As new car prices continue to climb, a vehicle retaining value is more important than ever. We write plenty about used car deals because there are virtually unlimited models to choose from that have already dropped in value. This time, however, we want to highlight a luxury sedan that holds its value far better than any of its rivals.
Some buyers see the Lexus ES as a Toyota Camry in a tailored suit. The Lexus retains the legendary reliability of its sibling, but the luxury sedan can actually cost less per year to own than a mid-tier Camry once you factor in depreciation. This plush Lexus even puts its German rivals to shame in terms of resale value.
All specs come directly from the manufacturers. Used car prices vary greatly by location, mileage, mechanical and cosmetic condition, number of owners, and more. The values stated in this article reflect averages or specific examples where stated.
Some Used Lexus ES Sedans Are Relatively Affordable
2025 Lexus ES 350 Silver Front Angled View DrivingLexus
As a preface, the current-generation Lexus ES just launched for the 2026 model year and is available as a hybrid or an electric vehicle. Because it’s so new, we don’t know how the latest model will hold up in terms of depreciation. We are focusing on the previous iteration, with the seventh-generation ES available from the 2019 through 2025 model years in the US.
According to CarBuzz Marketplace price trends data, a five-year-old (2021 model year) ES 350 with front-wheel drive, with a 302-horsepower 3.5-liter V6, is still worth an average of $31,617. That figure accounts for 182 listings at the time of writing.
The ES 250 AWD, with a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, is worth a little less, at $28,810, while the ES 250 Luxury AWD trim is still worth about $30,000. Real-world listing data proves that buyers still value the model with a larger engine more, even though the 250 Luxury AWD is technically a better-appointed trim level than a 350 FWD model. That said, here are some listings from around the country that show used ES sedans are relatively affordable after five years:
- A 2021 ES 350 with 63,192 miles is listed for $30,590 in Oklahoma.
- A 2022 ES 350 F Sport with 33,111 miles is listed for $38,590 in Georgia.
- A 2022 ES 250 with 70,075 miles is listed for $27,501 in Illinois.
- A 2021 ES 250 with 36,600 miles is listed for $30,902 in California.
For the most part, average-mileage ES 350s are hovering between $28k and $32k, while ES 250s lag behind. Of course, some low-mileage 250s are listed for higher prices, and vice versa for the 350.
The Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series Can Be Even Cheaper
2026 Audi A6 front 3/4 angle in blue while parkedIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet2024 BMW 5 Series front 3/4 angle in blue while parkedBMW
Both the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series are formidable foes in the luxury sedan segment, but they don’t hold value like the ES. Starting with the 2021 A6, the CarBuzz Marketplace price trends data shows the A6 Premium 45 TFSI averaging $26,623. Some trims are worth more than others, like the Premium Plus 45 TFSI, which averages $28,237, but value isn’t guaranteed just because of the trim level. For example, the Premium Plus 55 TFSI is valued at $24,448.
Moving on to the 2021 BMW 5 Series, values are fairly steady across three trim levels. The 2021 530i is currently showing an average value of $26,914, according to data from 55 listings nationwide. The 530 xDrive all-wheel drive is worth the most in this model year, with the CarBuzz Marketplace valuing it at an average of $31,066 based on 95 listings, while the more-powerful 540i sits in the middle at $27,145 based on 80 listings.
Depreciation By The Numbers: ES vs Rivals
2025 Lexus ES 350 rear 3/4 angle in silver while parkedLexus
Real-world data will almost always differ from most sources’ estimates, so we prefer to use the listings in the previous section for current price data. That said, some sources are more generous to all three models’ depreciation figures than others. For example, Vindown depreciation data shows the Lexus ES, especially the ES 350 Luxury trim level, can retain an average of 71.5% of its initial value after five years of driving. A more common source, CarEdge, shows the ES 350 retaining 65% of its value after five years. Since different valuation trackers can show different results, we still prefer to stick to checking local listings since vehicle values can vary somewhat by region.
Luxury Sedan Depreciation Comparison
Percentage of Value Lost
Lexus ES 350
35%
Audi A6
49%
BMW 530i/540i
49%
According to CarEdge, the BMW 530i depreciates by 49% (or retains just 51%) of its value after its first five years on the road. CarEdge shows the 540i follows the same curve, with the higher trim level losing 49% of its value after half a decade. The results aligns with the CarBuzz Marketplace price trend data by showing the two trims with similar values on the used market.
Finally, there’s the Audi A6. CarEdge only has data for the model as a whole, rather than separating the trims like it does for both competitors. The source’s data shows the A6 depreciates by 49% after five years, just like the 5 Series.
The ES Is Cheaper To Maintain, Hence The Higher Resale Value
2025 Lexus ES 350 Black/Brown Interior Front CabinLexus
Beating depreciation is impossible for most cars. Unless you drive a one-of-one Porsche 911 or some rare, desirable model, your car is going to lose value. There are steps you can take to reduce the hit your car takes when it comes time to sell, though. A prime example is keeping the car in good mechanical condition and keeping records of all the maintenance you perform or pay to have done during your ownership. Maintaining a luxury car isn’t cheap, but the Lexus ES eases the pain.
According to CarEdge, the Lexus ES costs an average of just $1,961 to maintain and repair over its first five years on the road. That’s comparable to many mainstream cars, like the Toyota RAV4, and it’s only about $100 more than the Camry’s maintenance costs. To put it into better perspective, the ES’s maintenance costs are $2,246 less than the average luxury sedan.
Other Luxury Sedans Can Be Costly To Own
2026 Audi A6 mid-year update interior view of the front cabinAudi2024 – 2026 BMW 5 Series Sedan interior view of the front cabinBMW
The Lexus ES’ maintenance costs make more sense when you compare them side by side with the Audi A6 and BMW 530i. The same source finds that A6 owners pay an average of $3,228 to maintain their luxury sedans over half a decade, while the BMW 530i costs $4,535 over the same timeframe. This shows that Lexus reliability can be a major factor in keeping the model’s value higher than its rivals.
Used car buyers usually don’t want to take on the responsibility of maintaining an aging German luxury sedan, so they’re more willing to pay a few thousand dollars up front for a more reliable, less costly Japanese model.
A Solid Powertrain Makes All The Difference
2024 Lexus ES front 3/4 angle in red while parkedLexus
The new ES took away one of the previous generation’s most important features: a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. The 2026 ES 350h comes with a hybrid-assisted 2.5-liter four-cylinder making a total of 244 horsepower, with either front- or all-wheel drive. The model is too new to know whether it would be as resistant to depreciation as the seventh-gen model.
That said, the seventh-generation ES 350’s powertrain plays a big role in its longevity and resale value. The V6 is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to either the front or all four wheels depending on the trim. The sedan offers enough grunt to sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in the mid- to low-6.0-second range.
The A6 and 5 Series also offer more powerful engines, but they lack the durability the ES provides. Nevertheless, buyers would find a 2027 Audi A6 with its 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels as standard. It makes 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque for a roughly 5.0-second 0-60 mph sprint.
The 2027 BMW 530i uses a 255-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, which isn’t bad, but enthusiasts would want the 540i more. It comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that makes 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. BMW says it hits 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
Buyers Who Care About Resale Value Have An Easy Choice
2025 Lexus ES 300h headlight detail shotLexus
At the end of the day, most of this data only applies to those who want top dollar for their used car. Buyers looking for a sweet deal might find refuge in the BMW 5 Series’ and Audi A6’s depreciation, since they can snag a sweet luxury sedan for cheap. Nevertheless, we think you should drive whatever you want, regardless of what it might sell for in the future. Buying a car can be a massive decision that could break the bank. Mitigate the loss by choosing a model that won’t lose much value in the first place, and consider which models cost less to own.
The Lexus ES retains so much value because that’s what Lexus models do: they’re reliable and don’t cost much to maintain or repair when parts eventually break. Plus, it does so while offering a smooth, comfortable ride and great styling. The 5 Series and A6 both offer excellent driving experiences, but anyone who cares about their car’s resale value should choose the Lexus ES.
Sources: Lexus, BMW, Audi, CarEdge, AutoTempest, Vindown
