Lexus LS vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?

Lexus LS

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2023 price

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BMW 1 Series

$57,900 - $89,900

2025 price

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Summary

2023 Lexus LS

2025 BMW 1 Series

By Tom White

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

10.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Driving dynamics and performance
Front-row layout
Pricing remains competitive

Dislikes

Feels a bit old-fashioned to drive
The hybrid would be nicer to be driven in
Dated multimedia software

New face might divide opinion
Second-row amenities lacking
A tad thirsty

2023 Lexus LS Summary

Surprisingly, for people who would rather be driven than drive themselves, there are quite a few options available in the large luxury sedan market.

While on the whole sedans have fallen from favour, this niche corner of the market continues to let the three-box design thrive.

The options here have changed a bit in the last few years, though, so how does the Lexus flagship, the LS fit into the picture? I drove one around for a week to find out.

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2025 BMW 1 Series Summary

Can you believe the 1 Series is already in its fourth generation? It might not look incredibly like it, because this new car looks a little like the third.

But it’s been more than half a decade since the F40 1 Series debuted, so BMW decided it was already time for a new kid on the block. Meet the F70.

It’s just landed in Australia and it promises new-gen tech and features compared with its predecessor. We checked out BMW’s new baby at its Australian launch to find out if it delivers.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Lexus LS 2025 BMW 1 Series

Verdict

The LS500 is the least logical version of the most logical option in the ultimate luxury sedan segment in which logic doesn’t often apply at all.

Take from that what you will, but if it was me being driven around I would definitely be opting for the hybrid version of the LS instead for its smooth electrified driving characteristics and lower operating costs.

Verdict

A brief dalliance with the 1 Series has left me impressed, if wanting to spend more time with it to get a better assessment of the day-to-day liveability of BMW’s entry-level model.

It’s a compelling offering if you’re after a premium small car, and even without the performance of the M135, the 118 is feature-packed.

Keeping pricing competitive should help the 1 Series buck the trend of buyers opting for small SUVs, but ultimately it’s just refreshing to see BMW putting effort into keeping a hatchback relevant (and up-to-date).

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Lexus LS vs BMW 1 Series What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus LS vs BMW 1 Series
What's the difference?