2022 Lexus ES vs 2023 BMW 7 Series

The 2022 Lexus ES, a staple in the Lexus lineup since its debut in 1990, had evolved over seven generations by 2022. Despite a decline in sales, it remained a popular choice among an older demographic. Lexus faced the challenge of attracting younger buyers without alienating its loyal customer base. The ES, built on the Global Architecture-K platform, offered a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Its design featured elegant proportions, a sleek roofline, and the distinctive Lexus "spindle" grille. The interior, while well-assembled, had an asymmetrical dashboard and sporty F Sport packaging, which added a touch of boldness to the otherwise conservative design.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW 7 Series introduced a new design language for BMW's flagship luxury sedan. Its front-end styling, with an oversized grille and split lighting elements, marked a departure from traditional BMW aesthetics. The profile retained the classic 7 Series silhouette, while the rear end featured distinctive horizontal taillights. Inside, the 7 Series boasted a modern and minimal interior with a broad horizontal layout and a curved glass pane housing the instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The materials were of premium quality, and the available light grey cashmere wool-blend upholstery added a cozy touch. The rear seats, especially with the optional Executive Lounge package, offered a luxurious experience akin to business class on an airline.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered three models with distinct powertrains. The base ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivered 307 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The hybrid ES 300h combined a 176-hp four-cylinder engine with a 39-hp electric motor for a net 215 hp, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. The ES 250 AWD's performance was adequate for an economy car but fell short for a luxury sedan, while the ES 350's V6 offered a more engaging driving experience.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series, available in Canada with the 760i xDrive, featured a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 536 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. The V8-powered 760i xDrive offered quick and fluid acceleration, with smooth gear changes from the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. The handling was sportier than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with a slightly stiffer ride quality. The Sport mode enhanced cornering and steering responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for drivers who valued performance alongside comfort.

The 2022 Lexus ES offered a generous 394 litres of cargo space, with a pass-through behind the centre armrest for long items. The second row in the ES 250 and ES 350 folded flat, providing additional space for larger items. The sedan's lower centre of gravity and ground clearance contributed to better handling and fuel economy compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a moonroof. The interior layout was functional, with ample storage and convenience features.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured power-operated automatic doors, though they could be cumbersome to use. Inside, the front seats were generously padded with numerous power adjustments, while the rear seats offered ample space and a lounge seating option with massage functions. The 31.3-inch rear entertainment screen added a wow factor, though its central placement could cause neck strain. The trunk offered 388 litres of cargo space, with a wide and deep design for larger objects. Interior storage was adequate, with a wireless charging pad, cupholders, and small door pockets.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Upper trim levels offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio, and navigation. The Lexus Enform suite included Safety Connect, Service Connect, and Remote Connect, providing various connected services. The available 10-inch head-up display enhanced driving safety by displaying critical information in the driver's line of sight.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series featured iDrive 8, the latest version of BMW's infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system could be operated via touchscreen, central dial, or voice commands. While basic functions were easy to use, more complex settings required navigating through multiple menus. Voice controls helped mitigate this complexity, though they interrupted audio playback. The standard 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System provided excellent audio quality.

The 2022 Lexus ES received top safety ratings, including the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.5, with pre-collision detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and 10 airbags.

The 2023 BMW 7 Series had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The optional Advanced Driver Assistance package added lane departure warning and a hands-free automated driving system for highways. The adaptive cruise control and highway driving assistant were praised for their smooth operation and reduced driver fatigue.