BMW 5 Series vs. Lexus ES 350
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 5 Series and Lexus ES 350 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 5 Series and the Lexus ES 350.
In comparing the BMW 5 Series's and the Lexus ES 350's specifications and ratings, the BMW 5 Series has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The Lexus ES 350 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW 5 Series's and the Lexus ES 350's specifications and ratings, the Lexus ES 350 is a better car than the BMW 5 Series.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW 5 Series ranges from $56,935 to $71,330 while a used 2024 Lexus ES 350 is priced between $41,664 to $55,146. For a new model, the BMW 5 Series's price is between $60,788 and $77,947, with the Lexus ES 350 priced between $44,902 and $56,496.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 5 Series loses 57.1 percent of its value and the Lexus ES 350 loses 41.1 percent of its value. This means the Lexus ES 350 retains 16 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 5 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 5 Series is 7.7 out of 10 while the Lexus ES 350's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW 5 Series being ranked 13 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the Lexus ES 350 being ranked 1 out of 24.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 5 Series is 8.2 out of 10. For the Lexus ES 350 the reliability rating is 9.0 out of 10. This gives the Lexus ES 350 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 5 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 5 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Lexus ES 350 base engine makes 302 horsepower. The 5 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 557 miles. The ES 350 is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 509 miles. This gives the BMW 5 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lexus ES 350. The 5 Series uses premium unleaded, and the ES 350 uses regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are midsize cars, the Lexus ES 350 has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room, rear head room and rear leg room. The BMW 5 Series has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Lexus ES 350 has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings. When comparing IIHS evaluations, both the BMW 5 Series and the Lexus ES 350 have the same Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$60,788 - $77,947
Starting MSRP:
$57,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$44,902 - $56,496
Starting MSRP:
$42,040
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$73,001
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$38,395 - $138,800
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$63,766
Price Range:
$56,935 - $71,330
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
454
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
15,723
# Good or Great Deals:
180
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$47,885
Price Range:
$41,664 - $55,146
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$78,175
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,925 - $144,288
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
311
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
12,803
# Good or Great Deals:
102
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$33,572
Depreciation %:
58%
Resale Value $:
$24,328
Residual Value %:
42%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$17,494
Depreciation %:
41.6%
Resale Value $:
$24,546
Residual Value %:
58.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
52.5%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38.3% - 63.1%
BMW 5 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
6.9 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Lexus ES 350 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.0 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 5 Series
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8.5 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
3.7%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus ES 350
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
8.5 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
54.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
16.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.8 - 16.7
BMW 5 Series Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
7 out of / 18Ranking
8 out of / 24Ranking
9 out of / 24Ranking
10 out of / 24Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
13 out of / 24Ranking
13 out of / 24Ranking
14 out of / 24Ranking
23 out of / 24Lexus ES 350 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 24Ranking
1 out of / 18Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
2 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 24Ranking
10 out of / 24Ranking
18 out of / 24Ranking
21 out of / 24Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW 5 Series Trim Levels
530i, 530i xDrive, 540i xDrive
Lexus ES 350 Trim Levels
Base, F SPORT Design, F SPORT Handling, Luxury, Ultra Luxury
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.063 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
302 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
267 foot-lbs @ 4700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.082 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
429 / 557 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 32 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 509 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.3 inches
Cargo Space:
13.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
99.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4041 lbs
Width:
84.9 inches
Height:
59.6 inches
Length:
199.2 inches
Wheelbase:
117.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3690 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
195.9 inches
Wheelbase:
113 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic
Blue
Phytonic Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Frozen Deep Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Oxide Grey Metallic
Green
Cape York Green Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Beige
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Caviar / Obsidian
Blue
Nightfall Mica
Gray
Cloudburst Gray
Green
Sunlit Green
Red
Matador Red Mica
White
Eminent White Pearl
Beige
Moonbeam Beige Metallic
Silver
Iridium
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black/Atlas Grey
Brown
Copper Brown/Atlas Grey / Espresso Brown
Gray
Silverstone II Atlas Grey
Red
Burgundy Red
White
Smoke White
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/ Open-Pore Black Wood Trim / Black w/ Striated Black Film Trim
Brown
Acorn w/ Open-Pore Black Wood Trim / Acorn w/ Striated Black Film Trim / Palomino w/ Open-Pore Brown Walnut Trim / Palomino w/ Striated Black Film Trim
Gray
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Macadamia w/ Ash Bamboo Trim
