BMW 5 Series 58·Lexus ES 71on the MotiveGrid Score·Lexus ES about $23,163 less over 5 years
The verdict
The 2026 Lexus ES is the cheaper one to own — roughly $23,163 less over five years, mostly because it holds its value better. The BMW 5 Series counters with more cargo room (18.4 vs 13.3 cu ft).
Go with the Lexus ES for the better long-term value; consider the BMW 5 Series if you prioritize more cargo space.
Last updated July 2026 · National-average estimates
BMW 5 Series vs. Lexus ES
MotiveGrid scores, key specs, and five-year cost comparison: 2027 BMW 5 Series versus 2026 Lexus ES.
Metric
BMW 5 Series
Lexus ES
MotiveGrid Score
58
71
Cost of Ownership
43
69
Powertrain
63
70
Driver Assistance
6
32
Livability
35
35
Safety
100
94
5-Year Cost to Own
$78,386
$55,223
Depreciation (5-yr)
$34,727
$18,290
Fuel / Energy (5-yr)
$9,621
$7,056
Insurance (5-yr)
$17,790
$16,460
Maintenance (5-yr)
$4,080
$3,095
Tires (5-yr)
$1,550
$1,550
Financing (5-yr)
$9,103
$7,478
Registration (5-yr)
$1,515
$1,295
Starting Price
$60,500
$49,700
Horsepower
255 hp
244 hp
MPG (combined)
35 mpg
46 mpg
Cargo volume
18.4 cu ft
13.3 cu ft
Seating
5
5
Towing capacity
0 lbs
—
Drivetrain
RWD
FWD
Gas
2027$60,500
MSRP
$60,500
Mo · 5yr
$1,306
$78,386 / 5 years
Best for families
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 5 Series
0
/ 100
Lexus ES
0
/ 100
CostFive-year all-in cost to own, benchmarked against the class median.
5 Series
43
ES
69
Winner: ES
$23,163 cheaper / 5 yrs
Strong projected resale value▲
PowertrainEnergy efficiency paired with long-term ownership confidence.
5 Series
63
ES
70
Winner: ES
+7 pts
Driver AssistHighway driving support, parking convenience, and hands-free automation.
5 Series
6
ES
32
Winner: ES
+26 pts
LivabilityPassenger space, cargo room, and everyday maneuverability.
5 Series
35
ES
35
Evenly matched
SafetyCrash-test protection plus standard crash-avoidance features.
Lexus ES is the better pick for long-term ownership — about $23,163 cheaper over 5 years with stronger fundamentals on running cost.
BMW 5 Series still wins if your priority is best for families.
Daily commuter
Lexus ES
Lowest energy cost per mile
Budget-focused
Lexus ES
Cheapest to own across 5 years
Family hauler
BMW 5 Series
Better safety rating with more cargo room
Highway driver
Lexus ES
Better adaptive cruise + lane keep
City driver
Lexus ES
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 5 Series
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$1,306
$78,386 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$1,306/mo
Lexus ES
Monthly · 5-Year avg
$920
$55,223 total / 5 years
Total · monthly$920/mo
04
Frequently asked questions
Lexus ES comes out about $23,163 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.
