2020 BMW 3 Series vs 2021 Lexus ES

The 2020 BMW 3 Series evoked a sense of awe reminiscent of majestic marine life, with its lidded headlights, curved hood, and oversized grille giving it an aquatic appearance. Despite its high price, starting at $40,750 and reaching $69,570 with options, the M340i trim was praised for its exhilarating driving experience. The interior offered a variety of customization options, with high-quality materials and a focus on quality, making the price more palatable.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES presented a daring yet functional interior design, with sport-bolstered front seats offering 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seats provided ample legroom and comfort, complemented by rear air conditioning vents and an available power sunshade. The ES's exterior design was striking, with the F Sport trim adding unique styling elements. The Black Line Special Edition further enhanced its appeal with exclusive features and limited production.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series, particularly the M340i trim, was celebrated for its dynamic driving capabilities. With a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, it accelerated to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The car's structural and suspension enhancements, including variable sport steering and M Adaptive underpinnings, contributed to its superior handling. Despite the absence of a manual transmission, the 8-speed automatic was praised for its precision, especially in demanding driving conditions.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350, equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, offered a different driving experience. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. The F Sport trim added adaptive damping suspension and additional driving modes, enhancing its performance. While not a sports sedan, the ES 350 F Sport delivered unexpected competence and enjoyment, with a firm ride and flat cornering stance.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series featured simple yet supportive front seats, with high-quality leather and heating options. Rear-seat entry was somewhat awkward, but once inside, passengers enjoyed exceptional comfort. The interior design included a widescreen infotainment system and generous storage space, with a trunk capacity of 17 cubic feet. However, some controls were cryptic, and the trunk's narrowness limited its practicality.

The 2021 Lexus ES offered a daring interior layout with sport-bolstered front seats and ample rear-seat comfort. The ES provided excellent outward visibility and plentiful storage, though the configuration was unconventional. The trunk measured 13.9 cubic feet, with a hands-free power trunk option. The interior's quality materials and design reinforced its Lexus identity, despite sharing a platform with the Toyota Avalon.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series boasted an advanced iDrive infotainment system with multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was intuitive, with a smartphone-like display and an excellent voice recognition system. The optional head-up display was visible even with polarized sunglasses, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a touchpad interface that required attention to operate, but its dynamic voice command technology offered a more convenient alternative. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display, while not a touchscreen, provided a clear view. The ES included a comprehensive suite of connectivity features, with a 10-speaker sound system standard and an available 17-speaker Mark Levinson system for audiophiles.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series required optional packages for advanced driving assistance systems, which were sometimes lacking in smoothness. However, the car received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights, ensuring its safety credentials.

The 2021 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of ADAS features. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, confirming its safety prowess.