BMW vs. Lexus

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from BMW and Lexus contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both BMW and Lexus cars.

When comparing the BMW brand to the Lexus brand, BMW has the advantage in the areas of horsepower, towing capacity and variety of models offered. Lexus has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, used car pricing, depreciation, overall quality, reliability, safety, retained value and vehicle rankings.

BMW versus Lexus: Pricing and Value: Analyzing BMW versus Lexus pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Lexus in 28 out of 31 vehicle comparisons. Lexus also has a lower used vehicle starting price in 20 out of 24 comparisons. Lexus models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 31 out of 31 comparisons. The lower overall prices for Lexus, plus their lower depreciation rate, gives Lexus the overall advantage over BMW.

BMW versus Lexus: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: BMW vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 22 out of 31 model comparisons, with Lexus offering more horsepower in 9 comparisons. Lexus offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 7 out of 18 comparisons. BMW vehicles have higher MPG in 7 comparisons, and both BMW and Lexus vehicles have the same MPG in 4 comparisons. BMW offers a greater towing capacity in 8 out of 10 comparisons.

BMW versus Lexus: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of BMW versus Lexus overall quality ratings shows Lexus with higher quality ratings in 22 out of 22 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Lexus has the advantage in 22 out of 22 comparisons. Lexus has better safety ratings in 6 out of 10 comparisons while BMW has better safety ratings in 1 out of 10 comparisons. BMW and Lexus tie for safety in 3 comparisons. Lexus shows higher ratings for retained value in 31 out of 31 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: BMW has better car rankings in 2 categories: BMW X3 in Best Luxury 5-seater SUVs and BMW X3 in Best Luxury Crossover SUVs.Lexus has better car rankings in 16 categories: Lexus RX 500h in Best Hybrid Luxury Crossover SUVs, Lexus LS 500h in Best Hybrid Luxury Large Cars, Lexus ES 300h in Best Hybrid Luxury Midsize Cars, Lexus RX 500h in Best Hybrid Luxury Midsize SUVs, Lexus NX 300h in Best Hybrid Luxury Small SUVs, Lexus RX 450hL in Best Hybrid Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows, Lexus IS 350 in Best Luxury Compact Cars, Lexus RC F in Best Luxury Coupes, Lexus ES 300h in Best Luxury Hybrid Cars, Lexus RX 500h in Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs, Lexus LS 500 in Best Luxury Large Cars, Lexus ES 250 in Best Luxury Midsize Cars, Lexus RX 350 in Best Luxury Midsize SUVs, Lexus IS 350 in Best Luxury Small Cars, Lexus RC F in Best Luxury Sports Cars, and Lexus LX 600 in Best Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: BMW has the better car ranking in 1 category: Z4 (convertible) in Most Reliable Luxury Sports Cars. Lexus has better car rankings in 8 categories: Lexus RX 350 in Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs, Lexus ES 300h in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid Cars, Lexus RX 450h in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid SUVs, Lexus LS 500 in Most Reliable Luxury Large Cars, Lexus ES 250 in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars, Lexus GX 460 in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUVs, Lexus IS 350 in Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars, and Lexus LX 600 in Most Reliable Luxury SUVs with 3 Rows.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Lexus has better car rankings in 4 categories: Lexus LS 500 in Best Luxury Large Cars for the Money, Lexus ES 250 in Best Luxury Midsize Cars for the Money, Lexus GX 460 in Best Luxury Midsize SUVs for the Money, and Lexus IS 350 in Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money.

Available Body Styles: BMW offers 14 SUVs, 15 sedans, 6 coupes, and 5 convertibles. In comparison, Lexus offers 17 SUVs, 8 sedans, 5 coupes, and 1 convertible.

Drivetrain Options: BMW offers 23 gasoline vehicles, 5 plug-in hybrids, and 4 electric vehicles. Lexus offers 17 gasoline vehicles, 10 hybrids, 2 plug-in hybrids, and 2 electric vehicles.

BMW offers 26 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 15 rear-wheel-drive models. Lexus offers 23 all-wheel-drive models, 8 front-wheel-drive models, and 10 rear-wheel-drive models.