DecodedCarsBMW i5 vs Lexus IS
2026 BMW i5 vs 2026 Lexus IS — two compact cars compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
That works out to about $3,050 a year less in fuel for the BMW i5 (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the BMW i5 has had fewer recall campaigns (10 vs 15).
The two cars
The 2026 BMW i5 is a compact car powered by electricity and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 310 miles and takes about 8 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
The 2026 Lexus IS is a compact car offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 186 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,913 lb.
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 i5 if…
- You want an EV with more range (310 miles)
- You want a hybrid or electric option
- You put reliability history first (10 vs 15 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Lexus IS if…
It doesn't clearly beat the BMW i5 on any measure we track.
Pros & cons of each
2026 BMW i5
- Long EV rangeUp to 310 miles on a charge (EPA).
- AWD / 4WD available
2026 Lexus IS
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 22 MPG combined, 25% below the 2026 compact car average of 29.2 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Full 2026 BMW i5 specs →Full 2026 Lexus IS specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →