Compare the2022 BMW 530eVS 2021 Lexus LS Series

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the 530e helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The LS Series doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the 530e 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.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, with its optional front crash prevention system, and its headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the 530e its highest rating: “Top Pick Plus” for 2019, a rating granted to only 103 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The LS Series has not been tested, yet.

The 530e’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the LS Series’ (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 530e 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 530e’s warranty.

On the EPA test cycle the 530e running on electricity gets better mileage than the LS Series:

On the EPA test cycle the 530e running its gasoline engine gets better mileage than the LS Series:

The 530e’s maximum driving range in pure electric mode is 19 to 21 miles, about 35 times as far as the LS 500h’s 0.6-mile range.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 530e higher (7 out of 10) than the Lexus LS Series (3 to 7). This means the 530e produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the LS Series every 15,000 miles.

The 530e’s 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 530e stops much shorter than the LS Series:

The 530e’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LS Series’ standard 50 series tires.

The 530e handles at .85 G’s, while the LS 500h AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The 530e executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the LS 500h AWD (26.6 seconds @ .67 average G’s vs. 27 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

The BMW 530e may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 700 pounds less than the Lexus LS Series.

The 530e is 10.3 inches shorter than the LS Series, making the 530e easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the 530e 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.

The 530e has 1.5 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom and .2 inches more rear headroom than the LS Series.

The 530e’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The LS Series doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

Insurance will cost less for the 530e owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 530e will cost $3470 to $4460 less than the LS Series over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW 530e will be $21725 to $28697 less than for the Lexus LS Series.