BMW 3 Series 68·Lexus ES 71on the MotiveGrid Score·Lexus ES about $11,379 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Lexus ES is the cheaper one to own — roughly $11,379 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The BMW 3 Series counters with more cargo room (16.9 vs 13.3 cu ft).
Go with the Lexus ES for the better long-term value; consider the BMW 3 Series if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
BMW 3 Series vs. Lexus ES
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2026 BMW 3 Series versus 2026 Lexus ES.
Metric
BMW 3 Series
Lexus ES
MotiveGrid Score
68
71
Cost of Ownership
56
69
Powertrain
64
70
Driver Assistance
6
32
Livability
61
35
Safety
95
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$66,602
$55,223
Depreciation (5-yr)
$25,968
$18,290
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,942
$7,056
Insurance (5-yr)
$16,580
$16,460
Maintenance (5-yr)
$4,080
$3,095
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$7,222
$7,478
Registration (5-yr)
$1,260
$1,295
Starting Price
$48,000
$49,700
Horsepower
255 hp
244 hp
MPG (combined)
35 mpg
46 mpg
Cargo volume
16.9 cu ft
13.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
3,500 lbs
—
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Gas
2026$48,000
MSRP
$48,000
Mo · 5yr
$1,110
$66,602 / 5 years
Best for lower upfront price
Hybrid
2026$49,700
MSRP
$49,700
Mo · 5yr
$920
$55,223 / 5 years
Best for long-term savings
VS
01 · The MotiveGrid Score
Five measured pillars, weighted into one score.
Cost, Powertrain, Driver Assistance, Livability, and Safety — each scored against its class, then combined into a single MotiveGrid Score. Built by our engineering team and benchmarked against independent sources like NHTSA, IIHS, and CarEdge. How it’s calculated →
Lexus ES scores higher overall.
BMW 3 Series
0
/ 100
Lexus ES
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
3 Series
56
ES
69
Winner: ES
$11,379 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
3 Series
64
ES
70
Winner: ES
+6 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
3 Series
6
ES
32
Winner: ES
+26 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
3 Series
61
ES
35
Winner: 3 Series
+26 pts
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Lexus ES is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $11,379 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
BMW 3 Series still wins if your priority is best for lower upfront price.
Daily commuter
Lexus ES
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Lexus ES
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
BMW 3 Series
Slightly more cargo room
Highway driver
Lexus ES
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
BMW 3 Series
Easiest to park and maneuver in tight spots
03
Cost of Ownership
Monthly running costs — national baseline.
Adjust for your situation
State
Miles/yr15,000
Loan rate7%
Down payment20%
BMW 3 Series
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,110
$66,602 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,110/mo
Lexus ES
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$920
$55,223 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$920/mo
💡
On fuel + maintenance alone, the pricier Lexus ES recoups its $1,700 price premium in 2.2 years ($774/yr in savings). Depreciation and insurance aren’t included in this payback view.
04
Frequently asked questions
Lexus ES comes out about $11,379 cheaper over 5 years on running costs (depreciation, fuel/energy, insurance, maintenance, financing). The gap shifts with your state, annual miles, and loan rate — use the "Adjust for your situation" panel above.
