i5 vs 500e: Price Worth It?

Lexus ES Electric price in Belgaum
* Estimated on-road price. Final amount may vary.
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The Lexus ES Electric 500e costs ₹97,13,400 on-road in Belgaum. At 9.00% interest for 7 years, your estimated EMI is ₹1,40,657 per month.
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I am a bit confused between the BMW i5 and the Lexus ES 500e. The Lexus ES 500e costs Rs 91.2 lakh (ex-showroom), which is Rs 11 lakh more than the BMW i5 at Rs 79.6 lakh. For the additional amount, the Lexus offers the following features: Manual rear window sunblinds Soft-close doors Head-up display (HUD) Front-seat heating and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel. The i5 gets ventilated seats. Transparent bonnet mode Higher performance from its dual-motor AWD setup, producing 343hp compared with the i5's 268 hp Longer standard vehicle warranty of 8 years/2 lakh km, compared with BMW's 2-year standard warranty Dedicated spare wheel space I have driven both cars and liked them. Does the Lexus justify the additional Rs 11 lakh for these differences? Is there a significant difference in interior quality between the i5 and ES 500e?
The Lexus ES 500e has its merits, but it does come at a considerable premium over the BMW i5. Sure, if you want to stand out, prefer its stronger performance, and want the peace of mind of a longer standard warranty, go for the Lexus ES. In comparison, the BMW i5 is a well-rounded electric car which is very comfortable to drive and be driven in. And given the fact that it is more affordable, as a luxury EV, the BMW i5 seems like the more sensible option. Alternatively, you could consider the new GLC 400 (EV), which packs in stronger performance, promises healthier range, and is more affordable than both the BMW i5 and Lexus ES.
Hi Autocar Team, I wanted your guidance on whether I should buy the new Lexus ES 350h Hybrid or wait for the upcoming BMW i5 LWB. My concern with the BMW i5 LWB is that it is likely to be one of the last models based on BMW's current platform, with the Neue Klasse-based i5 expected to arrive in the near future. Given how quickly EV technology is evolving, I am worried that it could become outdated relatively soon. On the other hand, the Lexus ES 350h is based on Toyota's sixth-generation hybrid technology, which makes me feel it may remain relevant for longer within its segment. That said, the idea of switching to an EV is also very exciting, so I am finding it difficult to decide. Which one would you recommend?
The new i5 LWB is expected to be a thorough revision of the current model based on the CLAR platform, with Neue Klasse-inspired styling and perhaps battery and motor updates, rather than an outright shift to the Neue Klasse platform of the i3. This is similar to what was done with the BMW i7, which also shares the CLAR platform, as both are only halfway through their life cycles. Besides, that is still some time away, and the only i5 you can buy now is the sporty (and low-slung) M60. You're right about rapidly advancing EV tech, but whether you choose today's i5 or the incoming LCI or LWB, you'll still have a luxurious, comfortable, refined and powerful EV.As for the Lexus, if you're choosing the hybrid, know that it is about half the price of what the i5 LWB will likely cost. There is also the ES Electric, which is closer in price and concept to the i5. Either way, the ES seems like the better choice for you if you plan to purchase today, since as you mentioned, it is presently the more contemporary option. That said, depending on which camp you fall into, a hybrid may already be behind in terms of relevance compared to any EV, so it really comes down to the nature of your usage. For now, in India, pound for pound, a hybrid makes more sense than an EV, so if you're keen on the new ES hybrid, you should go for it.











Last Updated on: 13 Nov 2026