Compare the2023 BMW 530eVS 2023 Lexus LS

Both the 530e 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-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, rear impact and roof-crush tests, its standard front crash prevention system, its “Good” rating in the new passenger-side small overlap crash test, and its headlight’s “Acceptable” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the 530e the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2019, a rating granted to only 192 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The LS has not been tested, yet.

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

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW 530e is faster than the LS 500 3.4 turbo V6:

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

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

The 530e can travel with zero emissions for 19 to 21 miles (dependent on model). The LS has to start its internal combustion engine after only .6 miles.

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 (5 to 7). This means the 530e produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the LS 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 doesn’t offer launch control.

The 530e stops much shorter than the LS:

The 530e’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the LS’ standard 50 series tires. The 530e’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 530e’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (49.5% to 50.5%) than the LS’ (53% to 47%). This gives the 530e more stable handling and braking.

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.

The 530e is 10.3 inches shorter than the LS, 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 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.

The 530e’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 530e offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The LS doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

Insurance will cost less for the 530e owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 530e will cost $1550 to $2500 less than the LS 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 $20210 to $24380 less than for the Lexus LS.

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