BMW 5 Series vs Lexus ES Hybrid

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.

Cars are falling out of favor in America, let alone luxury models that emphasize quiet comfort instead of raucous performance. The 2022 Lexus ES, however, appears immune to the trend. For now.

This year, Lexus gives the ES a nip and a tuck, adding new grille, wheel, and bi-LED headlight designs along with a couple of new paint colors. More significantly, the ES adds a touchscreen infotainment display and next-generation Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 driving assistance and collision avoidance technology.

Lastly, the 2022 Lexus ES Hybrid is offered with F Sport trim for the first time. But this version of the car is all about the look and not the feel from behind the wheel.