2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 BMW 3 Series

The 2021 BMW 3 Series harkened back to BMW’s traditional styling philosophy, often described as “same sausage, different lengths” by enthusiastic aficionados. The G20 3 Series was designed to resemble a scaled-down version of the 5 and 7 Series, much like the timeless E30 3 Series. Despite this design approach, the G20 failed to achieve the iconic status of the E30. The prominent, uniquely shaped grille that suited the larger 5 Series didn’t fit as harmoniously on the 3 Series. A distinctive touch was missing beyond the grille and the reference to “halo” headlights on older models. Most buyers, however, seemed to value the badge on the hood over the design nuances.

The test model featured M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers, enlivening the design slightly but requiring the optional M Sport trim package. Standard Sport Line trim for the 330e and 330i (with M340i models featuring different trim) offered 18-inch wheels with distinct designs.

However, the interior did not meet the luxury expectations. Despite a pleasant design, the materials fell short, aligning more with an economy car than a luxury sedan. Ash wood trim appeared as fake as plastic, and genuine leather upholstery was an optional extra with standard synthetic Sensatec material. The optional M heated steering wheel seemed out of place in the otherwise conservative interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES introduced the ES 250 series with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and standard AWD at a price comparable to the ES 350 with a 3.5-liter V6 and FWD. Both models offered Standard, F Sport, Luxury, and Ultra Luxury trims, with the ES 300h hybrid version providing a notable increase in fuel efficiency and priced at a $1,910 premium.

The 2021 model also made blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all but the base trim. A new Black Line Special Edition for the ES 350 introduced limited in numbers and showcased unique styling elements with extra-cost paint, triple-beam LED headlights, and an adaptive variable suspension. The ES 350 F Sport Black Line Special Edition, at $54,070 MSRP, included a hands-free power trunk opener, head-up display, and more, enhancing its allure.

Aesthetically, the ES embraced a striking design with its prominent grille eventually becoming an admired feature. The F Sport trim further enhanced the appeal with 19-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, and aluminum interior trim. The Black Line Special Edition featured black styling elements and a unique interior, making it a distinctive choice.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offered a range of powertrains. The base 330i housed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid, combining a less powerful version of the same engine with electric assist, achieved 288 hp and 310 lb-ft with an XtraBoost overboost function. The top-tier M340i featured a turbo inline-six producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All these versions came with either RWD or xDrive AWD drivetrains, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

BMW claimed the M340i could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, while the base 330i took 5.6 seconds. Despite the hybrid system’s weight, the RWD 330e matched the gasoline 330i’s 0-60 mph time, according to BMW. However, the transition from electric to gasoline power in the 330e was clunky, and the overall driving experience was somewhat disconnected. Though the chassis retained BMW's hallmark solidity, the driving engagement wasn’t as exhilarating as older models, making it less entertaining despite its technical proficiency.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 equipped every model with a 3.5-liter V6 engine yielding 302 hp and 267 lb-ft, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels. Drivers could choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension in the F Sport trim.

Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the ES 350, with the EPA rating it at 25 mpg in combined driving. Our test loop saw an average of 22.9 mpg. The ES 350 F Sport felt quicker than its stated acceleration time, though it struggled without a torque-vectoring AWD system.

In varied driving conditions, the ES 350 F Sport showcased remarkable competence, demonstrating genuine driving enjoyment in its Sport modes. The ride was firm yet comfortable, with flat cornering and overall agility. Though noisier inside than expected, the ES 350 F Sport maintained a sporty demeanor without aiming to compete with outright sports sedans like the IS 350 F Sport.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series excelled in interior space for a small luxury sedan, boasting the best rear headroom in its class. Front headroom was above average though slightly less than the segment-leading Infiniti Q50. Legroom in both rows was standard, possibly leaving rear-seat passengers cramped if taller front passengers were present. The 3 Series lacked the shoulder room found in the Acura TLX, giving it a more confined feel.

BMW quoted 17 cubic feet of cargo space for the gasoline models, which was substantial compared to competitors. However, the 330e’s battery pack reduced this space to 13.2 cubic feet. The trunk’s long and narrow shape made full utilization awkward, though the standard 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat helped accommodate different cargo needs.

BMW’s cockpit design facilitated an excellent driving experience. The touchscreen was strategically placed for ease of use, and the low hood line, alongside generous side glass, provided superb outward visibility.

The 2021 Lexus ES, with its daring interior layout, maintained practicality despite some unconventional elements. The ES 350 F Sport featured sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, covered in NuLuxe synthetic leather that mimicked genuine leather. The seats offered excellent thigh support and overall comfort.

Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample foot and legroom, with supportive seating and an optimal backrest angle. The ES also included rear air conditioning vents and an available power rear window sunshade, missing only a panoramic glass roof.

Visibility was exceptional due to thin windshield pillars and large side mirrors. Storage, though plentiful, was oddly configured with numerous nooks and crannies instead of wider trays and bins. The trunk provided 13.9 cubic feet of space, only marginally larger than a Toyota Corolla, but the hands-free power trunk feature added convenience.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series came equipped with the iDrive infotainment system featuring an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and dual USB ports. Gasoline models supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, whereas the 330e only included CarPlay. The optional Live Cockpit Professional package introduced a digital instrument cluster, navigation, and an available HUD.

In our 330e test car, the Live Cockpit Professional felt genuinely premium with high-quality graphics, responsiveness, and intuitive controls. BMW’s system outshone competitors, offering various control methods: the traditional iDrive controller, steering wheel controls, voice assistant, and gesture controls—though some found the latter gimmicky. The system’s flexibility allowed users to choose their preferred method of interaction, enhancing usability.

Conversely, the 2021 Lexus ES’s infotainment system centered around a touchpad that demanded constant attention to operate, potentially detracting from overall usability. Despite this, there were positives. Climate and primary stereo controls were separate and conveniently located. The ES featured dynamic voice command technology, making voice operation more practical and reducing dependency on the touchpad.

The optional 12.3-inch widescreen display with dynamic navigation replaced the standard 8-inch display and looked impressive, though it wasn’t a touchscreen. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and connected services with varying free trial periods.

The basic sound system included 10 speakers, with an available 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson system for enhanced audio quality.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series was recognized as a “Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS, scoring “Good” in all crash tests. However, headlight ratings varied, and the Active Driving Assistant Professional scored lower in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention than the base system. The NHTSA had not rated the 3 Series by publication time.

BMW required additional payment for advanced safety features. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus ES included the Lexus Safety System 2.0 as standard. This suite offered forward-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping and lane-centering assistance, road-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. For 2021, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert became standard on all trims except the base.

Using steering wheel controls, drivers could adjust various ADAS settings. Though effective, these systems occasionally made abrupt decisions. Nonetheless, the ES earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.