2021 BMW 5 Series vs 2021 Lexus IS
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 BMW 5 Series is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus IS scores 7.3 out of 10. Given these ratings, the BMW 5 Series takes the lead with its superior blend of performance, advanced technology, and practical features. While the Lexus IS stands out for its sporty aesthetic and connected services, the BMW 5 Series better fulfills the diverse needs of luxury sedan buyers. Therefore, the 2021 BMW 5 Series comes highly recommended for those seeking a versatile and refined driving experience.
Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:
Shop Now- You’re drawn to bold, assertive styling with an athletic stance and striking design elements.
- You value a driving experience defined by precision and balance.
- You appreciate comprehensive connected services and premium audio options with touch control ease.
Choose the 2021 BMW 5 Series if:
Shop Now- You prioritize an understated yet refined and aerodynamic exterior design.
- You desire a high level of customization in performance, from a plug-in hybrid to an ultra-powerful V8.
- You need more trunk space and versatile rear seating configurations for everyday practicality.
Overview | |
MSRP$54,200 | MSRP$39,050 |
Average price$37,312 | Average price$35,749 |
Listings2022 | Listings465 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 BMW 5 Series Reviews SummaryBMW 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. | |
2021 Lexus IS Reviews SummaryThe Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 248 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 248 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City21 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.0 cu ft | Cargo Space10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight3765 lbs | Curb Weight3715 lbs |
Height58.2 in | Height56.5 in |
Length195.8 in | Length185.4 in |
Width83.7 in | Width72.4 in |
Wheelbase117.1 in | Wheelbase110.2 in |
Maximum Payload800 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 BMW 5 Series is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Lexus IS scores 7.3 out of 10. Given these ratings, the BMW 5 Series takes the lead with its superior blend of performance, advanced technology, and practical features. While the Lexus IS stands out for its sporty aesthetic and connected services, the BMW 5 Series better fulfills the diverse needs of luxury sedan buyers. Therefore, the 2021 BMW 5 Series comes highly recommended for those seeking a versatile and refined driving experience.
Choose the 2021 Lexus IS if:
Shop Now- You’re drawn to bold, assertive styling with an athletic stance and striking design elements.
- You value a driving experience defined by precision and balance.
- You appreciate comprehensive connected services and premium audio options with touch control ease.
Choose the 2021 BMW 5 Series if:
Shop Now- You prioritize an understated yet refined and aerodynamic exterior design.
- You desire a high level of customization in performance, from a plug-in hybrid to an ultra-powerful V8.
- You need more trunk space and versatile rear seating configurations for everyday practicality.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $54,200 | $39,050 |
Average price | $37,312 | $35,749 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.9 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
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. | The Lexus IS enters its fourth generation of production, embodying lessons learned from the LC and RC. The 2021 IS targets enthusiast drivers and luxury buyers who might be thinking German first, and it seeks to recalibrate expectations of what a compact luxury sports sedan can be. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 248 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 248 hp I4 | 2.0L 241 hp I4 |
Torque | 257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm |
Horsepower | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm | 241 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 21 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.0 cu ft | 10.8 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3765 lbs | 3715 lbs |
Height | 58.2 in | 56.5 in |
Length | 195.8 in | 185.4 in |
Width | 83.7 in | 72.4 in |
Wheelbase | 117.1 in | 110.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 800 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.