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

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

⁦BMW 3 Series⁩ VS ⁦Lexus ES⁩: the verdict

The BMW 3 Series wins for driving enthusiasts seeking performance and agility. While the Lexus ES offers a more refined, comfortable, and potentially fuel-efficient (hybrid) luxury experience, the 3 Series' superior acceleration and dynamic drive make it the overall winner for those prioritizing driving engagement. However, the ES counters with its spacious cabin and available V6 or hybrid powertrain options.
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Price Comparison
Starting at25,999 – 32,999 OMR0 OMR
Engine & Power
Engine1,998 cc · 4 cyl2,494 – 3,456 cc · 4 – 6 cyl
Horsepower (bhp)184 – 252 hp214 – 302 hp
Torque (Nm)300 – 350 Nm221 – 362 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 Km/h (sec)5.8 – 7.1 s6.8 – 8.1 s
Top Speed (Km/h)240 – 250 km/h230 km/h
Fuel Economy (L/100 Km)5.5 – 6.2 L/100km6.4 – 8.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity60 L50 – 60 L
Gears88
TransmissionAutomaticAutomatic / CVT
Drive TypeAll Wheel Drive / Rear 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 – 1,570 kg—
Trunk Capacity (liters)480 L454 L
Overview
Body StyleSedanSedan
Seating Capacity5 seats5 seats
Doors4 doors4 doors
Features
Key features
12V Socket360 Camera360-Degree Camera360-Degree CameraABS (Anti-lock Brake System)Acoustic HoodActive BonnetActive SteeringAdaptive Brake LightsAdaptive HeadlightsAdaptive Suspension PackageAirbagsAlloy PedalsAluminum WheelsAmbient LightingAnti theft alarmAnti-theft Wheel BoltsAppsAudio 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 GrilleClimate ControlCollision 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 SeatsFoldable Rear Seats with 60:40 SplitFootwell LightsFront BrakesFront Seat ArmrestGas Shock AbsorberHDDHDMIHID HeadlightsHigh Mount Stop LampHill AssistImmobilizerIntelligent KeyISOFIX Child Seat AnchorsKeyless EntryLeather SeatsLeather Steering WheelLED Fog LightsLED TaillightsLegroomLumbar SupportMap Reading LampsMicrophoneMP3MudguardMulti-Information DisplayNavigation SystemNight VisionOBD (On-board Diagnostics)OdometerOff-Road DampersOff-Road tyresParking SensorsPedestrian airbagPower OutletsPower SeatsPower SteeringPower TailgatePower WindowsPower Windows - Front and RearPremium Brand Audio SystemPush 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 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 is the clear winner here. Its available Rear Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive options, combined with a blistering 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, provide a truly engaging and dynamic driving experience.

2

Best for Comfort & Smoothness

The Lexus ES takes the lead for comfort. Its longer wheelbase and design philosophy focused on ride quality make it the ideal choice for those prioritizing a plush, quiet, and serene journey for all occupants.

3

Best for Fuel Efficiency

For petrol models, the BMW 3 Series is more efficient at 5.5 L/100km. However, the Lexus ES offers a compelling hybrid option, which will typically provide superior fuel economy in stop-and-go city driving. Choose based on your driving habits.

4

Best for Long-Distance Cruising

The Lexus ES is better suited for extended road trips. Its larger dimensions, wider body (1.9m vs 1.8m), and emphasis on passenger comfort create a more relaxed and spacious environment for long journeys.

Pros & cons

BMW 3 Series

Pros

  • Quicker acceleration (as low as 5.8 seconds)
  • Sportier Rear-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive options
  • Superior fuel efficiency for petrol variants (5.5 L/100km)
  • Slightly larger trunk capacity (480 L)
  • More compact for city maneuvering

Cons

  • No V6 or hybrid engine options
  • Less emphasis on ultimate ride comfort
  • Slightly smaller cabin dimensions
  • Can be less forgiving over rough roads

Lexus ES

Pros

  • Higher maximum horsepower (up to 302 hp)
  • Available V6 and Hybrid powertrain options
  • Longer and wider for enhanced passenger comfort
  • Smoother, more luxurious ride quality
  • Potentially lower running costs with hybrid model

Cons

  • Slower acceleration (minimum 6.8 seconds)
  • Only Front-Wheel Drive, less dynamic
  • Less fuel efficient in petrol-only variants (6.4 L/100km minimum)
  • Smaller trunk capacity (454 L)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES faster?

The BMW 3 Series is notably faster, with its quickest variant achieving 0-100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. The Lexus ES, while offering higher peak horsepower in some trims, takes at least 6.8 seconds for its fastest acceleration. If speed and agility are priorities, the 3 Series is the clear winner.

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

For petrol models, the BMW 3 Series is more fuel-efficient, achieving as low as 5.5 L/100km. However, the Lexus ES offers a hybrid variant, which will typically provide superior fuel economy in city driving conditions. Choose the 3 Series for petrol efficiency or the ES Hybrid for overall fuel savings.

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

The Lexus ES is generally considered more comfortable due to its longer wheelbase (2.9m vs 2.8m-2.9m) and focus on a smooth, serene ride. While the BMW 3 Series offers a sporty driving experience, the ES prioritizes passenger comfort and a quieter cabin, making it ideal for those seeking luxury and relaxation.

Which offers a sportier drive, the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES?

The BMW 3 Series offers a significantly sportier drive, thanks to its available Rear Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive configurations, combined with quicker acceleration. The Lexus ES, with its Front Wheel Drive setup and comfort-tuned suspension, provides a more relaxed and less engaging driving experience.

Does the BMW 3 Series or Lexus ES have more interior space?

The Lexus ES, being longer (5.0m vs 4.6m-4.7m) and wider (1.9m vs 1.8m), generally offers more interior space, particularly for rear passengers, making it a more comfortable choice for families or those frequently carrying multiple occupants. The BMW 3 Series provides a more driver-focused cockpit, but with slightly less overall passenger room.