.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus ES and 6 in the BMW 2 Series. The Lexus ES adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW 2 Series misses.

The Lexus ES features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW 2 Series gets a 10.7-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus ES stands out with Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW 2 Series. The BMW 2 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Lexus ES uses a Hybrid producing 160kW and 221Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds.

The BMW 2 Series responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

The Lexus ES has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 2 Series is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus ES measures 4,975mm long on a 2,870mm wheelbase, 429mm longer than the BMW 2 Series at 4,546mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 473L in the Lexus ES and 390L in the BMW 2 Series, giving the Lexus ES a 83L advantage.

For towing, the BMW 2 Series leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,511/year for the Lexus ES and $1,682/year for the BMW 2 Series. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Lexus ES.

Estimated annual total: $1,511 (Lexus ES) vs $1,682 (BMW 2 Series). The Lexus ES saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 2 Series). The BMW 2 Series has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus ES)—.