BMW 3 Series vs Lexus ES: Which Should You Buy in UAE?

A complete comparison of the ⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ VS ⁦Lexus ES⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.

⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ VS ⁦Lexus ES⁩: the verdict

The BMW 3 Series is the clear winner for driving enthusiasts seeking exhilarating performance and dynamic handling. However, the Lexus ES stands out for buyers prioritizing serene comfort, a more accessible starting price, and the option of a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain.
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Price Comparison
Starting at245,000 – 315,000 AED216,000 – 270,000 AED
Engine & Power
Engine1,998 – 2,998 cc · 4 – 6 cyl2,494 – 3,456 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)184 – 374 hp214 – 302 hp
Torque (Nm)300 – 500 Nm221 – 362 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)4.4 – 7.1 s6.8 – 8.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)240 – 250 km/h230 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)5.5 – 7.3 L/100km6.4 – 8.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity60 L50 – 60 L
Gears88
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic / CVT
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Rear Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolHybrid / Petrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.6 / 4.7 m × 1.8 / 1.8 m × 1.4 / 1.4 m5.0 / 5.0 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.4 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.8 / 2.9 m2.9 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,450 – 1,670 kg—
Trunk Capacity (liters)480 L454 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresPaddle ShiftersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear Window DefoggerRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVentilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Damper ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear SpoilerRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSilver TrimSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Driving Enthusiasts

The BMW 3 Series reigns supreme with its superior maximum horsepower of 374 hp and blistering 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.4 seconds, offering a truly engaging driving experience.

2

Best for Comfort & Refinement

The Lexus ES offers a more spacious and comfortable cabin, being longer and wider than the 3 Series, providing a smoother, more refined ride quality for daily commutes and long journeys.

3

Best for Fuel Efficiency

While the BMW 3 Series offers an impressive minimum fuel economy of 5.5 L/100km, the Lexus ES provides an excellent hybrid powertrain option, making it an attractive choice for those focused on maximizing fuel savings.

4

Best Value for Money

The Lexus ES offers better initial value with a starting price of 216,000 AED, significantly undercutting the BMW 3 Series' entry point of 245,000 AED.

Pros & cons

BMW 3 Series

Pros

  • Superior maximum horsepower (374 hp)
  • Faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.4s)
  • Optional All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction
  • Better minimum fuel economy (5.5 L/100km)
  • Larger trunk capacity (480 L)

Cons

  • Higher starting price
  • No hybrid powertrain option available
  • Slightly less generous interior width
  • Shorter overall length compared to the ES

Lexus ES

Pros

  • More accessible starting price (216,000 AED)
  • Available Hybrid powertrain option
  • Longer and wider for enhanced interior space
  • Higher maximum engine displacement (3,456 cc)

Cons

  • Slower acceleration (minimum 6.8s)
  • Lower maximum horsepower (302 hp)
  • Only Front-Wheel Drive available
  • Higher minimum fuel consumption (6.4 L/100km for petrol trims)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES better for performance?

The BMW 3 Series is the better choice for performance enthusiasts. It boasts a significantly higher maximum power output of 374 hp and achieves 0-100 km/h in a rapid 4.4 seconds, outperforming the Lexus ES's 302 hp and 6.8-second best acceleration.

Which car is more fuel-efficient, the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES?

The BMW 3 Series offers a better minimum fuel economy of 5.5 L/100km. However, the Lexus ES provides a hybrid powertrain option, which can offer superior efficiency, especially in urban driving conditions, making it a strong contender for fuel savings.

Which offers better value, the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES?

The Lexus ES offers better initial value, with a starting price of 216,000 AED. This is notably more affordable than the BMW 3 Series, which begins at 245,000 AED, making the ES a more budget-friendly luxury sedan.

Is the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES more spacious?

The Lexus ES is generally more spacious for passengers, being longer and wider than the BMW 3 Series, which translates to more legroom and shoulder room. However, the BMW 3 Series offers a slightly larger trunk capacity of 480 L compared to the ES's 454 L.

Which car, BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES, is better for luxury and comfort?

The Lexus ES typically excels in providing a more comfort-oriented and refined luxury experience, thanks to its smoother ride and more spacious cabin dimensions. The BMW 3 Series, while luxurious, leans towards a sportier feel with a firmer ride.