BMW 5 Series vs Lexus ES
Verdict
The BMW 5 Series asks RM19,912 more and gives the keener numbers: 208 hp, 330 Nm, rear-wheel drive and 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. It is also the bigger car, with a 2,900 mm wheelbase and 490-litre boot. The Lexus ES counters with a longer five-year warranty, 10 airbags and a lower RM320,888 price, but its 204 hp, 247 Nm and 9.1-second sprint make it the calmer choice on paper. For a Malaysian buyer, this is pace and space versus warranty cover and airbag count.
Pick the BMW 5 Series if you want the quicker executive sedan, rear-wheel drive and the larger 490-litre boot.
Pick the Lexus ES if you want the lower purchase price, five-year warranty and 10 airbags.
Key differences
- Power and torque: BMW 5 Series 208 hp/330 Nm; Lexus ES 204 hp/247 Nm
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: BMW 5 Series 7.5 s/230 km/h; Lexus ES 9.1 s/210 km/h
- Driven wheels: BMW 5 Series rear-wheel drive; Lexus ES front-wheel drive
- Size: BMW 5 Series 5,060 mm long/2,900 mm wheelbase; Lexus ES 4,975 mm long/2,870 mm wheelbase
- Boot space: BMW 5 Series 490 L; Lexus ES 420 L
- Warranty and airbags: BMW 5 Series 2 years/6 airbags; Lexus ES 5 years/10 airbags
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 340,800 | RM 320,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Power | 208 hp✓ | 204 hp |
| Torque | 330 Nm✓ | 247 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 s✓ | 9.1 s |
| Top speed | 230 km/h✓ | 210 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 4,975 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,445 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm | 2,870 mm |
| Boot space | 490 L✓ | 420 L |
| Fuel tank | — | 60 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 10✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 379✓ | RM 867 |
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.
5 Series
- Stronger 330 Nm torque figure
- Quicker 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- Larger 490-litre boot
- Shorter two-year warranty
- Only six airbags versus 10 in the Lexus ES
- Higher RM379 road tax is still lower than the Lexus, but the purchase price is higher
ES
- Lower RM320,888 price
- Five-year warranty
- 10 airbags
- Slower 9.1-second 0-100 km/h time
- Smaller 420-litre boot
- Lower 247 Nm torque figure
5 Series vs ES FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series or Lexus ES better?
The BMW 5 Series is better if you value performance and space: it is quicker to 100 km/h and has the larger boot. The Lexus ES is better if warranty length and airbag count matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 5 Series costs RM19,912 more than the Lexus ES. That extra spend buys more torque, rear-wheel drive, quicker acceleration and a larger boot, while the Lexus keeps the stronger warranty and airbag count.
Which has more safety equipment on paper?
Both get auto emergency braking, but the Lexus ES has 10 airbags against six in the BMW 5 Series. If you are judging purely by these listed safety items, the Lexus has the advantage.