The Lexus ES isn’t all the time talked about in the identical sentence because the BMW 5 Sequence. Nevertheless, the 2 are staunch rivals. Each supply a supple journey and high quality inside with a deal with consolation. Although separated by fairly a value hole — round $10,000 within the US — their proportions and meant goal are fairly comparable. Barring, in fact, the truth that Lexus hasn’t developed a high-performance ES to do battle with the range-topping BMW M5 fashions. For the 2026 mannequin yr, Lexus refreshes their midsize sedan, and it’s a greater foil than ever to BMW’s longest-running nameplate.
Exterior Design
Really, the biggest adjustments to the 2026 Lexus ES are proper the place you may see them: the outside. A wild, virtually utterly grille-less design is a pointy distinction to the outgoing mannequin’s gaping spindle grille. In fact, that is considerably a sensible choice, since all fashions of the brand new ES are electrified not directly. As is widespread in modern automotive design, we see futuristic and intensely slim headlight designs and a lightbar within the again that stretches throughout everything of the trunk. The facet profile, at the very least on the ES 500e, encompasses a sharp, black accent line. That accent summarizes the entire of the automotive’s design: sharp and trendy. Each the Lexus ES and BMW 5 Sequence each come normal with 19-inch wheels within the US market.
In contrast, the BMW 5 Sequence appears completely restrained. Even with the out there M Sport Package deal, the 5 Sequence has a very completely different vibe than the brand new Lexus ES. We really wouldn’t be capable of determine the brand new ES as a Lexus product, a lot much less an ES, with out being advised. The 5 Sequence can be just a bit bit smaller than the ES. It’s three inches shorter than the ES, and the ES is barely wider and sits only a bit greater. For higher or for worse, the ES positively has a way more futuristic look. Time will inform which one ages higher, however our cash is on the BMW 5 Sequence.
Inside Design
The Lexus ES final bought an inside refresh in 2018, so the subsequent technology adjustments fairly a bit. Notably, the display is extra upright, and most buttons migrate to it. Total, the cabin is extra minimalist than earlier than, and the steering wheel is slightly bit sportier. No phrase on whether or not or not wooden trim will return to the steering wheel, a little bit of a staple of Lexus merchandise. A tiny gearshift lever and lengthy heart console contribute to a spacious trying cabin. In fact, Lexus depends on a well-recognized Mark Levinson sound system. Comparatively, BMW’s cabin appears slightly bit busy, though actually not cluttered. We predict the motive force’s facet show is built-in a bit extra easily within the Lexus. In any other case, each cabins look simply nice from an ergonomic standpoint.
Efficiency
No energy figures have been launched for the brand new Lexus ES. Nevertheless, we’re keen to guess even the range-topping Lexus ES 500e received’t actually pose any severe menace to the comparable BMW M550e xDrive. The Lexus ES, notably, solely is available in both hybrid or fully-electrified guise. The ES 350h hybrid is accessible in front- or all-wheel drive. On the electrical facet, the 350e is available in FWD, whereas the 500e is AWD solely. The combustion-powered ES depends strictly on a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder paired with an eCVT. Automotive and Driver says the 530i weighs in at 4041 kilos (1832 kg); the FWD ES 350h weighs 4012 kilos (1819 kg) in keeping with Lexus. Secure to say, the 5er is quicker. Although, notably, the brand new Lexus ES will depend on a multi-link rear suspension for the primary time. So, it ought to really feel a bit extra competent via the twisties in comparison with the final technology.
Know-how
Lexus splits the brand new ES infotainment screens between a 12.3-inch driver-side show and a 14.0-inch central touchscreen. Dimension isn’t all the things, however the BMW 5 Sequence will get a 12.3-inch driver show and 14.9-inch central show. Notably, Lexus bodily separates the 2 screens, which does give the ES a little bit of a extra “built-in” look to our eyes, like iDrive 7. In fact, that sort of goes out the window whenever you discover how lazily the middle display is carried out.
The 2 supply acquainted facilities. Each grant wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and voice instructions. We’re unsure what Lexus has deliberate so far as app integration, however we do know the brand new ES has significantly improved normal security options. It will likely be the primary mannequin to supply Lexus Security System+ 4.0, which can construct on the prevailing suite and contains options like adaptive cruise management, ahead collision warning, lane-departure warning, and extra. Most of which, in fact, the BMW 5 Sequence comes with, too.
Total, the brand new Lexus ES appears like a strong BMW 5 Sequence various. It will get much more aggressive when you think about that the ES will possible undercut BMW 5 Sequence pricing considerably considerably. Moreover, the Lexus ES sometimes affords superior area in comparison with the 5 Sequence. We predict performance-focused consumers could have a tough time selecting the ES after a take a look at drive. So, too, will drivers that aren’t on the lookout for a hybrid or EV. However what do you assume?
