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

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

⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ VS ⁦Lexus ES⁩: the verdict

The BMW 3 Series is the clear winner for drivers prioritizing dynamic handling, superior fuel economy, and a more accessible entry price. However, the Lexus ES appeals to those seeking greater engine power, the option of a hybrid powertrain, and a refined, comfortable ride, albeit at a higher cost.
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Price Comparison
Starting at13,999 – 15,499 KWD15,800 – 21,750 KWD
Engine & Power
Engine1,499 – 1,998 cc · 4 cyl2,494 – 3,456 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)136 – 184 hp207 – 302 hp
Torque (Nm)220 – 300 Nm221 – 362 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)7.1 – 9.1 s6.8 – 9.8 s
Top Speed (Km/h)210 – 240 km/h207 – 230 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)5.4 – 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 TypePetrolHybrid / Petrol
Measurements
L×W×H4.6 / 4.7 m × 1.8 / 1.8 m × 1.4 / 1.4 m5.0 / 5.0 m × 1.9 / 1.9 m × 1.4 m
Wheelbase (meters)2.8 / 2.9 m2.9 m
Curb Weight (kg)1,450 – 1,500 kg—
Trunk Capacity (liters)480 L454 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V SocketABS (Anti-lock Brake System)AirbagsAnti theft alarmAudio Controls on Steering WheelAuto Dimming MirrorAuto HeadlampsAuto Start / StopAutomatic ACAutomatic Headlight Range ControlAUXBA (Brake Assist)BluetoothCD PlayerCenter Arm RestCentral LockingChrome Exhaust PipesChrome Plated Radiator GrilleCornering 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 SunroofFabric SeatsFog Lamp - Front and RearFoldable Rear SeatsFootwell LightsFront Seat ArmrestHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather Steering WheelLED TaillightsLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMP3Multi-Information DisplayMulti-Information Display SizeOdometerParking SensorsPower OutletsPower SteeringPower Windows - Front and RearPush Button StartRadioRain Sensing WipersRear AC VentsRear CameraRear CupholdersRear Window DefoggerScuff PlateSeat Adjustment - AutomaticSeat Adjustment - ManualSeatbelt pretensionerSingle Exhaust TipSpeed LimiterSteering Tilt AdjustmentTemperature DisplayTouchpadTraction ControlTrip ComputerTrip MeterTyre Pressure Monitoring DisplayUSB PortVanity MirrorWheel SizeWheels - AlloyWheels - Steel
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree 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 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 setup and quicker acceleration, offers a more engaging and sporty driving experience for those who value performance.

2

Best for Fuel Economy

The BMW 3 Series is the more economical choice, boasting an impressive fuel efficiency of 5.4 L/100km compared to the Lexus ES's 6.4 L/100km.

3

Best for Power and Refinement

The Lexus ES takes the lead with more powerful engine options, including a V6 delivering up to 302 hp, providing a smoother and more robust driving feel.

4

Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers

Starting at 13,999 KWD, the BMW 3 Series offers a more affordable entry point into the luxury sedan segment than the Lexus ES, which starts at 15,800 KWD.

Pros & cons

BMW 3 Series

Pros

  • Superior fuel efficiency (5.4 L/100km)
  • Lower starting price (13,999 KWD)
  • Rear-Wheel Drive for sporty dynamics
  • Larger trunk capacity (480 L)
  • Quicker acceleration (as low as 7.1s)
  • Higher top speed (up to 240 km/h)

Cons

  • Lower maximum horsepower (up to 184 hp)
  • No hybrid engine option
  • Shorter overall length compared to the ES

Lexus ES

Pros

  • More powerful engine options (up to 302 hp, V6 available)
  • Available Hybrid powertrain
  • Longer body and wheelbase for enhanced passenger comfort
  • Front-Wheel Drive for stable and predictable handling

Cons

  • Higher starting price (15,800 KWD)
  • Less fuel-efficient (6.4 L/100km)
  • Smaller trunk capacity (454 L)
  • Lower top speed (up to 230 km/h)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For a sportier, more dynamic performance experience, the BMW 3 Series is generally preferred due to its rear-wheel-drive configuration and quicker acceleration, starting from 7.1 seconds. While the Lexus ES offers higher maximum horsepower, its front-wheel-drive layout and focus on refinement make the 3 Series the enthusiast's choice. Choose the BMW 3 Series if spirited driving is a priority.

Which car, BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES, is more fuel-efficient?

The BMW 3 Series is significantly more fuel-efficient, offering a combined fuel economy of 5.4 L/100km. In contrast, the Lexus ES's petrol variants start at 6.4 L/100km, although it does offer a hybrid option. For maximum fuel savings with a conventional petrol engine, the BMW 3 Series is the better choice.

Is the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES more affordable in Kuwait?

The BMW 3 Series is more affordable with a starting price of 13,999 KWD. The Lexus ES begins at 15,800 KWD, making the 3 Series the more budget-friendly option for entry into the luxury sedan segment. If initial cost is a primary concern, the BMW 3 Series offers better value.

Which offers more practicality, the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES?

When it comes to practicality, the BMW 3 Series offers a larger trunk capacity of 480 liters compared to the Lexus ES's 454 liters, making it slightly better for cargo. However, the Lexus ES is longer and has a comparable wheelbase, potentially offering more passenger legroom. For cargo, the 3 Series has a slight edge.