BMW 3 Series vs Lexus ES

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 loyal customer base, primarily among older buyers. This demographic posed a challenge for Lexus, as the brand sought to appeal to younger consumers without alienating its existing clientele. The latest generation, launched in 2018, was built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offering a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. The ES featured elegant proportions and a sleek roofline, though its spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes were polarizing. Inside, the asymmetrical dashboard and bold two-tone leather seating in the F Sport model added a sporty touch, though some elements, like the analog chronometer, felt dated.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a cornerstone of the Bavarian brand since 1975, underwent a mid-cycle refresh for the model year. The seventh-generation model, introduced in 2019, retained its lineup of petrol-powered and plug-in hybrid variants. Exterior updates were subtle yet sporty, with a narrow kidney grille and redesigned LED headlights. The 3 Series maintained its athletic stance with flared rear-wheel arches and standard 18-inch alloys. Inside, the real transformation occurred with the introduction of BMW iDrive 8, featuring a 27.2-inch curved display. The minimalist dashboard design and driver-centric cockpit enhanced the driving experience. The M Sport package added further flair with an M leather steering wheel and aluminum interior finish.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models, each with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, achieving 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. It accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 307 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a total of 215 hp, achieving 43 mpg city and 44 mpg highway. The ES 250 AWD, while smooth and predictable, felt underpowered for a luxury sedan, whereas the ES 350 and ES 300h offered more engaging performance and superior fuel economy.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained its powertrains from previous years. The 330i's twin-turbo 2.0-liter engine produced 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The 330e plug-in hybrid offered 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 5.6-second 0-60 mph time and 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with a 3.0-liter inline-six and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy was competitive, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The 330i, equipped with the M Sport package, provided a balanced driving experience, excelling in comfort and handling, though lacking the raw performance of its M-powered siblings.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a practical and aesthetically pleasing sedan option, with 13.9 cubic feet of trunk space and a pass-through for longer items. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, accommodating larger cargo. The sedan's lower center of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling compared to its SUV counterpart, the Lexus RX. Inside, the ES featured ample storage, with large bottle pockets, cupholders, and a spacious glove compartment. The dashboard layout was functional, with a prominent volume knob for easy access.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a compact yet comfortable interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom in the front. Rear passengers enjoyed 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom. Standard SensaTec upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats offered support, though the seat cushions were firm. The iDrive controller knob was intuitive, and the cabin featured standard storage options, including cupholders and a glovebox. The trunk offered 17 cubic feet of cargo space, with rear seats folding in a 40/20/40 split for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof and available heated seats and steering wheel.

The 2022 Lexus ES came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. A 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM radio were standard. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson audio, and navigation. The touchpad interface was an improvement over previous systems but remained challenging on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, along with a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist. Lexus Enform connected services included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote features.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced the iDrive 8 system, featuring a 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, with customizable widgets and voice-activated controls via BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Standard tech included USB-C ports, Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a 10-speaker sound system. Optional features included wireless charging, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 5G hotspot. The cloud-based navigation system was efficient, though dependent on cellular service.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, earning 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 3 Series also earned a five-star NHTSA rating, though the PHEV model was unrated. The 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, and Active Guard. Optional packages added features like blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.