Lexus vs. BMW Comparison

As the popularity of luxury vehicles continues to grow, shoppers have more choices than ever before. If you've had your eye on a Lexus, but you're wondering how it compares against other top brands such as BMW, Metro Lexus is here to help. Our Lexus vs. BMW comparison, takes an in-depth look at the key differences between the two manufacturers to help make your decision easier.

Safety

Groundbreaking safety innovations to keep drivers and passengers safeguarded from the unexpected help highlight the Lexus commitment to building the safest vehicles on the road today. Included as standard on most Lexus vehicles, the Lexus Safety System+ is the most comprehensive safety system ever offered by Lexus5. Some highlights of the advanced safety features found in this suite of systems include a Pre-Collision System, Intelligent High-Beam Headlights, Lane Assistance, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 and 3.0 go even further with Lane Assistance and Road Sign Assist features.

Before you select your next luxury vehicle, consider one man's story of why he chose Lexus.

"At 10:27 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, my LS 460 was blindsided by an 18-ton truck traveling at 70 mph. It left no skid marks at the scene. The impact tore the entire front left-wheel assembly off my Lexus, sending it more than 250 yards away, and spun the vehicle into the truck, crushing the rear. Fortunately, the entire cabin was left intact and I walked away without a scratch. Shortly after, I called my Lexus dealer and said, ‘Naturally, I want the same car this time around.⁶"

-- Four Time Lexus Owner, Oklahoma

Powertrain Warranty Coverage

When considering confidence and peace of mind, new car warranty coverage is a critical component of any vehicle purchase. Both Lexus and BMW feature identical 4 year / 50,000 mile new vehicle warranty coverage terms⁴. That's where the similarities stop. Taking a closer look at powertrain warranty coverage lengths, BMW powertrain coverage ends when the new warranty does -- after 4 years / 50,000 miles. Offering an advantage, Lexus owners will continue to enjoy powertrain warranty coverage for 6 years / 70,000 miles⁴ -- 2 whole years and 20,000 miles longer than BMW. For superior quality and warranty protection, Lexus is certainly the better choice.

Resale Value

No other manufacturer can outperform Lexus in terms of resale value. Every year, the experts at Kelley Blue Book name their top choices for vehicles with the top resale value in their respective segments in the Best Resale Value Awards⁸. Lexus was named the Best Luxury Brand for resale value in 2023, with six different models being named as specific standouts, more than any other brand.. No BMW models were named. Here are the winning Lexus models:

DEPENDABILITY - LEXUS TOPS J.D. POWER U.S. VEHICLE DEPENDABILITY STUDY^SM (VDS)

Yet another key concern when considering a new vehicle is long-term dependability. While sophisticated engineering and advanced technology may catch a buyer's attention, vehicles which consistently deliver high performance and perform reliably everyday often earn a spot in their garage.

Every year, the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year old vehicles1. In 2024, original owners of 2021 model year vehicles were asked to report their experiences. This study covers 184 specific problems grouped into 9 major vehicle categories, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

Lexus stands at the top of the competition in terms of dependability with a score of 135 PP100. This is a full 55 problems per 100 vehicles lower than the industry average of 190 PP 100 Compared to the BMW score of 190 PP100, exactly average. Lexus is the clear winner in terms of dependability.

Lexus ES vs. BMW 5-Series

For this next section, we’re taking a head-to-head look at each brand’s midsize sedan, the kind of models that usually set the tone for the rest of the lineup. And the first thing to notice is that the 5-Series is quite pricey as compared to the Lexus. In fact, we’ve had to upgrade to the Ultra Luxury trim to bring the price of the ES up to the same neighborhood as the 5-Series. There’s nothing wrong with a higher price, per se, as these are luxury models, and so long as the equipment validates the price - everything will be fine. But the 5-Series really struggles in that department. The ES comes with a bigger and more powerful engine, for starters. But it’s standard equipment where the difference is most staggering. Both cars come with heated front seats, but if you want seat ventilation or a heated steering wheel, both will cost you extra only on the BMW.

The list of standard equipment on the Lexus that costs extra on the BMW accounts for several thousand dollars more that you would have to add to the price of the 5-Series just to equip it as well as the ES. The price for genuine leather alone on the 5-Series is over two thousand dollars. And even if you don’t plan on towing anything, the fact that Lexus gives you the option and BMW doesn’t is worth noting. Ultimately, BMW is asking you to pay quite a bit more for quite a bit less.

Lexus Customer Satisfaction

To round out this comparison, we’re going to mention one last award. This time it’s not for Lexus vehicles, which already have plenty of awards, it’s for Lexus dealership customer service, which ranks #1 among luxury brands in the 2024 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study7 from J.D. Power. Fortunately, you can experience both the best customer service in the business and a whole range of award-winning vehicles with a visit to Metro Lexus.

¹Source: J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Charts and graphs extracted from this press release for use by the media must be accompanied by a statement identifying J.D. Power as the publisher and the study from which it originated as the source. Rankings are based on numerical scores, and not necessarily on statistical significance.

²Source: 2024 Consumer Choice Awards: Best Brands - Kelley Blue Book

³Lexus provides complimentary maintenance for your first two scheduled visits. To obtain these services, contact your Lexus dealership. Complimentary services applicable for new Lexus vehicle registered owners. Complimentary service intervals may vary, depending on model. Please refer to the Warranty and Services Guide for details. These services apply to Lexus vehicles registered and normally operated in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada.

⁴The Basic Warranty coverage is for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Wheel alignment and balancing are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The Powertrain Warranty is for 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

⁵Drivers are responsible for their own safe driving. Always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely. System effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and vehicle conditions. See Owner's Manual for additional limitations and details.

⁶All collisions are unique. Lexus cannot guarantee similar performance in other collisions.

⁷J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study

⁸2024 Best Resale Value Awards - Kelley Blue Book