BMW 5 Series vs Lexus ES

The 2026 BMW 5 Series embraced a Bauhaus-inspired design, characterized by geometric forms, clean lines, and minimalism. However, the details sometimes resulted in jarring juxtapositions, as seen in the 540i test car with its M Sport package. The expressive bumpers and blacked-out sections, combined with the Extended Shadowline trim, created a bold yet somewhat disjointed front appearance. Inside, the Copper and Grey Merino leather upholstery added warmth to the otherwise businesslike interior, complemented by a BMW Curved Display panel that spanned half the dashboard. The ambient lighting was a standout feature, with touch-sensing controls embedded into the lighting strips, reducing clutter and enhancing the cabin's aesthetic.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus ES underwent a significant transformation, growing in size and adopting an edgier design. The new ES featured flatter bodywork panels and harder edges, with a reduced spindle grille and a narrow slit above it. The profile view highlighted beveled surfaces, marking a departure from the previous flowing curves. Inside, the ES offered a modern and simplified layout, with a broad horizontal dashboard and a large infotainment touchscreen. The NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery provided a convincing substitute for genuine leather, maintaining high-quality materials throughout the interior. Despite missing out on premium leather and bamboo trim, the ES retained its sturdy construction and comfortable rear seats.

The 2026 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 540i xDrive, was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, with an additional boost to 398 lb-ft from the eBoost 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The eight-speed Sport automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system contributed to its smooth and swift performance. The M Sport package added firmer suspension and 21-inch wheels, enhancing the driving experience on winding roads. However, the 540i leaned more toward luxury, with light steering and some body motion even in Sport mode. The ride was busy due to the M Sport upgrades, but the powertrain remained fuel-efficient, averaging 26.5 mpg in testing.

The 2026 Lexus ES 350h featured a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid engine producing 244 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) sending power to the front wheels. All-wheel drive was available with an additional electric motor for the rear wheels. The ES prioritized comfort over performance, with leisurely acceleration and a smooth ride. The brake pedal provided a seamless transition between regenerative and physical braking, while handling was adequate but not sporty. The soft suspension tuning ensured a comfortable ride, with minimal wind or road noise, reinforcing its role as a luxury sedan.

The 2026 BMW 5 Series offered comfortable front seats wrapped in supple leather, with heating and ventilation but no massage function. The rear seats were equally comfortable, though taller passengers might find the hard plastic on the front seatback panel uncomfortable. Storage space was adequate, with smartphone storage and USB-C connectivity available. The trunk claimed an 18.4 cubic-foot cargo area, though the actual space seemed smaller due to the mild-hybrid tech and compact spare tire underneath.

The 2026 Lexus ES provided ample rear seat space, gaining 1.4 inches of legroom and 0.4 inches of headroom. The front seats offered plenty of lateral space, though storage was average. The trunk held up to 17.4 cubic feet of cargo, with a wide and useful space aided by a power trunk lid. However, the rear seatbacks did not fold, limiting hauling capabilities.

The 2026 BMW 5 Series featured a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, powered by BMW Operating System 8.5. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system. The voice assistant performed well, though it struggled with certain commands. The head-up display and high-resolution surround-view camera system impressed, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2026 Lexus ES utilized Lexus' latest infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch instrument panel. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Premium+ trim offered a Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium surround-sound system and a digital key feature. The integrated Drive Recorder provided a multi-camera dash cam, though its alerts could be distracting.

The 2026 BMW 5 Series, particularly the 540i, included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance, creating an Assisted Driving system. The Driving Assistance Professional package added steering-related features and an emergency stop system. Highway Assistant, though inactive in the test vehicle, offered hands-free driving at speeds up to 85 mph. The 5 Series received high marks from the IIHS, though it hadn't completed all tests for Top Safety Pick recognition.

The 2026 Lexus ES came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite, including frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane departure mitigation, and more. The Premium+ trim added a surround-view camera system, head-up display, and other advanced features. The lane departure warning was overly sensitive, and the Proactive Driving Assist was considered intrusive.