Lexus LS vs BMW M3
What's the difference?

Lexus LS

—

2023 price

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BMW M3

$124,800 - $179,990

2023 price

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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 M3

By Tom White

By Andrew Chesterton

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Twin Turbo V6, 3.4L

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

10.0L/100km (combined)

10.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Business class interior
Japanese feel and quality
Thumping turbo V6

Brutal acceleration
Surprisingly compliant in the city
Boot space for days

Dislikes

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

Carbon pack a little (a lot) silly
Thirsty as all get out
Design a little polarising (though I like it)

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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2023 BMW M3 Summary

There’s no point waxing too lyrical here, because the facts surrounding the M3 Touring are more than exciting enough.

It’s a (kind of) family friendly wagon with oodles of space and practicality. It’s also an unhinged performance weapon with a thumping 3.0-litre twin-turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine.

And it has been years — decades, even — in the making. So, has it been worth the wait? Let’s strap in and find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Lexus LS 2023 BMW M3

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

Long live the mighty wagon. The BMW M3 Touring is treat to look at, and an even bigger treat to drive.

If you want one, act fast. We waited a long time for a wagon-shaped M3, and with electrification increasing in the automotive industry, this will likely be your last chance.

Lexus LS vs BMW M3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus LS vs BMW M3
What's the difference?