2020 Lexus ES vs 2021 BMW 3 Series
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Lexus ES is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 3 Series scores 6.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Lexus ES emerges as the more highly recommended choice, offering a compelling combination of luxury, comfort, efficiency, and safety features.
Choose the 2020 Lexus ES if:
- You prioritize a comfortable and refined driving experience with a focus on luxury and comfort.
- You seek a spacious and well-equipped sedan with impressive fuel efficiency.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and a luxurious interior.
Choose the 2021 BMW 3 Series if:
- You desire a range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid model, for varying levels of performance and efficiency.
- You appreciate advanced infotainment technology and a premium driving experience.
- You prioritize a sedan with a spacious interior and generous cargo space, despite potential additional costs for certain safety and tech features.
Overview | |
MSRP$39,900 | MSRP$41,250 |
Average price$30,658 | Average price$30,099 |
Listings194 | Listings1635 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.8 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 Lexus ES Reviews SummarySUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving. The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology. | |
2021 BMW 3 Series Reviews SummaryEarly generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.5L 302 hp V6 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City22 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.5L 302 hp V6 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm |
Horsepower302 hp @ 6600 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City22 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway32 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation System | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofOptional | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space16.7 cu ft | Cargo Space13.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3649 lbs | Curb Weight3589 lbs |
Height56.9 in | Height56.8 in |
Length195.9 in | Length185.7 in |
Width73.4 in | Width81.4 in |
Wheelbase113.0 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload905 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2020 Lexus ES is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 3 Series scores 6.8 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2020 Lexus ES emerges as the more highly recommended choice, offering a compelling combination of luxury, comfort, efficiency, and safety features.
Choose the 2020 Lexus ES if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a comfortable and refined driving experience with a focus on luxury and comfort.
- You seek a spacious and well-equipped sedan with impressive fuel efficiency.
- You value a comprehensive suite of standard safety features and a luxurious interior.
Choose the 2021 BMW 3 Series if:
Shop Now- You desire a range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid model, for varying levels of performance and efficiency.
- You appreciate advanced infotainment technology and a premium driving experience.
- You prioritize a sedan with a spacious interior and generous cargo space, despite potential additional costs for certain safety and tech features.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $39,900 | $41,250 |
Average price | $30,658 | $30,099 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 5.0 |
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 6.8 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | SUVs might dominate the luxury car market, but many luxury brands were built on sedans, like the 2020 Lexus ES. While crossovers and SUVs combine added cargo space with all-weather driving capability, sedans are all about driving in comfort. Lower ride height allows sedans to be far more refined in on-road driving dynamics, offer better fuel economy, and still have enough room for a weekend’s worth of bags. SUVs might have the attributes that you might need in certain scenarios, but sedans like the 2020 Lexus ES excel in ways that are relevant in everyday driving. The 2020 Lexus ES is one year off a complete redesign, though it maintains the same comfort-first formula. It is available in a racy 350 F Sport trim level, but don’t expect any major leaps in performance. The ES delivers on a serene ride and a quiet, well-appointed cabin. For 2020, the ES gains some in-cabin tech features, joining a long list of standard technology. | Early generations of the BMW 3 Series redefined what a luxury car could be, justifying their prestige badge with sporty driving dynamics and impeccable engineering. BMW changed the luxury-car paradigm, proving that nimble sports sedans could be just as desirable as wood-encrusted land yachts. The 3 Series spawned a number of imitators, including the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. Those sedans, along with the Acura TLX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 (which wear more recently-introduced nameplates) still form the 3 Series’ competitive set, but the car itself has changed. Introduced for the 2019 model year, the current-generation 3 Series (codenamed G20) feels more like a traditional luxury sedan, with a greater emphasis on comfort and convenience than previous generations. The manual transmission is gone, as are the wagon and 3 Series GT hatchback body styles. The 3 Series coupe and convertible were re-badged as the 4 Series beginning with the 2014 model year. The biggest change for the 2021 BMW 3 Series is the addition of the 330e plug-in hybrid model to the lineup, so that’s what we test drove for this review. BMW also offers 330i and M340i versions, and there’s an M3 performance model on the way. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.5L 302 hp V6 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 22 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.5L 302 hp V6 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm |
Horsepower | 302 hp @ 6600 rpm | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 22 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 32 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Optional | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 16.7 cu ft | 13.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3649 lbs | 3589 lbs |
Height | 56.9 in | 56.8 in |
Length | 195.9 in | 185.7 in |
Width | 73.4 in | 81.4 in |
Wheelbase | 113.0 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 905 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
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