BMW 3 Series vs Lexus ES: Which Should You Buy in KSA?

A complete comparison of the ⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ VS ⁦Lexus ES⁩ — specs, prices, pros and cons, and live used listings across KSA.

⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ VS ⁦Lexus ES⁩: the verdict

The BMW 3 Series edges out the Lexus ES for drivers prioritizing dynamic performance and fuel efficiency, thanks to its sportier Rear-Wheel Drive and quicker acceleration. However, the Lexus ES stands as a compelling alternative for those seeking superior comfort, a more luxurious cabin, and a lower entry price, making it a strong contender for value-oriented luxury buyers.
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Price Comparison
Starting at230,000 – 270,250 SAR192,510 – 263,442 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine1,998 cc · 4 cyl2,487 – 3,456 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)184 – 258 hp204 – 302 hp
Torque (Nm)300 – 400 Nm221 – 362 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.8 – 7.1 s6.8 – 9.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)240 – 250 km/h207 – 230 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)5.5 – 5.8 L/100km6.4 – 8.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity60 L50 – 60 L
Gears88
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic / CVT
Drive TypeRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
Battery Size—1.6 kWh
Measurements
L×W×H4.7 m × 1.8 m × 1.4 m5.0 / 5.0 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.4 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.9 m2.9 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,450 – 1,545 kg1,600 – 1,692 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)480 L454 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering LightsCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Lcd screensRear Window DefoggerRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeatbelt pretensionerSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim
12V Socket360 Camera4WD Rotary Mode SwitchABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acceleration Skid ControlAcoustic Front WindshieldAcoustic HoodActive BonnetActive HeadrestsActive SteeringActive Understeer Control (AUC)Adaptive Brake LightsAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAdvanced Air Bags System (AABS)AirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAshtrayAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto Door LockAuto HeadlampsAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)Blind Spot WarningBluetoothBody Colored GrilleBonnet LightBrembo BrakesBumper Side StepCargo Area LightCargo Area Tie Down AnchorsCassette PlayerCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCenter Console BoxCentral LockingChrome Door HandlesChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCigar LighterClimate Controlled SeatsCollision DetectionCompassConversation Mirror with Sunglasses HolderCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Edge ProtectorDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Damper ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Anti-dazzling Room MirrorElectric Door MirrorsElectric Opening and Closing of Luggage DoorElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront BumperFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberGlove Box CoolingHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerInfotainment ScreenIntelligent KeyiPod InterfaceISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryKnee AirbagLane Departure WarningLeather Covered Door ArmrestLeather Gear Shift LeverLeather Instrument PanelLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED HeadlightsLED TaillightsLegroomLock and Unlock Sensing Auto Electric Folding MirrorLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMoonroofMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff Road KItOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPerformance TyresPower LocksPower MirrorsPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPuddle LampPush Button StartRacing Or Bucket SeatsRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear Audio ControlsRear BlindsRear BrakesRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Entertainment SystemRear Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear SpoilerRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRemote Windows DownRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSeatsSilver TrimSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSports Exhaust SystemSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVariable Cylinder Management (VCM)Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)Ventilated SeatsVoice Operated ControlWelcome LightWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - ChromeWinchWind BlockerWireless HeadphonesWood Trim

Which one should you buy?

1

Best for Driving Enthusiasts

The BMW 3 Series wins for its engaging Rear-Wheel Drive setup and significantly quicker acceleration of 5.8 seconds, making it the top choice for those who love a sporty and dynamic driving experience.

2

Best for Value and Comfort

The Lexus ES offers a more accessible starting price from 192,510 SAR and a more spacious, comfort-oriented interior, making it ideal for buyers prioritizing luxury and smooth rides without breaking the bank.

3

Best for Fuel Efficiency

With a combined fuel economy as low as 5.5 L/100km, the BMW 3 Series is the more economical choice at the pump, perfect for daily commuting and long-term savings on fuel costs.

4

Best for Overall Space & Luxury Feel

While trunk space is slightly less, the Lexus ES's longer (5.0m) and wider (1.9m) body provides a more expansive and refined passenger experience, especially for rear occupants, enhancing its luxury appeal.

Pros & cons

BMW 3 Series

Pros

  • Superior acceleration (as low as 5.8s)
  • More fuel-efficient (as low as 5.5 L/100km)
  • Sportier Rear Wheel Drive system
  • Larger trunk capacity (480 L)
  • More agile handling due to compact dimensions

Cons

  • Higher starting price
  • Lower maximum horsepower compared to ES V6
  • Less spacious interior feel than ES
  • No hybrid powertrain option

Lexus ES

Pros

  • Lower starting price (from 192,510 SAR)
  • Higher maximum horsepower (up to 302 hp with V6)
  • Longer and wider body for enhanced interior comfort
  • Hybrid option availability (implied by battery spec)
  • Smoother, more refined ride quality

Cons

  • Slower acceleration (up to 9.8s)
  • Less fuel-efficient (as high as 8.7 L/100km)
  • Smaller trunk capacity (454 L)
  • Front Wheel Drive may appeal less to enthusiasts

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES better for performance driving in KSA?

The BMW 3 Series is unequivocally better for performance driving. With its Rear-Wheel Drive and blistering 0-100 km/h acceleration of just 5.8 seconds, it offers a more engaging and dynamic experience than the Lexus ES, which focuses more on comfort. For enthusiasts, the BMW 3 Series is the clear choice.

Which car, the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES, offers better value for money in Saudi Arabia?

The Lexus ES generally offers better value for money, with a starting price of 192,510 SAR compared to the BMW 3 Series' 230,000 SAR. While both offer luxury, the ES delivers a spacious and comfortable experience at a more accessible entry point, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious luxury buyers.

Between the BMW 3 Series and Lexus ES, which is more fuel-efficient?

The BMW 3 Series is significantly more fuel-efficient, boasting a combined fuel economy as low as 5.5 L/100km. The Lexus ES, with its larger engine options, consumes more fuel, reaching up to 8.7 L/100km. For drivers prioritizing lower running costs and fewer trips to the pump, the 3 Series is the better option.

Which sedan, BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES, has more interior space for passengers?

The Lexus ES offers a more spacious interior for passengers, thanks to its longer 5.0m length and wider 1.9m body compared to the BMW 3 Series (4.7m length, 1.8m width). While both are 5-seaters, the ES provides a more expansive and comfortable cabin, especially for rear occupants, making it ideal for families or those who frequently carry passengers.

Does the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES have a larger trunk?

The BMW 3 Series has a larger trunk capacity, offering 480 liters compared to the Lexus ES's 454 liters. This makes the 3 Series slightly more practical for carrying luggage or groceries, providing a bit of an edge for those who prioritize cargo space in their luxury sedan.