Lexus LS 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 LS
From $199,850
Sedan
Petrol
3.4L V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol
310kW
10 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
BMW M5
From $259,900
Sedan
Plug-in Hybrid
Plug-in Hybrid
535kW
1.7 kWh/100km
ANCAP: no data
466L
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.
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Price Breakdown
The Lexus LS starts from $199,850 before on-road costs, while the BMW M5 opens at $259,900. That makes the Lexus LS the more affordable entry point by $60,050.
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 $219,835 and $285,890 respectively.
The BMW M5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus LS, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M5 by roughly $11,780 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.
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 LS features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BMW M5 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus LS stands out with Mark Levinson audio that you will not find on the BMW M5. The BMW M5 counters with panoramic roof and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Lexus LS gets leather accented upholstery while the BMW M5 offers merino leather.
Drivetrain
The Lexus LS uses a 3.4L V6 Twin-Turbo Petrol producing 310kW and 600Nm of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5 seconds.
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 310kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M5 is 1.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Lexus LS measures 5,235mm long on a 3,125mm wheelbase, 139mm longer than the BMW M5 at 5,096mm (3,006mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus LS generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Lexus LS and 466L in the BMW M5, giving the Lexus LS a 14L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.2m to 11.9m
Based on 11.2m 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
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,850/year for the Lexus LS and $494/year for the BMW M5. That is a $2,356 annual difference in favour of the BMW M5.
Estimated annual total: $2,850 (Lexus LS) vs $494 (BMW M5). The BMW M5 saves you roughly $2,356 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Lexus LS) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M5). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Lexus LS if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW M5 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Lexus LS takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW M5 will save you roughly $2,356 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, Lexus LS and BMW M5?
The Lexus LS is the cheapest at $199,850 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW M5 by $60,050.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M5 uses the least fuel at 1.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Lexus LS and BMW M5 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Lexus LS has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M5 makes the most power at 535kW. The BMW M5 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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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