Compare the2022 BMW 7 SeriesVS 2021 Lexus LS Series

The 7 Series has standard Active Headrests, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Active Headrests system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The LS Series doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

An active infrared night vision system optional on the 7 Series helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera and near-infrared lights to detect heat, the system then projects the image on the windshield, near the driver’s line of sight and even aims one of the vehicle’s headlights in the direction of the person or object. The LS Series doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the 7 Series and the LS Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available all wheel drive.

The 7 Series’ corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the LS Series’ (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 7 Series for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the LS Series (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 43 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 7 Series’ warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 7 Series’ reliability 38 points higher than the LS Series.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 7 Series second among large premium cars in their 2020 Initial Quality Study. The LS Series isn’t in the top three in its category.

The 7 Series has more powerful engines than the LS Series:

As tested in Motor Trend the 745e 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid is faster than the LS 500 3.4 turbo V6:

On the EPA test cycle the 7 Series running on electricity gets better mileage than the LS Series:

On the EPA test cycle the 7 Series running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the LS Series:

The 740i’s maximum driving range in pure electric mode is 17 miles, about 28 times as far as the LS 500h’s .6 mile range.

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the 7 Series’ fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Lexus only offers a regenerative brake system on the LS Series Hybrid.

Regardless of its engine, the 7 Series’ engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. Lexus only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the LS Series Hybrid.

The 7 Series’ launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The LS Series doesn’t offer launch control.

The 7 Series stops much shorter than the LS Series:

For better traction, the Alpina B7’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the LS Series (F:255/40R20 & R:295/35R20 vs. F:245/45R20 & R:275/40R20).

The 7 Series’ optional 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series front and 35 series rear profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LS Series 500 F Sport’s 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

The 7 Series offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the LS Series; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

The front and rear suspension of the 7 Series uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the LS Series, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The 7 Series offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Lexus doesn’t offer an active suspension on the LS Series.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 7 Series’ wheelbase is 3.4 inches longer than on the LS Series (126.4 inches vs. 123 inches).

The Alpina B7 handles at .97 G’s, while the LS 500 pulls only .88 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The 750i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.6 seconds quicker than the LS 500h AWD (25.4 seconds @ .75 average G’s vs. 27 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

The BMW 7 Series may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs up to about 450 pounds less than the Lexus LS Series.

The front grille of the 7 Series uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The LS Series doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Because it has more passenger and cargo room, the EPA rates the 7 Series a Large car, while the LS Series is rated a Mid-size.

The 7 Series has 14.6 cubic feet more passenger volume than the LS Series (114 vs. 99.4).

The 7 Series has 2.6 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom, .4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.6 inches more rear headroom, 5.5 inches more rear legroom and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the LS Series.

The 7 Series’ instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The LS Series does not have an oil pressure gauge.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW 7 Series has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The LS Series doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The 7 Series’ Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Optional Remote Control Parking will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The LS Series doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 7 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lexus LS Series isn't recommended.