2025 Lexus LS vs 2026 BMW M5

$80,335 · Sedan

$121,900 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

The primary differentiator between the 2025 Lexus LS and the 2026 BMW M5 is the significant $41,565 MSRP gap, positioning the Lexus at $80,335 versus the BMW's $121,900. Performance metrics strongly favor the M5, which boasts 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque—a massive 301 hp advantage over the LS's 416 hp. Fuel economy reveals a distinct operational cost difference, with the LS achieving 22 combined MPG compared to the M5's 14 combined MPG. The M5 introduces electrification, offering 29 miles of electric range, which the RWD Lexus lacks entirely. While the M5 is slightly shorter at 200.6 inches versus the LS’s 206.1 inches, it is notably wider at 77.6 inches compared to the LS's 74.8 inches. Cargo space is comparable, with the LS offering 17.0 cu ft versus the M5’s 16.5 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS wins for commuting due to its superior 22 combined MPG versus the BMW M5's 14 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS offers slightly more conventional cargo space at 17.0 cu ft and is positioned as a traditional luxury sedan lacking the high-strung performance focus of the M5.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 BMW M5

The 2026 BMW M5 dominates performance metrics with 717 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, significantly outclassing the Lexus LS.

💰 Best Value

2025 Lexus LS

The Lexus LS provides luxury features at a $41,565 lower starting price point than the BMW M5.

Choose the Lexus LS if...

Fuel efficiency is a priority, evidenced by the LS achieving 29 highway MPG versus the M5's 19 highway MPG.
Budget constraints dictate a starting MSRP under $81,000, significantly lower than the M5's $121,900.
A traditional, long-wheelbase RWD luxury experience is preferred over the M5's AWD/Hybrid setup.

Choose the BMW M5 if...

Absolute maximum performance is required, indicated by the M5's 717 hp output.
Access to plug-in hybrid technology is desired, leveraging 29 miles of pure electric range.
The commanding torque figure of 738 lb-ft, achieved through its electrified powertrain, is essential for driving dynamics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Lexus LS	BMW M5
Length	206.1"	200.6"
Width	74.8"	77.6"
Height	57.0"	59.4"
Wheelbase	123.0"	118.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Cornering Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Drying	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	4.4 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	V8
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	416 hp @ 6000 rpm	717 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	442 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	738 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	24	32
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/29 MPG	12/19 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	14 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	390.6/629.3 mi.	190.8/302.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	21.7 gal.	15.9 gal.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	—	41/57 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	—	47 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	—	29 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	—	55
Charging Time (240V)	—	2.0 hr.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Four Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.9 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	12	18
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	12 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Premium Speaker Brand	—	Bowers & Wilkins
Stereo Power	—	655W
Surround Audio	—	Discrete

Power Feature

Feature	Lexus	BMW
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Fixed Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Front Head Room	37.3 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.0 in.	41.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	58.8 in.	59.2 in.
Front Hip Room	55.5 in.	—
Seat Material: Leather	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	16-way	12-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	16-way	12-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Driver Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Passenger Seat Ventilation	✓	—
Seat Material: Premium Leather	—	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Rear Head Room	37.3 in.	37.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.9 in.	36.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.4 in.	56.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	19 in	—
Tire Size	✓	295/35R21
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Size	—	21 x 11.0 in.
Tire Type	—	Performance

Suspension

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—

Warranty

Feature	Lexus	BMW
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	6 yr./ 70000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	6 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 10000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus LS and 2026 BMW M5.

What is the real-world impact of the 29-mile electric range in the 2026 BMW M5?

The 29 miles of electric range means daily, short commutes of under 29 miles can potentially be completed using no premium unleaded fuel, offsetting the M5's lower 14 combined MPG rating when the battery is depleted.

How much more powerful is the M5 compared to the Lexus LS based on specifications?

The 2026 BMW M5 produces 717 horsepower, which is 301 horsepower more than the 2025 Lexus LS’s output of 416 horsepower.

Does the difference in drive type affect the handling characteristics of these two sedans?

Yes, the Lexus LS uses traditional Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), while the M5 utilizes an All Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which typically offers superior traction, especially given the M5's significantly higher torque rating of 738 lb-ft.

Comparing MSRP, how long would it take to recoup the M5's higher cost through fuel savings?

Given the 8 MPG combined difference (22 MPG for LS vs. 14 MPG for M5) and assuming 15,000 annual miles, the LS saves roughly $1,100 annually in fuel costs alone, meaning it would take over 37 years to recover the $41,565 price disparity based solely on fuel.

Which car offers more physical exterior space?

The 2025 Lexus LS is physically longer at 206.1 inches compared to the M5's 200.6 inches. However, the BMW M5 is wider, measuring 77.6 inches versus the LS's 74.8 inches.