Lexus LM vs BMW M3
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.
Lexus LM
From $160,888
People Mover
Hybrid
2.5L Petrol-Electric Hybrid (A25A-FXS)
184kW
5.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
110L
BMW M3
From $163,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
353kW
10.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus LM starts from $160,888 before on-road costs, while the BMW M3 opens at $163,700. 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 $176,977 and $180,070 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 Lexus LM features a 14-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW M3 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus LM stands out with wireless charging and Mark Levinson audio that you will not find on the BMW M3. The BMW M3 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Lexus LM uses a 2.5L Petrol-Electric Hybrid (A25A-FXS) producing 184kW and 239Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.
The BMW M3 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 550Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
The BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 184kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus LM measures 5,130mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 329mm longer than the BMW M3 at 4,801mm (2,857mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LM generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 110L in the Lexus LM and 480L in the BMW M3, 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 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,568/year for the Lexus LM and $2,879/year for the BMW M3. That is a $1,311 annual difference in favour of the Lexus LM.
Estimated annual total: $1,568 (Lexus LM) vs $2,879 (BMW M3). 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 (Lexus LM) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the BMW M3 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Lexus LM and BMW M3 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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, Lexus LM and BMW M3?
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 Lexus LM and BMW M3 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.
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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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