lexus vs bmw suvs
lexus vs bmw suvs
was recently looking at a review of the new bmw x1 (which seems great) and got thinking about the bmw suv lineup vs lexus.
lexus ux nx rx lx vs bmw x1 x3 x5 x7
(leaving out the hot selling gx which is obviously a great seller still but is a dinosaur and not really comparable to anything else)
is it even close?
the bmw line-up seems to have great consistency, features, options, driving dynamics, where the lexus models don't seem consistent at all, with fwd architectures for 3 of those 4, upgraded infotainment, yes, and ??
i have an suv and will likely get another in a couple of years. i have no interest in a lexus suv, but i might consider a bmw suv.
lexus ux nx rx lx vs bmw x1 x3 x5 x7
(leaving out the hot selling gx which is obviously a great seller still but is a dinosaur and not really comparable to anything else)
is it even close?
the bmw line-up seems to have great consistency, features, options, driving dynamics, where the lexus models don't seem consistent at all, with fwd architectures for 3 of those 4, upgraded infotainment, yes, and ??
i have an suv and will likely get another in a couple of years. i have no interest in a lexus suv, but i might consider a bmw suv.
CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 198
From: US
Having had a few RX and GX, currently dd X5, had X3 a few times, I can say the two brands are completely different. Maybe rx500h will bring in some fresh air. But the price is crazy. I personally don’t want to go back as of now.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 308
Likes: 89
From: PA
I agree with you on the above .
bmw has hit a point where the cars looks good , perform insane, are a little bit more reliable than most German cars , and more importantly the user experience in the interior of the vehicle is user centric and up to date (leaving the new RX out of this ) . Cutting edge can have its downs as well but I think in general we’ve hit a point where the amount there is to innovate is now limited and most are focused on EV and range (maybe self driving ) for the next generation.
bmw has hit a point where the cars looks good , perform insane, are a little bit more reliable than most German cars , and more importantly the user experience in the interior of the vehicle is user centric and up to date (leaving the new RX out of this ) . Cutting edge can have its downs as well but I think in general we’ve hit a point where the amount there is to innovate is now limited and most are focused on EV and range (maybe self driving ) for the next generation.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 5,482
Likes: 89
From: N/A
What's new? BMW has always had RWD platforms and better performance than any non-BOF Lexus SUV from the past decade, which all remain FWD and Toyota-based and therefore "trustworthy". Neither brands are going to change their tried-and-true formulas with what they currently have. Not even the recent RX with its price bump can change this dynamic.
Of course, in a few years this dynamic will totally change as Lexus and BMW start shifting harder towards EV's which will level the playing ground. If Lexus truly wants to play with BMW, this is their chance. I hope they recognize that.
Of course, in a few years this dynamic will totally change as Lexus and BMW start shifting harder towards EV's which will level the playing ground. If Lexus truly wants to play with BMW, this is their chance. I hope they recognize that.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,466
Likes: 3,990
From: Maryland
No, BMW has a much better lineup of SUVs. Lexus has vehicles that sell to non enthusiasts because they are well priced, like the RX and NX, but the BMW vehicles blow them away with sophisgtication, and they have every segment covered where Lexus has glaring holes (no 3 row unibody SUV, no RWD based offerings, nothing over 65,000, etc)
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,196
Likes: 1,582
From: FL
In the RX you can't get rear wheel drive unless you get AWD.
Since I buy cars used, I don't like the AWD for 2 reasons.
1) because I don't need it in Florida
2) adds extra expense for repairs when buying used and repairs are needed for AWD that I don't need.
Jamming a V-6 in a front wheel drive RX350 is bad form(IMO), hard to work on, and I don't like it.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,466
Likes: 3,990
From: Maryland
Correction, youy can't get RWD period. Making a transverse FWD car AWD doesn't make it anything like a RWD longitudinal platform car.
Huh? We have had FWD V6 cars for literally 60 years.
Jamming a V-6 in a front wheel drive RX350 is bad form(IMO), hard to work on, and I don't like it.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,382
Likes: 357
From: ON/NY
Never really cared for BMW X3,5,7 styling and design. Just not attractive IMO, worst of all is the X7. X2 I kinda like. I also liked the original X BMW Any of the Lexus GX or LX models from the last 25 years I find more interesting, attractive, capable and desirable. The new NX and RX look better than BMWs IMO.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Nov 13, 2022 at 11:20 AM.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,524
Likes: 265
From: Illinois
was recently looking at a review of the new bmw x1 (which seems great) and got thinking about the bmw suv lineup vs lexus.
lexus ux nx rx lx vs bmw x1 x3 x5 x7
(leaving out the hot selling gx which is obviously a great seller still but is a dinosaur and not really comparable to anything else)
is it even close?
the bmw line-up seems to have great consistency, features, options, driving dynamics, where the lexus models don't seem consistent at all, with fwd architectures for 3 of those 4, upgraded infotainment, yes, and ??
i have an suv and will likely get another in a couple of years. i have no interest in a lexus suv, but i might consider a bmw suv.
lexus ux nx rx lx vs bmw x1 x3 x5 x7
(leaving out the hot selling gx which is obviously a great seller still but is a dinosaur and not really comparable to anything else)
is it even close?
the bmw line-up seems to have great consistency, features, options, driving dynamics, where the lexus models don't seem consistent at all, with fwd architectures for 3 of those 4, upgraded infotainment, yes, and ??
i have an suv and will likely get another in a couple of years. i have no interest in a lexus suv, but i might consider a bmw suv.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,196
Likes: 1,582
From: FL
Yeah, guilty as charged. lol 
I drive an RX330 and why I am ranting about it.
They coud've made it a rear wheel drive but they went cheapo.
Like I was sayin, only way to get the rear wheels to spin is AWD.
Working on it basically sucks lemons with the V6 smashed in there sideways.
Another reason why I been looking at the LX and GX, I want a v-8 RWD again but in a smaller package.
If BMW is RWD I may consider that my next ugrade if peeps on here believe the BMW will go the long haul in miles since I will probably buy 2nd hand and will have some miles on it.
I drive an RX330 and why I am ranting about it.
They coud've made it a rear wheel drive but they went cheapo.
Like I was sayin, only way to get the rear wheels to spin is AWD.
Working on it basically sucks lemons with the V6 smashed in there sideways.
Another reason why I been looking at the LX and GX, I want a v-8 RWD again but in a smaller package.
If BMW is RWD I may consider that my next ugrade if peeps on here believe the BMW will go the long haul in miles since I will probably buy 2nd hand and will have some miles on it.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,382
Likes: 357
From: ON/NY
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 459
From: NY
BMWs are nice, but have some drawbacks. Expensive to insure and service (if you keep them outside the warranty). And their seats are hard as rocks, I had to use a memory foam seat cushion in both my last 5 series.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 335
Likes: 26
From: NA
After my latest experience with German Cars, I've sworn them off and just sold them both. Back to Lexus for me. Happy to have gotten one of the last 22 RX 350 Luxury. I love the naturally aspirated reliable V6, normal non lithium battery, tires that aren't high performance and easier to get. gated non electronic shifter, cd player (makes me old I know, but sounds amazing), full size spare, uses regular gas. It's so relaxing to drive. And our Lexus dealer offers pickup and delivery, has their own loaners available, and has their own roadside assistance to do things like change batteries onsite. That's luxury. Our local BMW and Porsche dealers don't have all of those things. My time is valuable, I have better things to do than deal with problems at my inconvenience. Especially to have both in for repair at the same time (one for 3 weeks) and be told no loaners available.