Compare the2026 Lexus LSVS 2026 BMW 5 Series

For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Lexus LS have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The BMW 5 Series doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The LS’ pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The 5 Series doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Lexus LS are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW 5 Series doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the LS. But it costs extra on the 5 Series.

The Lexus LS’ rear backup camera has a standard washer for maintaining a clear view under various conditions. In contrast, the BMW 5 Series does not offer a rear camera washer, meaning its effectiveness relies on manual cleaning by the user when necessary.

Both the LS and the 5 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

Lexus’ powertrain warranty covers the LS 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 5 Series. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the 5 Series ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

The battery on the LS is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the LS’ battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The 5 Series’ battery is in the hot engine compartment.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the LS’ reliability 12 points higher than the 5 Series.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 14th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Lexus first in reliability, above the industry average. With 49 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 9th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Lexus vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Lexus second in overall reliability. BMW is ranked 8th.

The LS’ 3.4 turbo V6 produces 161 more horsepower (416 vs. 255) and 147 lbs.-ft. more torque (442 vs. 295) than the 530i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The LS’ 3.4 turbo V6 produces 41 more horsepower (416 vs. 375) and 44 lbs.-ft. more torque (442 vs. 398) than the 540i xDrive’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Lexus LS is faster than the 530i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid:

The LS has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the 5 Series (21.7 vs. 15.9 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A 10-speed automatic is standard on the Lexus LS, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the 5 Series.

For better stopping power the LS’ standard brake rotors are larger than those on the 5 Series:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LS has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 19-inch wheels are standard on the 5 Series.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the LS can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The 5 Series doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the LS’ wheelbase is 5.1 inches longer than on the 5 Series (123 inches vs. 117.9 inches).

For better maneuverability, the LS AWD’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the 5 Series’ (39.4 feet vs. 40.4 feet). The LS AWD’s turning circle is 1.3 feet tighter than the 5 Series xDrive’s (39.4 feet vs. 40.7 feet).

The LS uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The 5 Series doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver while cruising at 70 MPH, the interior of the LS 500 AWD Heritage Edition is quieter than the 530i xDrive (65 vs. 68 dB).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Lexus service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Lexus second in service department satisfaction. With a 24% lower rating, BMW is ranked 10th.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The LS has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The 5 Series doesn’t offer headlight washers.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the LS has standard extendable sun visors. The 5 Series doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The LS has a standard heated steering wheel to take the chill out of steering on extremely cold winter days before the car heater warms up. A heated steering wheel costs extra on the 5 Series.

The LS has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the 5 Series.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 Lexus LS retains 51.31% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 38.58% resale value of the 2025 BMW 5 Series after five years, which can save the Lexus’ owner.