Lexus LS vs BMW 330e
What's the difference?

Lexus LS

—

2023 price

View pricing & specs

BMW 330e

—

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 Lexus LS

2023 BMW 330e

By Tom White

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

10.0L/100km (combined)

2.5L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

17.9 kWh/100km

Electric range

57 km

Battery capacity

10.30 kWh

Seating

Likes

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Not another SUV
Great handling
Comfortable ride

Dislikes

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

Needs to be charged constantly
Doesn't recharge well on the go
Costs $4000 more than the petrol version

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.

View full pricing & specs

2023 BMW 330e Summary

A hybrid BMW 3 Series makes sense now that everything is going electric. And the BMW 330e M Sport is the plug-in hybrid version of the 330i petrol variant. What's not to like, then?

Well, that's what we're here for because this review of the BMW 330e M Sport will reveal everything we've discovered about the car and will help you decide if it really does make sense to make it your next car.

We've covered everything from practicality to on-road performance, features and prices. And yes, we've run a fuel test to see just how efficient this plug-in hybrid is to live with in the real world.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 Lexus LS 2023 BMW 330e

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

The 330e M Sport is an excellent car, but it could be a much better hybrid.

In Australia, where driving distances can be vast, a car that's as comfortable and easy to live with as this one is welcome. But for the electric range to dissipate so quickly, and not recoup again at a fast enough rate without plugging into a charger, is disappointing.

There are other plug-in hybrids, even among the more affordable mainstream brands, which can return charge to the battery incredibly quickly and effectively on the go.

If you are looking to make the step into a hybrid, then perhaps consider a fully electric car. There isn't a battery electric 3 Series on the market in Australia (yet), but BMW does sell the iX1 small SUV for less money than a 330e or the iX3 for a tad more.

Both are pure electric SUVs and have a range of between 400-500km. You'll never need petrol again, which makes a hybrid seem outdated.

Lexus LS vs BMW 330e What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus LS vs BMW 330e
What's the difference?