Lexus GS vs BMW M5
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.
Lexus GS
Price TBC
Sedan
Hybrid
Petrol Electric Hybrid
254kW
6.3 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
451L
BMW M5
From $259,900
Sedan
Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
535kW
3 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
466L
Lexus GS: we're still completing price, kerb weight, 0-100km/h and ground clearance.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Track the Lexus GS & BMW M5
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
18.6kWh usableEstimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (7.4kW AC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Lexus GS features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the BMW M5 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The BMW M5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, power tailgate, Bowers & Wilkins audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus GS gets sport leather accented upholstery while the BMW M5 offers merino leather.
Drivetrain
The Lexus GS uses a Petrol Electric Hybrid producing 254kW and 352Nm of torque, sent through a continuously variable transmission with paddleshift to a RWD layout.
The BMW M5 responds with a Plug-in Hybrid making 535kW and 1000Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The BMW M5 has the clear power advantage at 535kW vs 254kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus GS measures 4,850mm long on a 2,850mm wheelbase, 246mm shorter than the BMW M5 at 5,096mm (3,006mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 451L in the Lexus GS and 466L in the BMW M5, giving the BMW M5 a 15L advantage.
For towing, the BMW M5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.9m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.9m 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 $1,796/year for the Lexus GS and $494/year for the BMW M5. That is a $1,302 annual difference in favour of the BMW M5.
Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus GS) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M5). The BMW M5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus GS if: You or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M5 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M5 takes 4 of 4 key spec categories. The BMW M5 will save you roughly $1,302 a year in fuel. The BMW M5 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, Lexus GS and BMW M5?
The BMW M5 is the cheapest at $259,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M5 uses the least fuel at 3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Lexus GS and BMW M5 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW M5 has the largest boot at 466L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW M5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M5 makes the most power at 535kW.
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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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