7 Series F01 vs GS IV (L10): which is better?
BMW 7 Series F01 (2008–2015) vs Lexus GS IV (L10) (2011–2020): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 7 Series F01
Lexus GS IV (L10)Specifications
| BMW 7 Series F01 | Lexus GS IV (L10) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2008–2015 | 2011–2020 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 Turbo (740i) | 3.5 V6 (GS350) |
| Power, up to | 326 hp | 317 hp |
| Torque, up to | 450 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 5 072 mm | 4 850 mm |
| Width | 1 902 mm | 1 840 mm |
| Height | 1 479 mm | 1 455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3 070 mm | 2 850 mm |
| Fuel tank | 82 L | 66 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 7 Series F01
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- Powerful versions: up to 326 hp
- Large fuel tank: 82 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW N54/N55 (3.0 Turbo): oil leaks from the filter housing and oil cooler
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Engine (BMW N54/N55 (3.0 Turbo)): oil leaks from the filter housing and heat exchanger; wastegate rattle; electric water pump failure; on the N54 — injectors and high-pressure fuel pump.
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
Lexus GS IV (L10)
Pros
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: generally reliable
- Powerful versions: up to 317 hp
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Gearbox Aisin automatic: valve body wear at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin automatic): generally reliable; at high mileage — valve body wear.
Which one to choose
- 7 Series F01 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 7 Series F01 or GS IV (L10)?
7 Series F01: up to 326 hp, GS IV (L10): up to 317 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 7 Series F01 — about 42 425 ₸, GS IV (L10) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.