2020 Lexus ES vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

2020 Lexus ES
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Lexus ES is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 5 Series scores 8.0 out of 10. Given these equal ratings, the final recommendation depends on your priorities. If you value a comfortable ride and luxurious interior, the Lexus ES is a strong choice. However, if you seek a blend of performance, advanced technology, and sophisticated driver-assist features, the BMW 5 Series is the better option.

Overview

MSRP

$39,900

MSRP

$54,200

Average price

$30,598

Average price

$35,085

Listings

198

Listings

774
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Premium interior materials
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard

2020 Lexus ES Reviews 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.

2021 BMW 5 Series Reviews Summary

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.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.5L 302 hp V6

Engine

2.0L 248 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

302 hp @ 6600 rpm

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

22

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

32

MPG Highway

33
2020 Lexus ES
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Lexus ES
$39,900MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Lexus ES is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 BMW 5 Series scores 8.0 out of 10. Given these equal ratings, the final recommendation depends on your priorities. If you value a comfortable ride and luxurious interior, the Lexus ES is a strong choice. However, if you seek a blend of performance, advanced technology, and sophisticated driver-assist features, the BMW 5 Series is the better option.

Overview
MSRP
$39,900
$54,200
Average price
$30,598
$35,085
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.8
4.7
Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Premium interior materials
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Not much cargo space
  • Fairly pedestrian performance
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Great ride quality
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
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.

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.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.5L 302 hp V6
2.0L 248 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
302 hp @ 6600 rpm
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
22
25
MPG Highway
32
33
Look and feel
2020 Lexus ES
9/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
8/10

The 2020 Lexus ES had evolved significantly from its earlier iterations, shedding its "boring" label with a more aggressive design. The large spindle grille, which had been growing since 2016, integrated well with the 2020 model's larger proportions, though it remained a bold statement. The rear design was more subdued, featuring thin taillamps and a pronounced kink at the back of the side windows. Inside, the ES boasted a luxurious cabin with soft-touch materials and a large infotainment screen that blended seamlessly into the dash. The interior was second only to Mercedes-Benz in terms of execution.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW 5 Series maintained a restrained design, avoiding the flashy elements of other luxury sedans. The 2021 model received a minor refresh, with sleeker LED headlights and a slightly larger twin-kidney grille. The 5 Series also featured new trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers for the M Sport Package. Inside, the 5 Series retained its familiar BMW layout, with specific design elements that reinforced the brand's identity. The materials varied by trim level, with higher trims offering luxurious options like Nappa leather.

Performance
2020 Lexus ES
7/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
8/10

The 2020 Lexus ES came with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the ES to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 131 mph. The ES prioritized a comfortable and refined ride, with Dynamic Control Shocks and an optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for the F Sport trim. The AVS added a Sport+ mode, enhancing steering response and throttle mapping. While not a high-performance vehicle, the ES offered confident acceleration and precise handling.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a range of powertrains. The base 530i featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 540i, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, produced 335 horsepower and 362 pound-feet of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The M550i xDrive and M5 offered even more power, with the latter boasting 617 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid provided a balance of performance and efficiency, with a combined output of 288 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds. The 5 Series excelled in handling and driving dynamics, though it felt more like a luxury car with sporty pretensions.

Form and function
2020 Lexus ES
6/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
8/10

The 2020 Lexus ES featured a spacious cabin with ample head- and legroom in both rows. The front seats could be adjusted without compromising rear-seat legroom, and the 2019 redesign had improved rear-seat headroom. The front doors had deep pockets, and the center console offered multiple storage options. The ES had 16.7 cubic feet of trunk space, which was mid-pack for the segment. However, the rear seats did not fold down, limiting cargo flexibility.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available only as a sedan in the U.S., offered generous interior space. The front seats were competitive, and the rear seats provided ample room despite appearing less spacious on paper. The 540i had 14.0 cubic feet of trunk space, with a 40/20/20 split-folding rear bench for longer items. The test car featured 16-way power front seats with various adjustments, heating, and ventilation. Forward visibility was somewhat limited, but a surround-view camera system helped with parking.

Technology
2020 Lexus ES
8/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
9/10

The 2020 Lexus ES featured the Lexus Remote Touch system, controlling either an 8-inch or 12.3-inch display. While not a touchscreen, the Remote Touch pad was intuitive once presets were set. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the CarPlay screen utilizing the entire display. The ES also offered a 10-speaker premium audio system, with an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson system and a head-up display.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The iDrive 7 system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SiriusXM 360L, and a WiFi hotspot. The graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster layout could be confusing. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, and voice control was available. Gesture controls were also an option, though they required learning specific gestures.

Safety
2020 Lexus ES
10/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
9/10

The 2020 Lexus ES came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. Additional features included pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-tracing assist. The ES also had a full array of airbags, traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation.

Cost Effectiveness
2020 Lexus ES
8/10
2021 BMW 5 Series
6/10
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