Are you in the market for a luxury SUV but torn between Lexus and BMW? Let’s break it down.
Performance: BMW is the king of high-performance engines and superior handling. If you want an SUV that can handle like a sports car, BMW is the way to go.
Luxury and comfort: Lexus is the perfect choice for those who prioritize luxury and comfort. With plush interiors, heated and ventilated seats, high-quality leather, and advanced infotainment systems, Lexus is the epitome of luxury.
Price: BMW tends to be more expensive than Lexus, so if you’re on a budget or looking for a more affordable option, Lexus might be the way to go.
Reliability: Both BMW and Lexus have a solid reputation for reliability, but Lexus tends to be more reliable in the long run with fewer reported issues and lower repair costs.
Size: The Lexus NX and BMW X3 are both smaller luxury SUVs, but the BMW X3 has a slightly larger cargo area and more overall space inside the cabin.
In conclusion, both the Lexus and BMW are excellent luxury SUVs, but the choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences. If you want a high-performance SUV with exceptional handling, BMW is your ride. However, if you prioritize luxury, comfort, and reliability, Lexus is the better option.
Introduction to the Lexus and BMW SUV models
As an experienced car blogger and enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of test driving both the Lexus and BMW SUV models. In 2019, the Lexus NX and the BMW X3 are two of the most popular smaller luxury vehicles on the market. While both are highly-rated models in their class, there are a few key differences that set them apart from each other.
The BMW X3 is designed for drivers who prioritize performance and handling above all else. It has a sporty design and powerful engine options, making it a thrilling ride for those who love to feel the road beneath them. On the other hand, the Lexus NX is designed with a focus on luxury and comfort. It has a sleek, refined design and is packed with high-tech features to ensure a smooth, relaxing ride.
So, which SUV is better? Let’s take a closer look at the performance, comfort and luxury features, design, technological features, and customer satisfaction of the Lexus and BMW SUVs.
Performance comparison between the Lexus and BMW
The BMW X3 is undoubtedly the winner when it comes to performance. It has a powerful engine, with the option to upgrade to a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six that can generate up to 355 horsepower. It also has a suspension system designed for agility and handling, making it a great option for those who enjoy spirited driving.
The Lexus NX, on the other hand, provides a more comfortable ride, with a focus on fuel efficiency. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which provides adequate power, but certainly isn’t as thrilling as the BMW X3’s engine. However, it is more fuel-efficient, making it a better choice for those who prioritize saving money on gas.
Performance comparison:
- BMW X3: powerful engines and agile suspension
- Lexus NX: more fuel-efficient, but less powerful engines
Comfort and luxury features of the Lexus and BMW
When it comes to luxurious features, the Lexus NX is the clear winner. It has a range of features that are designed to create a relaxing, peaceful driving experience. These include heated and ventilated seats, a power moonroof, and a 10-speaker audio system.
The BMW X3, while not lacking in luxury features, is much more focused on performance. It has sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and a sport suspension as standard features. Luxury features such as heated and ventilated seats are available as options, but they are not the priority.
Comfort and luxury features:
- Lexus NX: heated and ventilated seats, power moonroof, 10-speaker audio system
- BMW X3: sport seats, sport steering wheel, sport suspension (focus on performance), heated and ventilated seats as options
Design differences between the Lexus and BMW SUVs
The BMW X3 has a very distinct, sporty design. It has a wide, aggressive grille and sleek lines that give it a sense of power and athleticism. The Lexus NX, on the other hand, is designed with luxury in mind. It has a more refined, smooth design that is meant to create a sense of relaxation and comfort.
Both SUVs are very well-designed, but the choice will ultimately come down to personal preference. Do you prefer a sporty, bold look, or one that is more subdued and refined?
Design features:
- BMW X3: aggressive grille, sleek lines (sporty design)
- Lexus NX: smooth design meant for relaxation and comfort (refined luxury design)
Technological features of the Lexus and BMW
Both the Lexus NX and BMW X3 come with a range of impressive technological features, including touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. The Lexus NX also has a standard 8-inch display screen, whereas the BMW X3 only has a 6.5-inch display screen.
However, the BMW X3 has a few technological features that set it apart. It has a standard active safety system that includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure warning. These features are available on the Lexus NX as well, but they are not standard.
Technological features:
- Both: touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration
- Lexus NX: standard 8-inch display screen
- BMW X3: standard active safety system (forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning)
Customer satisfaction comparison between the Lexus and BMW
Both the BMW X3 and the Lexus NX have a reputation for being well-built, reliable cars. However, the Lexus NX has consistently ranked higher in customer satisfaction surveys than the BMW X3. According to J.D. Power’s 2019 Vehicle Dependability Study, the Lexus NX ranks third in dependability among all compact premium SUVs, while the BMW X3 ranks 11th.
Customers have reported fewer problems with their Lexus NX than with their BMW X3. This could be due in part to the fact that the Lexus NX is designed with fewer performance-focused features, which could be more prone to mechanical issues.
Customer satisfaction:
- Lexus NX: consistently ranks higher in customer satisfaction surveys, fewer reported mechanical issues
- BMW X3: still considered to be a well-built, reliable car
Price comparison and value for money of the Lexus and BMW SUVs
Finally, let’s talk about price. The Lexus NX has a starting price of around $36,720, which is slightly lower than the BMW X3’s starting price of around $41,000. However, the BMW X3 offers more powerful engine options, which will cost extra.
When it comes to value for money, it really depends on what you’re looking for in an SUV. The BMW X3 offers excellent performance and handling, but it comes at a higher price tag. The Lexus NX, while not as exciting to drive, provides luxurious comfort and excellent fuel efficiency.
Price comparison:
- Lexus NX: starting price of around $36,720
- BMW X3: starting price of around $41,000, with more expensive engine options available
In conclusion, both the Lexus NX and the BMW X3 are excellent SUVs in their own right. The BMW X3 is designed for drivers who prioritize performance and handling, while the Lexus NX is designed for luxury and comfort. At the end of the day, the choice will come down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in an SUV.