In this showdown of the sedans, it's the BMW 3 Series vs. Lexus ES. Which one has what it takes to tackle your trips through Birmingham, Irondale, and Hoover, AL? That is what our team at BMW of Birmingham will help you find out!We're putting these luxury sedans in a head-to-head comparison, so you can decide which is better suited to you. Let's see who comes out on top!
Efficiency and Power: Who Has the Upper Hand?
Whether you're heading to work, taking on a business trip, or just riding down to the Gulf for the weekend, you need a sedan that's efficient. Each sedan can be configured as a hybrid vehicle for maximum fuel efficiency, but only the BMW 3 Series 330e blends power into its efficient equation. It partners a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo engine with an eDrive electric motor. This combination produces up to 288 horsepower. The hybrid Lexus ES 330h only manages 215 horsepower.
When rain rolls in and the roads get slick, each sedan can be outfitted with an all-wheel-drive system, which will transfer power to the wheels with the best traction. This way, you can enjoy sure-footed control in adverse conditions.
BMW 3 Series vs Lexus ES: Interiors
Step into the available 14-way, power-adjustable front seats in these sedans and you'll have the supple comfort of available leather-trimmed upholstery to go with it. Each model offers seating for up to five passengers, but only the 3 Series has automatic 3-zone climate control to keep everyone cozy. The dual-zone automatic climate control in the ES just doesn't compare.You need a sedan that's going to keep you connected on the move. Whether you're calling into the office, keeping in touch with friends, or just listening to your favorite playlists, both the 3 Series and the ES come with a similar list of infotainment features including:
- Bluetooth®
- Apple CarPlay™
- Android Auto
- Navigation
- 10-speaker Sound System
You may find the system inside the BMW 3 Series is a bit more user-friendly, thanks to its standard 8.8-inch touchscreen display. The standard 8-inch screen inside the Lexus ES is slightly smaller. The 3 Series also comes with the iDrive 7.0 system, which seamlessly integrates the touchscreen, voice control, and the touchpad controller.
3 Series vs ES: The Safer Sedan
Luxury cars like the BMW 3 Series and the Lexus ES are on the forefront of vehicle safety. That's why the two sedans are so closely matched in this category. They can be equipped with similar driver-assistance features, including:Frontal Collision Warning
- Blind Spot Detection
- Lane Departure Warning
- Pedestrian Detection
The BMW 3 Series has the edge with the Active Protection System. This standard system will prepare the vehicle when it detects an imminent collision by automatically closing the windows, tightening the seat belts, and activating post-crash braking. The Lexus ES doesn't offer a similar system.
What about when you find yourself in a crowded parking lot? Both vehicles offer sensors in the front and rear that warn when you get too close to a potential obstacle, but only the 3 Series can park itself. When equipped with the available Parking Assistant Plus, it will look for an open spot and steer your sedan right in.
BMW 3 Series vs Lexus ES: Time to Decide!
The BMW 3 Series and the Lexus ES are two closely matched luxury sedans, but if your drives through Birmingham, Irondale, and Hoover, Alabama, call for the safer, more efficient sedan, the BMW 3 Series is for you.
Schedule a test drive here at BMW of Birmingham to experience it firsthand!
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