2021 Lexus ES vs 2021 BMW 5 Series

The 2021 BMW 5 Series presented a restrained design, distinguishing itself from the more flamboyant 3 Series and the larger 7 Series. It underwent a minor styling refresh, resulting in a sleeker appearance. The standard LED headlights were more streamlined, and the signature twin-kidney grille was enlarged, though not excessively so. Additional updates included trapezoidal tailpipes, L-shaped taillights, and new bumpers for the M Sport Package. Despite being 30 millimetres longer, the 5 Series maintained a commendable drag coefficient of 0.27. Inside, the familiar BMW layout remained, with specific design elements like the touchscreen positioning and unique shifter reinforcing the brand's identity. While lower trims featured SensaTec upholstery, options for Dakota and Nappa leather were available. The interior boasted high-end touches like aluminum trim, though the sport steering wheel felt somewhat out of place.

The 2021 Lexus ES expanded its lineup with the introduction of the ES 250, featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The ES 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 and FWD, remained a staple, while the ES 300h hybrid offered improved fuel efficiency. Lexus made blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on most trims, and introduced the limited-production Black Line Edition. The ES's design was marked by its dramatic grille and appealing F Sport trim, which added unique styling elements and larger wheels. The Black Line Edition featured exclusive black and white interior accents. The ES's interior was characterized by quality materials and a striking design, offering a luxurious experience that was distinctly Lexus.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base 530i featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds. The 540i, with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, produced 335 hp and 362 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. The M550i xDrive boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp, while the M5 offered 617 hp. The 530e plug-in hybrid combined a 2.0-litre engine with an electric motor, delivering 288 hp and a 31 km electric range. The 540i xDrive test car impressed with its precise handling and smooth engine, though it felt more like a luxury car than a true sports sedan.

The 2021 Lexus ES 350 was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 302 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes, with Sport+ and Custom modes available with the adaptive damping suspension. The ES 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with a fuel efficiency rating of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The Black Line Edition felt quicker than its official acceleration time, though it lacked a torque-vectoring AWD system. The ES 350's driving dynamics were unexpectedly competent, with firm ride quality and flat cornering, though it was more of a sporty sedan than a true sports sedan.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series, available as a four-door, five-seat sedan, offered spaciousness reflective of its exterior dimensions. Front-seat space was competitive, and while rear seats appeared less roomy on paper, they provided ample room for passengers. The 540i's trunk offered 396 litres of space, surpassing rivals like the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The rear bench featured a 40/20/20 split fold for longer items. The test car's 16-way power front seats provided supportive bolstering, though forward visibility was hindered by the long hood.

The 2021 Lexus ES featured a daring interior layout that remained functional. The ES 350 F Sport and Black Line Edition offered sport-bolstered front seats with 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The NuLuxe synthetic leather provided excellent comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed good foot and legroom, with supportive cushions and rear air conditioning vents. The trunk measured 394 litres, with a hands-free power trunk available. Outward visibility was excellent, though storage was oddly configured with numerous small compartments.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series came equipped with a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring the iDrive 7 system, alongside a 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster. Standard features included Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment screen's location atop the dashboard facilitated easy reading, though the instrument cluster's layout could be confusing. A rotary knob served as the default controller, offering a tactile alternative to touchscreens. Gesture controls were available but required learning specific gestures.

The 2021 Lexus ES faced challenges with its touchpad interface, requiring drivers to look at the screen to navigate. However, climate and stereo controls were separate, with a convenient volume and tuning knob. The ES's dynamic voice command technology was effective, reducing reliance on the touchpad. The optional 12.3-inch widescreen infotainment display was visually appealing, though not a touchscreen. All trims included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A 10-speaker premium sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" award. Standard safety features included lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. The Driving Assistance Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-keep assist, and emergency stop assist. BMW's driver-assist tech was noted for its sophistication and smooth operation.

The 2021 Lexus ES included Lexus Safety System 2.0, featuring forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centring assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on most trims. The ES received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The ADAS proved effective, though lane-centring technology occasionally struggled.