Hump day has finally arrived and if you need something to power you through to the weekend, today’s battle is guaranteed to do just that. This week, Japanese tech takes on the German engineering as they fight it out for the title of best SUV – and with the luxurious Lexus NX going up against our BMW X3 review, you won’t want to miss it.
Lexus vs BMW: who will be crowned the winner in today’s car comparison? Let’s find out.
Original image by Kārlis Dambrāns
Design
The NX’s eye-catching design is enough to challenge the X3 – and the Lexus’ cabin is equally as stylish as its exterior. The driver’s seat offers plenty of support – and while there’s enough room in the rear to accommodate three adults, the Lexus can’t match the BMW for comfort. Both cars offer 550 litres of storage in the boot, but with the BMW’s 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat, the X3 offers an impressive 1,600 litres. With a well-built interior and BMW’s easy to understand iDrive infotainment system, the mid-size X3 wins the design round.
Features
The Germans have never let us down when it comes to kitting out their cars and thanks to its generous features on the entry level model, there’s no need to shell out on more expensive trims. The basic X3 comes equipped with air-conditioning, front and rear parking sensors, 17 inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth and even heated front seats! However, if you’re willing to splash the cash, the sleek M Sport model adds 19 inch alloys, Drive Performance Control and a sportier body kit into the mix.
In the Lexus, the basic S spec comes with dual-zone climate-control, Bluetooth, DAB digital radio, 17 inch alloys and two colour touchscreens. Topping this range is the Premier model which adds an impressive fighter-jet style head-up display, LED headlights, Sat Nav and lane-keeping assistance. Lexus NX reviews never fail to mention the amount of kit this car provides while still managing to keep buying costs low – meaning the stylish import has this round in the bag.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to engine options, these SUVs are miles apart. The X3 is available with a range of diesel engines, starting with the entry-level 18d which can hit 62mph in a zippy 9.5 seconds – yet returns a surprising 60.1mpg. Topping the range is the 3.0 litre 35d, blazing from 0-62mph in just 5.3 seconds – but if you’re looking for a balance of decent fuel economy and practical performance, the 20d is the one to go for.
The Lexus, on the other hand, is available with either a 235bhp petrol engine or as a 195bhp hybrid – with a 2.5 litre petrol unit linked with an electric motor. While low CO2 emissions of 116g/km mean an annual road tax bill of just £30, the hybrid is outdone by the X3’s versatile engine range and impressive performance figures – meaning BMW has scooped this round, too.
Price
Original images by nakhon100
The basic BMW X3 comes in at £33,295 – while the Lexus NX undercuts it, costing just £29,495. It might be the pricier option, but with impressive performance figures and plenty of interior comfort, the BMW X3 is undoubtedly worth the added cost. We’re saying splash the cash – and go for the BMW X3.
The verdict: It was a valiant effort from the Lexus NX – but thanks to its sleek styling and spacious cabin, the BMW X3 is our winner.
Lexus vs BMW: who is your winner? Whether you want to get behind the wheel of a BMW X3 or the Lexus NX takes your fancy, we can help you finance your new SUV. At the Car Loan Warehouse, we offer flexible finance options to suit any budget – meaning you could be climbing inside the car of your dreams sooner than you think. Check out our Lexus finance and BMW finance options to see how we can help you – or head over to our online car finance calculator for an instant estimate.
