Compare the2023 BMW 5 Series SedanVS 2023 Lexus LS

Both the 5 Series Sedan and the LS 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, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the 5 Series Sedan its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 128 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The LS has not been tested, yet.

The 5 Series Sedan’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the LS’ (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 5 Series Sedan for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the LS (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 44 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 5 Series Sedan’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 5 Series Sedan second among midsize premium cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The LS isn’t in the top three in its category.

The M550i’s 4.4 turbo V8 produces 107 more horsepower (523 vs. 416) and 111 lbs.-ft. more torque (553 vs. 442) than the LS 500’s optional 3.4 turbo V6.

As tested in Motor Trend the 540i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder is faster than the LS 500 3.4 turbo V6:

On the EPA test cycle the 5 Series Sedan gets better mileage than the LS:

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the 5 Series Sedan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Lexus only offers a regenerative brake system on the LS 500h.

Regardless of its engine, the 5 Series Sedan’s 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 Hybrid, and doesn’t offer a disable button.

The 5 Series Sedan’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 doesn’t offer launch control.

The 5 Series Sedan stops much shorter than the LS:

The 5 Series Sedan’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LS’ standard 50 series tires. The 5 Series Sedan’s optional 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the LS 500 F Sport’s 45 series front and 40 series rear tires.

The 5 Series Sedan 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; 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 M550i 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.

The M550i xDrive handles at .92 G’s, while the LS 500h AWD pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The M550i xDrive executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.1 seconds quicker than the LS 500h AWD (24.9 seconds @ .77 average G’s vs. 27 seconds @ .65 average G’s).

The BMW 5 Series Sedan may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 700 to 900 pounds less than the Lexus LS.

The 5 Series Sedan is 10.3 inches shorter than the LS, making the 5 Series Sedan easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the 5 Series Sedan 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 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the 540i is quieter than the LS 500 AWD:

The 5 Series Sedan has 1.5 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front legroom and .2 inches more rear headroom than the LS.

The 5 Series Sedan’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The LS doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW 5 Series offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The LS doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW 5 Series Sedan will be $3786 to $20579 less than for the Lexus LS.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 5 Series Sedan, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Lexus LS isn't recommended.

The BMW 5 Series outsold the Lexus LS by almost 8 to one during 2022.