DecodedCarsBMW 5 Series vs Lexus ES
2026 BMW 5 Series vs 2026 Lexus ES — two midsize cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Lexus ES is more fuel-efficient: 46 vs 31 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $2,050 a year less in fuel for the Lexus ES (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Lexus ES is the bigger car, about 3 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the BMW 5 Series has had fewer recall campaigns (9 vs 17).
The two cars
The 2026 BMW 5 Series is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 199 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,158 lb (5-Series 530i Xdrive 4dr Sedan).
The 2026 Lexus ES is a midsize car offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 202 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,641 lb (350e 4dr Sedan).
Buying used? The 2024 5 Series and the 2022 ES have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2019 ES.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the BMW 5 Series if…
- You want something easier to park (3 in shorter)
- You put reliability history first (9 vs 17 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Lexus ES if…
- You want lower fuel bills (46 vs 31 MPG)
- You want an EV with more range (307 miles)
- You want more room (3 in longer)
Pros & cons of each
2026 BMW 5 Series
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
2026 Lexus ES
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 46 MPG combined — 47% better than the average 2026 midsize car (31.2 MPG).
- Long EV rangeUp to 307 miles on a charge (EPA).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 186 hp, versus about 362 hp for similar 2026 models.
Full 2026 BMW 5 Series specs →Full 2026 Lexus ES specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →