Talking about reliability, Lexus is estimated to be one third or 33 per cent more reliable than your average BMW. Although the 2 cheapest luxury cars to maintain are BMWs, usually, Lexus takes much less cash per year to be maintained, around $500, whereas BMW ranges all the way up to $1500 per year.
Are BMWs cheaper to maintain than Lexus?
Talking about luxury vehicles, the two cheapest BMW models to maintain are 2021 BMW 330e and BMW X3 xDrive30e. The chart is followed by 4 Lexus models, ES 300h, NX 300h, RX 450h and UX 250h. Yes, there are some BMW models cheaper to maintain than Lexus. But generally speaking, the Japanese carmaker makes more reliable cars that are much cheaper to maintain.
Although Lexus is produced by Toyota, it is not as nearly as cheap as servicing one. Judging by the scale of repairpal, the Lexus manufacturer has been ranked six in terms of repair costs per year, which averages $551 and increases gradually as the age of your vehicle progresses.
The repair costs of your vehicle greatly depend on the type of vehicle, model, and the way you’ve maintained it so far.
Are you looking for a budget luxury vehicle?
If you are looking for the best luxury vehicle on a budget, undoubtedly Lexus is the better choice than BMW. For less money you will get more features and comfort while giving up on driving pleasure, style and status. BMW’s auto repair is one of the costliest on the market, whereas Lexus cars are much more reliable.
If you don’t mind the budget, BMW dominates Lexus in most categories with some exceptions, which you can see listed below in the article.
Lexus vs BMW general comparison
Thinking about which car is cheaper to maintain does not entail everything you need to know about a vehicle brand to choose as your own. There are some other aspects you need to review before making the right decision. Each car manufacturer leads in certain car segments
In which segment is each manufacturer better?
Depending on what type of car you want to get, each manufacturer leads in different segments. For example, the LFA of Lexus is way ahead of BMW’s attempts for a hybrid supercar, whereas the 1 Series of BMW is simply amazing for a compact car. These are the segments in which both manufacturers dominate:
BMW
- Luxury small cars
- Compact SUVs
- Midsize SUVs
- Large SUVs
- Midsize luxury cars
- Subcompact SUVs
- Sports cars
Lexus:
- Super Luxury cars
- Luxury sports cars
- Electric vehicles and Hybrids
Therefore, in terms of versatility, BMW is our winner. If you are looking for an SUV, BMW is undoubtedly a smarter choice. Although Lexus surely has its advantages.
Reliability
Lexus wins
Talking about reliability, you can expect a BMW to run without any issues while still on warranty without any issues, whereas Lexus can keep going long after that. The main reason for that is the degradable plastic parts that German car automakers use in their engines. The German government has imposed climate measures that prevent auto manufacturers from using non-degradable plastic which shortens the life of German car engines for the sake of the planet.
Both vehicles can easily reach 100,000 miles and even 200,000 miles if maintained properly.
Safety
Tie (Lexus wins slightly)
There are no major differences between the vehicles in terms of safety concerns. Both vehicle brands exceed the standards set by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHS).
Generally speaking, the Lexus comes at a cheaper price and is slightly ahead of the competition, namely BMW in terms of safety features.
Style and exterior
Tie (BMW wins slightly)
In terms of style, several Lexus models have been named the most beautiful car of the year for a few years. On the other hand, people rarely turn their heads to look and see a Lexus, whereas if you swoosh past in a brand new BMW, things seem quite different. Most critics agree that BMW leads in this category.
Performance
BMW dominates (BMW wins by a lot)
When talking about sports performance and sheer driving pleasure, BMW is king. Most BMW models are ranked at least 9 out of 10 in terms of driving performance, whereas Lexus models average only 7 out of 10.
Although this might sound important, unless you are a really enthusiastic driver, driving performance and pleasure is not the top criteria for purchasing a vehicle, especially if you are a family member.
Summary of maintenance cost of BMW vs Lexus
It is difficult to accurately compare the maintenance costs of BMW and Lexus vehicles without more specific information. Maintenance costs can vary widely based on factors such as the model and age of the vehicle, the location where the vehicle is being serviced, and the specific maintenance tasks being performed. Additionally, BMW and Lexus vehicles may have different maintenance requirements and intervals, which can also affect the overall cost of maintenance.
To get a better understanding of the maintenance costs for a specific BMW or Lexus vehicle, it is recommended to consult the owner’s manual for that vehicle and to speak with a dealership or mechanic about the specific maintenance needs and costs for that vehicle. It is also a good idea to compare the warranty coverage for each brand, as this can affect the overall cost of maintenance and repairs.
FAQ
Are Lexus cars good cars in general?
Lexus is a manufacturer that is the sister company of Toyota. From them, you can expect the same reliability as Toyota, but with a much more luxurious feel and more advanced and innovative features. Lexus cars are one of the most affordable luxury vehicles and also one of the cheapest to maintain.
How long do Lexus cars last in terms of mileage?
If you maintain your Lexus properly and service it on schedule, you may easily get beyond 200,000 miles. Most reviewers report that they’ve driven all the way up past 120,000 miles without any major issues. Although, if you fail to maintain your vehicle, you might end up needing major drive train replacements below the 120k mark.
What are some good and bad Lexus models to have in mind when purchasing?
The Lexus models that you purchase with a grain of salt should be Lexus GS 450h, LS 460, Lexus IS 350 and IS 250. The reason for that is that these vehicles have a sporty aggressive design but deliver far less performance than what they look like they would. When compared to BMW sports cars, these fade in comparison. If you are looking for a good all-rounder, though, these models are okay.
The best Lexus cars to purchase are the Lexus GX, RX, LS XF40, and IS 300. These vehicles give you what they claim to, with no setbacks – A luxurious ride with style, unmatched reliability, and above-average performance.