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 wins for driving enthusiasts seeking a sporty, engaging sedan with superior fuel efficiency. However, the Lexus ES offers a more luxurious, comfortable ride and a broader range of engine options, including more powerful V6 trims, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing refinement and value.
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Price Comparison
Starting at260,000 SAR193,315 – 263,442 SAR
Engine & Power
Engine1,998 cc · 4 cyl2,487 – 3,456 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)184 hp204 – 302 hp
Torque (Nm)300 Nm221 – 362 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)7.1 s6.8 – 9.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)240 km/h207 – 230 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)5.5 L/100km6.4 – 8.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity60 L50 – 60 L
Gears88
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic / CVT
Drive TypeRear Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePetrolPetrol
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 kg1,600 – 1,650 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, with its rear-wheel drive and sharp handling, delivers a more engaging and dynamic driving experience. Its higher top speed and quicker acceleration make it the choice for performance.

2

Best for Comfort and Luxury

The Lexus ES offers a more serene and plush cabin, prioritizing ride comfort and interior refinement. Its longer and wider body often translates to a more spacious feel for passengers.

3

Best for Fuel Efficiency

The BMW 3 Series is the more economical choice, boasting an impressive 5.5 L/100km fuel economy. This makes it ideal for daily commutes and long journeys where efficiency is a priority.

4

Best for Engine Variety & Power

The Lexus ES provides a wider range of engine choices, from efficient 4-cylinders to a potent 302 hp V6, offering more flexibility to buyers seeking different levels of performance.

Pros & cons

BMW 3 Series

Pros

  • Superior fuel economy (5.5 L/100km)
  • Sportier Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
  • Higher top speed (240 km/h)
  • Larger trunk capacity (480 L)
  • Quicker acceleration (7.1 s)

Cons

  • Higher starting price (260,000 SAR)
  • Less powerful base engine (184 hp)
  • Limited engine options
  • Potentially firmer ride than Lexus

Lexus ES

Pros

  • Lower starting price (193,315 SAR)
  • More powerful engine options (up to 302 hp)
  • Broader engine range (4-6 cylinders)
  • Longer and wider body for enhanced road presence
  • Often praised for ride comfort and luxury

Cons

  • Worse fuel economy (6.4 L/100km minimum)
  • Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) might feel less sporty
  • Smaller trunk capacity (454 L)
  • Lower top speed (230 km/h max)
  • Slower base acceleration (9.8 s)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The BMW 3 Series is generally better for performance driving due to its rear-wheel drive configuration, sportier handling, and higher top speed of 240 km/h. Its quicker acceleration of 7.1 seconds further underscores its dynamic capabilities. If you prioritize an engaging and responsive drive, the 3 Series is the clear winner.

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

The Lexus ES often presents better value for money, especially at its entry-level, with a starting price of 193,315 SAR. While the BMW 3 Series offers premium features, the ES provides a luxurious experience and a wider range of engine options for a competitive price point, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious luxury buyers.

How do the fuel economies of the BMW 3 Series and Lexus ES compare?

The BMW 3 Series is significantly more fuel-efficient, achieving an impressive 5.5 L/100km. In contrast, the Lexus ES has a fuel economy range of 6.4 – 8.7 L/100km, making the 3 Series the more economical choice for daily commuting and long-distance travel in terms of fuel consumption.

Which sedan is more spacious, the BMW 3 Series or the Lexus ES?

The Lexus ES, being longer and wider (5.0m length, 1.9m width) than the BMW 3 Series (4.7m length, 1.8m width), generally offers a more spacious cabin and greater passenger comfort. While the 3 Series has a slightly larger trunk at 480L, the ES's overall dimensions suggest a more expansive interior feel for occupants.