2022 Lexus ES vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 Lexus ES had long been a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations since its debut in 1990. Despite a decline in sales since its peak in 2007, the ES continued to attract a respectable number of buyers each year. The challenge for Lexus was to appeal to a younger demographic without alienating its loyal, older customer base. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offering both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. The ES featured elegant proportions with a sleek roofline and a distinctive spindle grille, while the interior boasted a layered dashboard and sporty F Sport leather seating.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a bold new design language, particularly evident in its front-end styling with an oversized grille and split lighting elements. The profile maintained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end featured distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series offered a modern and minimalistic interior with a broad horizontal layout and a futuristic curved glass pane housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were of premium quality, with options like light gray cashmere wool-blend upholstery adding a cozy touch. The rear seats, especially with the optional Rear Executive Lounge Seating package, provided a luxurious experience akin to business class on an airline.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and a quicker 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 horsepower, achieving 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds. While the ES 250 AWD provided standard all-wheel drive, it felt underpowered for a luxury sedan. The ES 350's V6 offered a more engaging drive, and the ES 300h excelled in fuel economy with 44 mpg combined.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series initially offered two powertrains. The base 740i featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine with a mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and reaching 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The 760i xDrive, with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, delivered 536 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds. The V8-powered 760i xDrive impressed with its quick and fluid acceleration, while the handling was sportier than rivals like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The ride quality was slightly stiffer, but not intrusive, and the Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered practical advantages over SUVs, with a generous 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space and a pass-through for long items. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat for additional cargo space. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling and fuel economy compared to the Lexus RX SUV. Inside, the ES provided ample storage, with big bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for easy access.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated doors, though they could be cumbersome to use. Inside, the front seats were generously padded with numerous power adjustments, while the rear seats offered remarkable space and comfort, especially with the lounge seating option. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen added a wow factor, though its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk offered 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space, slightly larger than some competitors. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and small door pockets.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system was standard, with an upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system available on upper trims. The ES featured a touchpad interface, which could be challenging to use on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, along with a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured the iDrive 8 infotainment system, operable via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, deeper menu navigation could be complex. Voice controls helped mitigate this, though they interrupted audio playback. An 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System was standard. The optional theater screen had inconsistent touchscreen inputs, and the iDrive system felt less intuitive compared to previous iterations.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional package added a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control and highway driving assistant were praised for their smooth operation and reduced driver fatigue.