Denza B5 vs Lexus ES
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.
Price Breakdown
The Denza B5 starts from $74,990 before on-road costs, while the Lexus ES opens at $73,900. That makes the Lexus ES the more affordable entry point by $1,090.
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 $82,489 and $81,290 respectively.
The Denza B5 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus ES, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Denza B5 by roughly $5,875 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Denza B5 and Lexus ES hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B5 and 95% for the Lexus ES.
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 0 in the Denza B5.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. The Lexus ES adds a 360-degree camera that the Denza B5 misses.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Lexus ES counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that the Denza B5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Denza B5 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 400kW and 760Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout.
The Lexus ES responds with a Hybrid making 160kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Denza B5 has the clear power advantage at 400kW vs 160kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Denza B5 measures 4,888mm long on a 2,800mm wheelbase, 87mm shorter than the Lexus ES at 4,975mm (2,870mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Lexus ES generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Denza B5 leads with a 3,000kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m diameter
Average
Based on 11.4m 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 $336/year for the Denza B5 and $1,511/year for the Lexus ES. That is a $1,175 annual difference in favour of the Denza B5.
Estimated annual total: $336 (Denza B5) vs $1,511 (Lexus ES). The Denza B5 saves you roughly $1,175 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B5) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus ES). The Denza B5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus ES).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Denza B5 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Denza's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus ES if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Denza B5 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Denza B5 will save you roughly $1,175 a year in fuel. The Denza B5 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Denza B5 and Lexus ES?
The Lexus ES is the cheapest at $73,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Denza B5 by $1,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Lexus ES uses the least fuel at 5.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Denza B5 and Lexus ES all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Denza B5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Denza B5 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Denza B5 makes the most power at 400kW.
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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