A luxury midsize sedan leaves no bases uncovered, with ample cabin space, intuitive technology, and luxe seating for the whole family. The only question becomes, which model to choose?
If you’re in Los Angeles and want to know how the 2018 Lexus ES 350 compares to the 2018 BMW 530i, visit us in El Monte to get the full experience. Below, we’ll highlight the differences between California’s top-selling midsize luxury sedans, beyond the substantial price gap:
Safety Ratings and Technology
Lexus ES 350
The 2018 Lexus ES earned top scores from both major safety organizations, including a Top Safety Pick title from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-Star Overall Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Plus, Lexus equipped the new ES with standard driver assistance technology that the competition typically includes as options.
All models of the 2018 ES come with the Lexus Safety System+, including a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and intelligent high beams. It also includes standard Lexus Enform Safety Connect, and the option for Intuitive Parking Assist, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and twin projector Bi-LED headlamps.
BMW 530i
The BMW 5 Series was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, but has not been rated by the NHTSA. Additionally, it does not come standard with any driver assistance technology. The 530i does come standard with an auto-dimming rearview mirror, BMW Assist eCall, and the Active Protection System with Fatigue and Focus Alert.
Available safety features include automatic high beams, Parking Assistant Plus, Active Lane Keeping Assistant, Active Cruise Control, and Traffic Jam Assistant.
Entertainment and Convenience
Lexus ES 350
The 2018 ES comes standard with Lexus Display Audio with 8-inch touchscreen, Scout GPS navigation, voice command, a backup camera, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, Bluetooth tech, and an 8-speaker Premium Sound System. It also features dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and Lexus Enform Service Connect and Remote apps.
The Navigation Package gives you Remote Touch controls, Navigation System with color display and Lexus Enform App Suite, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Navigation/Mark Levinson Audio Package includes all these features, plus a 15-speaker deluxe audio system with Surround Sound and Clari-Fi technology. The ES is also available with interior ambient lighting, a panorama glass roof, power rear sunshade, and heated and ventilated seats.
BMW 530i
The 2018 530i comes equipped with HD Radio with multicast FM station reception, pre-wiring for Sirius XM Radio, and a HiFi Sound System with 12 speakers. Additionally, it features Bluetooth wireless tech, BMW TeleService, Advanced Real Time Traffic, rearview camera, rain-sensing wipers, a two-way power glass moonroof, interior ambient lighting, and automatic climate control. It does not feature standard dual-zone climate control.
When you opt for the Premium Tier, you add heated front seats, Park Distance Control, Gesture Control, Sirius XM Radio, a power trunk, and Comfort Access entry. The Executive Tier gives you full LED headlights (standard on the ES), automatic high beams, soft-close doors, Surround View, and more. While the 530i does come with the option for Apple CarPlay, it does not offer an advanced navigation system.
Pricing
Lexus ES 350
Starting at $38,940 MSRP
BMW 530i
Starting at $52,400 MSRP
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