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

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

⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ VS ⁦Lexus ES⁩: the verdict

The Lexus ES offers better overall value and comfort for those prioritizing space and a smoother ride, especially with its hybrid option and lower starting price. However, the BMW 3 Series is the clear choice for drivers seeking superior performance and dynamic handling.
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Price Comparison
Starting at182,500 QAR167,000 – 236,000 QAR
Engine & Power
Engine1,997 cc · 4 cyl2,494 – 3,456 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)245 hp184 – 302 hp
Torque (Nm)350 Nm221 – 362 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.9 s6.8 – 9.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)250 km/h207 – 230 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)6.4 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×H4.6 m × 2.0 m × 1.4 m5.0 / 5.0 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.4 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.8 m2.9 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,505 kg1,674 – 1,695 kg
Trunk Capacity (liters)368 L454 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)AirbagsAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACBA (Brake Assist)Body Colored Bumper - Front and RearBody Colored MirrorsCD PlayerCentral LockingChrome Exhaust PipesCruise ControlCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDifferential LockDisc BrakesDoor Handles - Body ColoredDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipDynamic Stability ControlEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeFabric SeatsFog Lamp - Front and RearFront Seat ArmrestISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Steering WheelMP3Multi-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeOdometerPower SteeringPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRadioRun-Flat TyresSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSeatbeltsSeatsSteering Tilt AdjustmentTraction ControlTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayWheel SizeWheels - Alloy
12V Socket360 CameraABS (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 LighterCollision DetectionCompassCool boxCornering assistCornering LightsCRASH AUTO DOOR UNLOCKCrosswind AssistCruise Control Switch on SteeringCupholdersDaytime Running LightsDifferential LockDoor Mirrors with Side Turn SignalDrive ComputerDual Exhaust TipEBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)Eco Drive ModeElectric Door MirrorsElectric SunroofElectronic HandbrakeFire ExtinguisherFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestFront WindshieldGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHeadlight WashersHeated Cooled SeatsHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistIlluminated Door HandlesIlluminated Door SillsImmobilizerIntelligent 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 LampsMicrophoneMoving Object Detection SystemMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeNavigation SystemNight VisionNumber of SpeakersOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower 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 Lcd screensRear Seat PocketsRear SpoilerRear Window DefoggerRemote StartRoad Sign AssistRoof SpoilerRun-Flat TyresScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat MemorySeatbelt pretensionerSilver TrimSonarSpare WheelSpeed LimiterSpeed Sensitive Audio VolumeSpeed Sensitive Power SteeringSpeed Sensitive Windshield WipersSpoilerSteering Tilt AdjustmentSurround CameraTemperature DisplayTiptronic GearsTonneau CoverTorsen Limited Slip DifferentialTouchpadTowing HookTraction ControlTrailer Hitch with CoverTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Defect IndicatorTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorVehicle 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 excels with its powerful 245 hp engine and rapid 5.9-second acceleration, making it the top pick for those who prioritize a thrilling driving experience.

2

Best for Comfort and Space

The Lexus ES provides a more spacious interior and a generous 454-liter trunk, making it ideal for families or individuals needing extra cargo capacity and a comfortable ride.

3

Best for Value and Efficiency

Starting at 167,000 QAR, the Lexus ES is more accessible, and its available hybrid powertrain offers excellent fuel economy, appealing to budget-conscious and eco-minded buyers.

4

Best for City Maneuverability

The BMW 3 Series, with its slightly more compact length and agile rear-wheel-drive, offers better maneuverability and a sportier feel for urban environments.

Pros & cons

BMW 3 Series

Pros

  • Rapid 5.9-second acceleration
  • Higher top speed of 250 km/h
  • Engaging Rear-Wheel Drive dynamics
  • More powerful base engine (245 hp)

Cons

  • Smaller trunk capacity (368 L)
  • Higher starting price (182,500 QAR)
  • No hybrid option
  • Less passenger legroom due to shorter wheelbase

Lexus ES

Pros

  • Larger 454 L trunk capacity
  • Lower starting price (167,000 QAR)
  • Available hybrid powertrain for better fuel efficiency
  • More spacious cabin with longer wheelbase (2.9 m)
  • Broader engine range with a V6 option (302 hp)

Cons

  • Slower base acceleration (6.8 s)
  • Lower top speed (230 km/h)
  • Front-Wheel Drive may offer less engaging dynamics
  • Less nimble in tight spaces due to longer length

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the BMW 3 Series or the Lexus ES?

The BMW 3 Series is significantly faster, boasting an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. In contrast, the Lexus ES ranges from 6.8 to 9.8 seconds for acceleration and a top speed of 207 to 230 km/h, making the BMW the clear winner for performance enthusiasts.

Which car has more trunk space, the BMW 3 Series or the Lexus ES?

The Lexus ES offers substantially more trunk space with 454 liters, making it more practical for families or those who frequently carry luggage. The BMW 3 Series provides a smaller 368-liter trunk, which might be less suitable for extensive cargo needs.

Is the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES better value for money in Qatar?

The Lexus ES generally offers better value for money, with a starting price of 167,000 QAR compared to the BMW 3 Series' 182,500 QAR. For buyers prioritizing a lower entry point and potentially better fuel economy with hybrid options, the ES presents a compelling package.

Which offers better fuel economy, the BMW 3 Series or the Lexus ES?

While the base BMW 3 Series and Lexus ES have comparable fuel economy around 6.4 L/100km, the Lexus ES offers hybrid variants that can achieve superior efficiency, making it the better choice for those prioritizing fuel savings over time.

Which car is better for families, the BMW 3 Series or the Lexus ES?

The Lexus ES is generally better suited for families due to its larger trunk capacity of 454 liters and longer wheelbase (2.9 m), which often translates to more rear passenger legroom and overall comfort. The BMW 3 Series is more performance-oriented, with a smaller trunk and a sportier, potentially firmer ride.