Verdict
The BMW 5 Series is the usable known quantity: RM340,800 buys a Malaysian-assembled executive sedan with a 208-hp, 330-Nm 2.0-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine, rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic, reaching 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. It also brings a 490-litre boot, 19-inch wheels and a 14.9-inch display with Harman Kardon audio. The Lexus ES is physically larger in every exterior direction, including a 2,950-mm wheelbase versus 2,900 mm, but its Malaysian powertrain, equipment and price are not stated. That makes the BMW the sensible purchase on known facts.
Pick the BMW 5 Series if you want confirmed performance, rear-wheel drive, a 490-litre boot and a defined RM340,800 asking price.
Pick the Lexus ES if its 5,140-mm length, 1,920-mm width and 2,950-mm wheelbase are your priorities, and you can wait for its Malaysian specifications and price.
Key differences
- Length: BMW 5 Series 5,060 mm; Lexus ES 5,140 mm.
- Width: BMW 5 Series 1,900 mm; Lexus ES 1,920 mm.
- Height: BMW 5 Series 1,515 mm; Lexus ES 1,555 mm.
- Wheelbase: BMW 5 Series 2,900 mm; Lexus ES 2,950 mm.
- Price status: BMW 5 Series RM340,800; Lexus ES TBA.
5 Series
- 208 hp and 330 Nm from a 1,998-cc mild-hybrid petrol powertrain.
- Rear-wheel drive and eight-speed ZF automatic.
- 490-litre boot, 360-degree camera and head-up display.
- Shorter wheelbase: 2,900 mm versus the Lexus ES's 2,950 mm.
- Smaller exterior footprint: 5,060 mm long and 1,900 mm wide versus 5,140 mm and 1,920 mm.
ES
- Longer 5,140-mm body.
- Wider 1,920-mm body.
- 2,950-mm wheelbase, 50 mm longer than the BMW 5 Series.
- Price remains TBA, so there is no final purchase-cost comparison against the BMW 5 Series.
- Malaysian powertrain, performance, safety and equipment specifications are not stated.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM340,800 | TBA |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | — |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 208 hp | — |
| Torque | 330 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | — |
| Transmission Name | Eight-speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | — |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 230 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 |
| Doors | 4 | — |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres | — |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | — |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | — |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | — |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | — |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | — |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 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 | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | — |
| Warranty Extended | 5 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.
Used 5 Series & ES for sale
5 Series vs ES FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series or Lexus ES better?
The BMW 5 Series is the better-defined choice, with confirmed 208-hp performance, rear-wheel drive, equipment and pricing. Choose the Lexus ES only if its larger 5,140-mm body and 2,950-mm wheelbase matter more, pending full Malaysian specifications.
What is the price difference?
No final price difference can be calculated because the Lexus ES is still listed as TBA. The BMW 5 Series has a confirmed Malaysian price, so buyers can budget for it now.
Which car is larger?
The Lexus ES is larger in every stated exterior measurement: it is 80 mm longer, 20 mm wider, 40 mm taller and has a 50-mm longer wheelbase than the BMW 5 Series.