BMW
7 Series
Lexus
LS
BMW 7 Series vs Lexus LS: 2023 Comparison
The short answer
The BMW 7 Series offers power, while the Lexus LS excels at fuel economy instead. Choose the BMW 7 Series if you prioritize power in daily driving, or the Lexus LS if fuel economy matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
7 Series
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and ownership phase. Long-term owner reports for older generations (e.g., E65, F01, G11/G12) highlight significant concerns regarding high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and expensive repairs as the vehicles age, particularly when professional labor is required. These models are described as "over-engineered" with components prone to failure, leading to substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific "best" trim or model year. One owner of a 2015 diesel model reported satisfaction with its fuel economy, but no consensus exists on optimal configurations.
Known issues
- ⚠High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts and labor, especially for electronic components and engine-related repairs. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Complex electronic system failures: issues with control modules, sensors, and infotainment systems that are difficult and costly to diagnose and repair. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Engine reliability concerns: specific mention of complicated, over-engineered engines (e.g., N63) that are expensive to fix; turbochargers noted as costly bespoke items on performance variants. Frequency: recurrent.
LS
Overall
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep owner loyalty and satisfaction with the vehicle's core mission of providing unparalleled long-term comfort, refinement, and reliability. The LS is consistently described as a benchmark for a "decade-plus" ownership experience with minimal drama, offering a sense of solidity, quietness, and effortless power that makes other vehicles feel "a bit cheap by comparison." While there is strong consensus on its supreme comfort and build quality, nuanced criticisms exist regarding specific model years and components. The LS460 (2007-2017) is praised for its bulletproof V8 but noted for expensive wear items like control arms and air suspension.
Best version to buy
For the LS460 generation, later model years (e.g., 2017) are implied to be more refined and reliable than early first-year models (e.g., 2007), which are described as "Toyota's bastard child for reliability." For the current LS500 generation, the LS500h AWD with the "Teammate" advanced driver-assist system is mentioned as a highly capable but rare and expensive configuration. There is no single trim consensus, but the underlying recommendation is to seek well-maintained examples with full service histories, regardless of specific year or trim.
Known issues
- ⚠**LS460 Generation:** * Control arm and suspension bushing wear: Requires replacement far too often, as frequently as every 60k miles, with costs exceeding $2,000. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠**LS500 Generation:** * Early powertrain reliability: The 2018 LS500's new twin-turbo V6 had "early teething issues" compared to the previous V8. A manufacturer recall for engine debris affecting some 2022-2023 models is mentioned.
- ⚠**General (All Generations):** * Excessive weight and handling: The car is described as incredibly heavy, with tires and wheel wells too small for its mass, leading to compromised cornering and braking feel. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Lexus LS is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the BMW 7 Series, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Lexus LS are a dealbreaker, the BMW 7 Series is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the BMW 7 Series or the Lexus LS?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Lexus LS than the BMW 7 Series. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the BMW 7 Series or the Lexus LS?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the BMW 7 Series or the Lexus LS?
The Lexus LS is more fuel-efficient on paper: 8.6 L/100km combined versus 12.8 L/100km for the BMW 7 Series, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the BMW 7 Series or the Lexus LS?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the BMW 7 Series than the Lexus LS. See the known issues comparison above.