BMW 5 Series vs Lexus ES
Overview | |
Years produced1972-Present | Years produced1990-Present |
MSRP$59,900 | MSRP$40,950 |
Listings7941 | Listings5430 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
Reviews SummaryThe BMW 5 Series is one of three cars that prove the country known for Autobahns, the Nürburgring, and Oktoberfest builds the best luxury sedans on the planet. It competes with the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, each taking a distinct approach to design but measuring up closely in other parameters. The 2026 5 Series is virtually unchanged, entering its third year following a 2024 redesign, and this review is about the 540i xDrive model. Verdict: Putting BMW’s love-it-or-hate-it design aside, the 2026 540i xDrive is a sensational automobile offering the right blend of luxury, technology, and performance. Choose the M Sport setup for maximum driving enjoyment, or stick with the standard specification to emphasize luxury. Either way, the styling is the most controversial thing about the 5 Series. | |
Reviews SummaryAuto 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 | Engine2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Drive Train | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
MPG City | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway34 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 | Engine Name2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | Torque184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower255 hp @ 4700 rpm | Horsepower203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway | MPG Highway34 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space18.4 cu ft | Cargo Space13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight4041 lbs | Curb Weight3780 lbs |
Height59.6 in | Height57.1 in |
Length199.2 in | Length195.9 in |
Width84.9 in | Width73.4 in |
Wheelbase117.9 in | Wheelbase113.0 in |
Maximum Payload977 lbs | Maximum Payload905 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1972-Present | 1990-Present |
MSRP | $59,900 | $40,950 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The BMW 5 Series is one of three cars that prove the country known for Autobahns, the Nürburgring, and Oktoberfest builds the best luxury sedans on the planet. It competes with the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, each taking a distinct approach to design but measuring up closely in other parameters. The 2026 5 Series is virtually unchanged, entering its third year following a 2024 redesign, and this review is about the 540i xDrive model. Verdict: Putting BMW’s love-it-or-hate-it design aside, the 2026 540i xDrive is a sensational automobile offering the right blend of luxury, technology, and performance. Choose the M Sport setup for maximum driving enjoyment, or stick with the standard specification to emphasize luxury. Either way, the styling is the most controversial thing about the 5 Series. | 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 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 | |
Drive Train | AWD | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm | |
MPG City | 25 | |
MPG Highway | 34 | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 255 hp I4 | 2.5L 203 hp I4 |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 4700 rpm | 203 hp @ 6500 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | |
MPG Highway | 34 | |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 18.4 cu ft | 13.9 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4041 lbs | 3780 lbs |
Height | 59.6 in | 57.1 in |
Length | 199.2 in | 195.9 in |
Width | 84.9 in | 73.4 in |
Wheelbase | 117.9 in | 113.0 in |
Maximum Payload | 977 lbs | 905 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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