BMW 5 Series vs Lexus ES: Which Should You Buy in UAE?

A complete comparison of the ⁦BMW 5 Series⁩ VS ⁦Lexus ES⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across UAE.

⁦BMW 5 Series⁩ VS ⁦Lexus ES⁩: the verdict

The Lexus ES offers a compelling blend of value, comfort, and diverse powertrain options, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing luxury and efficiency. However, the BMW 5 Series, with its superior driving dynamics and larger trunk, remains the choice for enthusiasts seeking a more engaging rear-wheel-drive experience and greater practicality.
#1#2
Price Comparison
Starting at249,000 AED216,000 – 265,000 AED
Engine & Power
Engine1,998 cc · 4 cyl2,494 – 3,456 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)184 hp214 – 302 hp
Torque (Nm)290 Nm221 – 362 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)7.9 s6.8 – 8.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)235 km/h230 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)6.1 L/100km6.4 – 8.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity70 L50 – 60 L
Gears88
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic / CVT
Drive TypeRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolHybrid / Petrol
Measurements
L×W×H5.0 m × 2.1 m × 1.5 m5.0 / 5.0 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.4 m
Wheelbase (meters)3.0 m2.9 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,670 kg—
Trunk Capacity (liters)520 L454 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive SteeringAirbagsAluminum WheelsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBluetoothBody Colored Bumper - Front and RearBody Colored MirrorsCargo Area LightCD PlayerCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesCollision DetectionCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Handles - Body ColoredDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDynamic Damper ControlDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsFire ExtinguisherFog Lamps - Front OnlyFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFrameless DoorsFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDMIHeadlight WashersInternet ConnectivityKeyless EntryLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsMP3Multi-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower SteeringPower TailgatePower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPush Button StartRadioRear AC VentsSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSensorSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTiptronic GearsTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWireless Headphones
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 Value for Luxury

The Lexus ES wins here, offering a premium experience with a lower starting price (from 216,000 AED) and a wider range of trims, making luxury more accessible.

2

For Engaging Driving

The BMW 5 Series is the clear winner. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration and precise handling deliver a more dynamic and driver-focused experience on the road.

3

Most Fuel Efficient (Petrol)

The BMW 5 Series edges out the petrol Lexus ES. With a combined fuel economy of 6.1 L/100km, it offers better efficiency for daily commutes among non-hybrid options.

4

For Family Cargo

The BMW 5 Series is superior for cargo needs. Boasting a generous 520 L trunk capacity, it provides significantly more space for luggage and family essentials than the Lexus ES's 454 L.

Pros & cons

BMW 5 Series

Pros

  • Superior trunk capacity (520 L)
  • More dynamic Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) handling
  • Better fuel economy (6.1 L/100km)
  • Longer wheelbase for potentially more interior room (3.0m)
  • Higher top speed (235 km/h)

Cons

  • Higher starting price (275,000 AED)
  • Lower maximum horsepower (184 hp for this variant)
  • Fewer engine options compared to ES
  • No hybrid option

Lexus ES

Pros

  • More accessible starting price (from 216,000 AED)
  • Wider range of powerful engine options (up to 302 hp)
  • Available hybrid powertrain for eco-conscious buyers
  • Reputation for plush comfort and reliability
  • Faster acceleration in some trims (6.8 s)

Cons

  • Smaller trunk capacity (454 L)
  • Front Wheel Drive (FWD) may feel less sporty
  • Higher fuel consumption for petrol variants (up to 8.7 L/100km)
  • Shorter wheelbase (2.9m)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more affordable, the BMW 5 Series or Lexus ES in the UAE?

The Lexus ES is generally more affordable in the UAE, with prices starting from 216,000 AED. The BMW 5 Series has a higher starting price of 275,000 AED for its base model. If budget is a primary concern for a luxury sedan, the Lexus ES offers better value.

Is the BMW 5 Series or Lexus ES better for fuel efficiency?

The BMW 5 Series, with its 1,998 cc engine, offers a combined fuel economy of 6.1 L/100km, making it slightly more fuel-efficient than the petrol variants of the Lexus ES, which range from 6.4 to 8.7 L/100km. However, the Lexus ES does offer a hybrid option for potentially greater efficiency. For petrol models, the BMW 5 Series is the more economical choice.

Which car offers more trunk space for families, the BMW 5 Series or Lexus ES?

The BMW 5 Series clearly wins in terms of trunk space, offering a generous 520 liters. In contrast, the Lexus ES provides 454 liters of trunk capacity. For families or individuals who frequently carry a lot of luggage or groceries, the BMW 5 Series provides significantly more practical cargo room.

Which car is sportier to drive, the BMW 5 Series or Lexus ES?

The BMW 5 Series is widely considered the sportier choice due to its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) configuration and more engaging driving dynamics. While the Lexus ES offers comfortable and smooth performance, its front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup and focus on luxury tend to prioritize comfort over outright sportiness. For a more spirited driving experience, the BMW 5 Series is preferable.

Does the Lexus ES offer more engine options than the BMW 5 Series?

Yes, the Lexus ES offers a broader range of engine options, including various petrol configurations from 2,494 cc to 3,456 cc with horsepower ranging from 214 to 302 hp, as well as a hybrid powertrain. The specific BMW 5 Series model provided features a single 1,998 cc petrol engine with 184 hp. If you desire more powertrain choices, the Lexus ES is the better option.