BMW 5 Series vs Lexus ES

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from other BMW sedans by avoiding the flashy elements of the 3 Series and the grandiosity of the 7 Series. It underwent a subtle styling refresh, enhancing its sleekness with streamlined LED headlights and a larger, yet tastefully sized, twin-kidney grille. The M Sport Package introduced trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and updated bumpers, contributing to a slightly longer body while maintaining an efficient drag coefficient. Inside, the 5 Series retained its classic BMW interior, with familiar design cues and a focus on brand identity. While the base models featured SensaTec upholstery, higher trims offered luxurious leather options, enhancing the premium feel, albeit with a sport steering wheel that seemed out of place in the otherwise elegant cabin.

The 2022 Lexus ES continued its legacy as a staple in the Lexus lineup, evolving over seven generations. Despite a decline in sales, it remained a popular choice among an older demographic. The ES, built on the GA-K platform, offered a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout with optional all-wheel drive. Its design was elegant yet understated, featuring a distinctive spindle grille and assertive headlamp shapes. The interior, while precisely assembled, had an asymmetrical dashboard that created a cockpit feel for the driver. The F Sport package added sporty two-tone leather seating, contrasting with the overall conservative design. A small analog chronometer on the dash aimed to highlight the ES's heritage but instead contributed to a cluttered appearance.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base 530i featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The 540i, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivered 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp, while the M5 offered 617 hp, achieving 0-100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, providing 288 hp and a 31 km electric range. The 5 Series excelled in handling and driving dynamics, though it leaned more towards luxury than pure sportiness.

The 2022 Lexus ES came in three models, each with distinct powertrains. The ES 250 AWD featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The ES 350, with a 3.5-litre V6, delivered 307 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The ES 300h hybrid combined a 176-hp engine with a 39-hp electric motor, offering 215 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 8.1 seconds. The ES excelled in fuel efficiency, particularly the hybrid model, but the ES 250 AWD's performance was underwhelming for a luxury sedan. The ES handled smoothly and predictably, though it lacked the engaging driving experience of the BMW.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered a spacious interior with competitive front-seat space and ample rear-seat room. The 540i provided 396 litres of trunk space, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold, enhancing cargo versatility. The 16-way power front seats offered excellent support and comfort, though forward visibility was hindered by the long hood. A surround-view camera system aided in maneuvering.

The 2022 Lexus ES, with 394 litres of cargo space, maintained practicality with a pass-through for long items and fold-flat rear seats in the ES 250 and ES 350. The sedan's lower centre of gravity and ground clearance improved handling compared to SUVs. Inside, the ES featured heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, and available semi-aniline leather upholstery. Storage options included big bottle pockets, a spacious centre console, and a large glove compartment. The dash layout was functional, though not visually appealing.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with the iDrive 7 system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. The rotary knob controller provided a tactile interface, while voice and gesture controls offered alternative options. The infotainment system's graphics were excellent, though the instrument cluster layout could be confusing.

The 2022 Lexus ES came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a 10-speaker Pioneer sound system. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Mark Levinson audio, and navigation. The touchpad interface was an improvement over previous setups but remained challenging on rough roads. A 10-inch head-up display was available, enhancing safety by reducing driver distraction. The ES also featured a Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist on upper trims.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS for the 2020 model, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, and lane-keep assist, showcasing BMW's sophisticated driver-assist technology.

The 2022 Lexus ES earned a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 included a pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, road-sign assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, 10 airbags, and up to 10 years of Lexus Enform Safety Connect service, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage.