Lexus Versus BMW
The Rival of Lexus and BMW
More than ever before, Lexus and BMW have been coming head-to-head in consumer discussions. Recent Lexus models, like the 2015 RCF and IS, have been creating heated debates when compared to the likes of the BMW 3 or 4 Series. Although those of us here at Lexus of Highland Park take pride in selling both the Lexus and BMW names, we couldn’t help from taking part in this Lexus v. BMW discussion.
Automotive news outlet Torque News recently asked a group of over 15,000 Lexus owners if they considered buying a BMW model and why they opted for the Lexus name instead. Answers varied, but the biggest decision-making factors filtered into two intersecting categories: reliability and maintenance costs.
It’s no hidden secret that Lexus makes a reliable car. Buyers who opted for the Lexus in the Torque News survey frequently cited reliability as being the biggest determinant in their decision to choose a Lexus over a BMW. This coincides with numerical data concerning reliability, such as a 2014 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study which revealed that Lexus vehicles have about half of the problems that BMW models do. However, the gap may not be as large as these numbers appear to show since the BMW 3-Series still holds a three out of five star Power Circle reliability rating from J.D. Power while the Lexus IS pulls ahead at a smaller gap than the previous report showed with a four out of five Power Circle rating.
Buyers also cited higher maintenance costs as a negative for BMW models when compared to Lexus, particularly when considering routine maintenance costs such as oil changes. In fact, price in general was a frequently repeated factor. Both luxury brands come with expected luxury prices, but the power-to-price ratio is not as favorable for the buyer when it comes to BMW as compared to Lexus. While news outlets like AutoTrader still maintain that the BMW’s increase in power makes it, in their opinion, the more desirable carmaker, even they concede that certain models, like the Lexus RC, are a hands-down better value than even a BMW 4 Series.
Other points among consumers tend to be more opinion based, with Lexus lovers citing they prefer the newer, sleeker Lexus lines and interiors compared to the BMW 3 or 4 Series. Additionally, the dealership experience comes into play when discussion these luxury brands, and many buyers report that not only are Lexus dealerships easier to find but they also provide a better overall experience.
This is a debate that is far from over, and it’s unlikely that the comparisons will die down any time soon. Here at Lexus of Highland Park, we believe that there are two sides to every coin, and you deserve to choose which side is best fit for your lifestyle. Feel free to stop by our dealership and take a spin in either one of our brand new Lexus models or a pre-owned BMW so that you can place your ballot for the Lexus or BMW debate.
