BMW 5 Series vs Lexus ES

2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus ES
2022 Lexus ES
$40,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus ES
$40,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$54,200

MSRP

$40,950

Listings

9444

Listings

4805

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great ride quality

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Quiet cabin

  • Multiple powertrain options

Cons

  • Uninspired styling

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Underwhelming base engine

Reviews Summary

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

Reviews Summary

Auto manufacturers are always pursuing younger customers, but some cars appeal to a different clientele. The 2022 Lexus ES attracts the softest of buyers, mature adults seeking a mid-size luxury sedan without a giant price tag. Available with four cylinders, six cylinders, or a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Lexus ES starts at $40,800. In the age of the SUV and at the dawn of electrification, the ES does its best to to capture any remaining new car buyers interested in a traditional sedan.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 248 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 203 hp I4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

203 hp @ 6500 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

34
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus ES
2022 Lexus ES
$40,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus ES
$40,950MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$54,200
$40,950
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.5

4.5

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great ride quality

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Quiet cabin

  • Multiple powertrain options

Cons

  • Uninspired styling

  • Fairly pedestrian performance

  • Underwhelming base engine

Summary

BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout.

Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better.

That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment.

Auto manufacturers are always pursuing younger customers, but some cars appeal to a different clientele. The 2022 Lexus ES attracts the softest of buyers, mature adults seeking a mid-size luxury sedan without a giant price tag. Available with four cylinders, six cylinders, or a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, the 2022 Lexus ES starts at $40,800. In the age of the SUV and at the dawn of electrification, the ES does its best to to capture any remaining new car buyers interested in a traditional sedan.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 248 hp I4
2.5L 203 hp I4
Drive Train
RWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
203 hp @ 6500 rpm
MPG City
25
25
MPG Highway
33
34
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