Verdict
At RM340,800, the BMW 5 Series costs RM26,088 less than the Lexus ES yet has 208 hp and 330 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time to 7.5 seconds against the Lexus's 9.4 seconds. Its 490-litre boot also narrowly beats the ES's 487 litres. The Lexus counters with a 197 PS combined hybrid output, a 5,140 mm body and 2,950 mm wheelbase, both 80 mm and 50 mm longer respectively. For a Malaysian buyer, the BMW is the clearer value and performance choice; the Lexus makes sense if its longer footprint matters more than pace or price.
Pick the BMW 5 Series if you want RM26,088 back in your pocket, 330 Nm and a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the Lexus ES if you prefer its 5,140 mm body, 2,950 mm wheelbase and 197 PS combined hybrid system.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 5 Series RM340,800; Lexus ES RM366,888.
- Performance: BMW 5 Series 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds; Lexus ES in 9.4 seconds.
- Torque: BMW 5 Series 330 Nm; Lexus ES petrol engine 188 Nm.
- Driveline: BMW 5 Series rear-wheel drive; Lexus ES front-wheel drive.
- Length and wheelbase: BMW 5 Series 5,060 mm and 2,900 mm; Lexus ES 5,140 mm and 2,950 mm.
- Boot space: BMW 5 Series 490 litres; Lexus ES 487 litres.
5 Series
- RM26,088 cheaper.
- 208 hp and 330 Nm.
- Quicker 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- RM379 annual road tax versus the Lexus ES's RM374.
- Shorter 5,060 mm body and 2,900 mm wheelbase than the Lexus ES.
ES
- 197 PS combined hybrid output.
- 80 mm longer body and 50 mm longer wheelbase.
- RM374 annual road tax.
- RM26,088 more expensive.
- Slower 9.4-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 487-litre boot is 3 litres smaller.
What the 5 Series has over the ES
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The ES's wheelbase is 50 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM340,800✓ | RM366,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM374✓ |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM3,480/mo✓ | RM3,745/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM9,174✓ | RM9,852 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 2.0L Hybrid, combined output 197 PS |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,987 cc |
| Horsepower | 208 hp at 5,000 rpm✓ | 150 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 330 Nm at 1,500 rpm✓ | 188 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 82 mm × 94.6 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14.0 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 111 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 206 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Eight-speed Automatic | E-CVT |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds✓ | 9.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 230 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 5,140 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm | 2,950 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,810 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 55 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 487 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | — |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | — |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | — |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Electric power steering, variable gear ratio |
| Chassis Notes | — | Revised TNGA GA-K platform; MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear (first ES with multi-link); electric power steering with variable gear ratio |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) | — |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | — |
| Stability Control | ✓ | — |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | — |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | — |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam | — |
| Taillamps | Full LED | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings | — |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 4 USB Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | — |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | — |
| Sun Shade | Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 12-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System | — |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | — |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | — |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | — |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Active Lane keeping assistant and Stop & Go function | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | — |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | — |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Hidden-until-lit dashboard switches for climate and vehicle functions with media volume dial; sixth-generation Lexus hybrid system; 12.3-inch digital meter |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | — |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
Used 5 Series & ES for sale
Our reviews & guides
BMW 5 Series
Lexus ES
5 Series vs ES FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series or Lexus ES better?
The BMW 5 Series is the stronger buy on these figures: it costs RM26,088 less, reaches 100 km/h 1.9 seconds sooner and has a marginally larger 490-litre boot. Choose the Lexus ES for its longer body and wheelbase.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus ES costs RM26,088 more than the BMW 5 Series: RM366,888 versus RM340,800.
Which is faster, the BMW 5 Series or Lexus ES?
The BMW 5 Series is faster, completing 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and reaching 230 km/h. The Lexus ES takes 9.4 seconds and has a 180 km/h top speed.