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BMW 5 Series vs Lexus IS

2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus IS
2022 Lexus IS
$39,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus IS
$39,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$54,200

MSRP

$39,125

Listings

9482

Listings

4921

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great ride quality

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Not much cargo space

  • Noisy

  • Poor value for money

Reviews 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.

Reviews Summary

After a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year, the 2022 Lexus IS lineup returns with a handful of minor updates and a significant improvement in performance. The new 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance also debuts this year, packing a normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and laugh-riot driving dynamics. We sampled the new 2022 IS 500 in the suburbs and outskirts of Phoenix, and if you’re among the driving enthusiasts who miss the discontinued Lexus GS F, this is a credible substitute.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 248 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 241 hp I4

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

248 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5800 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

21

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

31
2021 BMW 5 Series
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus IS
2022 Lexus IS
$39,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 BMW 5 Series
$54,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Lexus IS
$39,125MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$54,200
$39,125
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.5

4.5

Expert reviews

8.0 out of 10

Read full review

8.2 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Great ride quality

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Pros

  • Fun to drive

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Standard advanced safety features

Cons

  • Not much cargo space

  • Noisy

  • Poor value for money

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.

After a substantial refresh for the 2021 model year, the 2022 Lexus IS lineup returns with a handful of minor updates and a significant improvement in performance. The new 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance also debuts this year, packing a normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 and laugh-riot driving dynamics. We sampled the new 2022 IS 500 in the suburbs and outskirts of Phoenix, and if you’re among the driving enthusiasts who miss the discontinued Lexus GS F, this is a credible substitute.
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
Look and feel

2021 BMW 5 Series

8/10

2022 Lexus IS

9/10
The 5 Series has a restrained design, with a sleeker look for the 2021 model year. The interior maintains the familiar BMW layout, offering high-end materials and a specific BMW style. On the other hand, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance boasts a powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. It offers a thrilling driving experience, combining emotional thrill with comfort, quality, and dependability.
Picture of 2021 BMW 5 Series
Performance

2021 BMW 5 Series

8/10

2022 Lexus IS

9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 BMW 5 Series 8 out of 10 for performance, and the 2022 Lexus IS 9 out of 10. The 5 Series offers a wide array of powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 530i and a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine in the 540i. The M550i xDrive and M5 models provide even more power, with the M5 reaching 617 hp in Competition spec. On the other hand, the 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance impresses with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, and a quick 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.
Form and function

2021 BMW 5 Series

8/10

2022 Lexus IS

7/10
The 5 Series sedan offers spacious seating and a generous trunk space of 14.0 cubic feet. The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance provides comfortable front seats, effective climate control, and a snug yet accommodating rear seat for adults of average height.
Technology

2021 BMW 5 Series

9/10

2022 Lexus IS

10/10
The 5 Series features a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the latest iDrive 7 system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. The 2022 Lexus IS 500 Premium adds a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, along with dynamic voice command technology.
Safety

2021 BMW 5 Series

9/10

2022 Lexus IS

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 BMW 5 Series 9 out of 10 for safety, and the 2022 Lexus IS 8 out of 10. The 2021 BMW 5 Series offers a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The 2022 Lexus IS comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, providing a wide range of driving assistance and collision-prevention technologies.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 BMW 5 Series is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Lexus IS scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Lexus IS is the recommended choice, offering a thrilling driving experience, advanced technology, and a comprehensive suite of driving assistance and collision-prevention technologies. However, it is worth noting that these vehicles are not direct rivals.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 BMW 5 Series is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Lexus IS scores 8.2 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Lexus IS is the recommended choice, offering a thrilling driving experience, advanced technology, and a comprehensive suite of driving assistance and collision-prevention technologies. However, it is worth noting that these vehicles are not direct rivals.

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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