I don't think I'd rather get an RX over an X3 either.

X3 is just sorta big as a compact SUV anyway. I mean, I wouldn't compare an NX to an X1... that seems wrong as the NX sits up a little higher and is a little more premium. At the same time, the X3 is larger and more premium (arguably) than the NX. So it's a bit of a tweener vehicle.

 

That’s always kind of been Lexus’ MO with these transverse FWD vehicles. You get a bigger vehicle, but the trade off is it’s a FWD Toyota derived platform.

That’s why I got the ES when I did, that’s what I could afford and it got me a bigger 5/E size car for 3/C money.

 

Not even close. A 2004 BMW has a more advanced engine/driveline than the new RX, they were using infinitely variable valve lift and intake runners all the way back then.

The most advanced engine Lexus has ever made is the UR series V8, and they are simple vs something like the EA824

 

Nothing wrong with that system......it's extremely reliable in my experience.

 

so i watched this review of the '23 x1. even bmw's least expensive suv shows a style and sophistication that blows away lexus imo.

 

not always. i'd rather have a lexus than a maserati.
i'd rather have an lc500 than a mclaren.

i think wagyu beef is disgusting. but sure, some people like beef with huge amounts of fat that is out of the price range most people can afford because it's 'exclusive'.

 

Watching now... hoping its interior is an improvement over what I saw in the 228i Gran Coupe that I had as a loaner. It didn't feel that much nicer than the GLI. I think it LOOKED nice, but the materials were actually mostly soft-ish plastics. The metallic patterned trim didn't look that nice, and the digital gauges looked similar to upper-level BMW models, but were significantly smaller. It's kinda humorous in retrospect, especially after driving cars like the X3 and 330e with the full-size digital cluster.

On video, the new X1 looks way more expensive than before. And, I love the idea of having a DCT instead of the Aisin. Funny enough, the Aisin did its best impression of the ZF 8-speed before, but it just is not as refined, a fact which was immediately obvious hopping back into our 330i after driving the loaner. So I expect a net improvement in that area.

The phone holder is also nifty.

 

I have an order on a new X1, which is currently at the port in Germany. Early reviews are very positive. I would never have considered any Lexus SUV/crossover for myself. Maybe an NX for my wife if we were in the market...maybe. But Lexus SUVs/crossovers do serve their target audiences very well.

 

"Like" and "Better" are not the same.

 

Looking forward to your thoughts on the X1 after you take delivery. It seems like some major upgrades to the previous gen.

 

I saw one member on Bimmerfest griping, but it seems he had his expectations set really high. There's no iDrive wheel, which I'm bummed about. But every review I have read/watched (and I've seen them all....) are pretty consistent that it's far and away better than the 2nd Gen X1 in driving dynamics, design, and interior quality.

 

I had the previous gen ('17) and it was a great small CUV with no issues other than routine maintenance. It did have a couple of shortcomings with the older infotainment and front seats that appear to be corrected and then some with this new one. I had the '17 for just under three years and traded for our current X3 which offered the updates I was looking for. With this new gen X1 I'd consider another one.

 

I had the 2nd Gen X1 as a loaner a few times - the non sport seats were bad, and the entry level "business" nav screen was a joke. BMW definitely solved those issues with the 3rd Gen.

 

Wow just away a few days and this thread went to this many pages. Great start, Bit! So many great responses. I'm sure by now you're sold for one way or the other!

X3 may look small but inside it's actually a bit more spacious than X5. The quality is a step below though.

I can certainly see how some could see that way until s/he tries something else and the below answer is dead on.
All one needs to do is drive them themselves. But many don't and just stick to their opinions. Even with the new rx500h, from the numbers and reviews, there is still no contest. The below post is dead on.
Let's turn the question around. How many Lexus have you owned? I think Steve (and others) had gone through more Lexus than you have over Germans. I'm curious what exact years and models you had. IMO unreliability is getting old, unless someone wants to buy a car and keeps it to 100k. I'm quite active on X5's forums, 2019+, and have never heard about leaking oil on an X5. My wife had three RX's and I, not an enthusiast, found all the excuses to not drive hers. I only drove when the cars were due for service. I'm glad it worked out for you but I think the below post is dead on.
I'm having a hard time trying to make sense of this. You had M Performance, GTS, Turbos... but you praise the rx350's V6? 7.7, isn't it? But I get it. You value other things more, like inexpensive tires and regular gas. That pick up/drop off thing is common among these brands. But why would one want to let someone else drive his car? I don't even let them valet my car letting alone having some kids having fun in my car. But I get it. Your time is very valuable. Keep posting.

 

I never liked the RX... but I have an RX, have owned few current one sits at 196k (looks and drives brand new)- If it was up to my I would have a x5m or x3m in a heart beat but my wife would care less of which car drives or handles/ sound better. For her RX is the best SUV ever made, its comfy, smooth and no surprises ever which I also come to appreciate now.

BMWs in general are more fun that lexus, ever since I remembered... and faced the same question every car I bought. I remembered driving the 540i and gs400 and I was blown away how much better 540i feels; hugs the road and just drives. I had to mod the Gs400 just to come close to the 540i.
same goes for -
LS460 or 750Li; ISF or M3, GSF or M5; LX or GLS/X7; RX or X5

Historically I have always tilted towards Lexus because I want simple no issue car and lexus has held up its side of the margin. If I had bunch of money and if I would leasing it I would probably pick the germans every time. But since I own the cars more than 5 years and put a ton of miles I stuck to lexus.