Ok, a bit premature as I haven't had the chance to drive an NX yet. However, was planning to do a personal compare between the 2 when the NX is finally available, hopefully next month. Received a hotel bonus offer that required a test drive of a BMW, so we accelerated the schedule and took out an X3 Xdrive 35i, the 6 cylinder version, Saturday. They didn't have a 4 cylinder version in stock and the diesel was out, so that left the one we took. Well, I don't think Lexus has much to worry about. Other than the perceived value (snob appeal?) of owning the brand, there wasn't a lot for me to like about the X3. Yes, it's nicely done, good size and pretty fast, as one would expect a 6 to be, I just don't see the value. This one didn't have NAV, no cooled seats (they aren't available in the X3 anywhere) and no power tilt/telescope steering wheel. Price was just over $53K for this particular one. The "leatherette"" or whatever they call it looks really cheap; almost like seat covers from your local auto store. The rear seat cushions felt like there were none; as in hard as rock. Complex packaging makes you buy a lot of extras to get essentials (to me) like homelink or lumbar support. I don't think leather seats are available.

We took a short test drive, over some familiar roads and then a short highway jaunt. Wind noise was prominent; more than my 2 year old Focus daily commuter! Road noise was pronounced, largely due to the run flat tires. It's more taught than our RX, which is to be expected as that was what the sales guy was selling; hot rod over comfort. For me, the comfort, build quality, quiet ride are factors. That and the Lexus store has a nicer coffee service and massage chairs . The 2 stores are next to each other.

So we'll see what the NX brings, but in my opinion, I don't think there is much to be concerned about from BMW.

 

I'm sure that once the NX is readily available there will be some comparison tests between it and the competition.

 

The X3 will have acceleration, handling, and traction over the NX.

Interior room/cargo space and fuel economy (Turbo fours) are a draw.

The NX will have NVH, ride comfort, price, and reliability over the X3, but F-Sport comfort is reduced.

 

Well, I've owned an X3 M Sport 35i since 2011, and have been keeping an eye on the NX for our second vehicle. I haven''t driven an NX and look forward to reviews comparing them. However I would guess differences as follows:
- steering feel very similar - IS has great steering feel and X3 is BMW electric, better than typical Lexus, but not as good as BMW of old. I suspect that X3 and NX will be a wash in this area.
- fuel efficiency closer than you think (with the 200t). BMW has an 8 speed auto and is deceptively good on fuel for the power.
- Power - BMW (not even close). BMW under rates their engines.
- Wind noise - Lexus
- Ride - Lexus. BMW RFT and sport suspension are firm. Not bad, but firm.
- Handling will be close with Fsport vs. BMW. I expect based on IS.
- Base trim - Lexus (BMW must have sport seats to offer decent support).
- Reliability - Lexus (probably not close)

Interior, stereo, styling, etc. is very subjective. Some love BMW spartan, some hate it. Some don't mind Lexus star wars grill, some hate it....

Choice is good.

I decided I didn't want two small SUVs, couldn't wait for Macan and bought a new X5.

 

You can get leather seat with X3. I believe you can get it as standalone option for around $1500 or part of Premium package for about $2200.

I am going to cross shop NX F-Sport against BMW but not X3. I did not realize BMW options pricing is almost as outrageous as Porsche. Of course I cannot decide until I test drive F-Sport and get the pricing information first.

 

Lexus NX app for Apple devices directly compares these two - with a bit of Lexus spin of course. But it's a pretty nice app for people really interested in these two.

 

From their Road Tests, Consumer Reports ranks Compact Luxury CUV's as follows. Obviously no NX or MKC yet.

1. X3 2. RDX 3. Q5, GLK (tie) 4. SRX.

The ratings are close with only a point or two separating the models. My guess is that NX and MKC will be right in there with the others.

 

NX is much better value, hands down!

I am driving a BMW 428xDrive and loving it but need more space and been looking at compact and/or mid-size luxury crossovers. X3 is fast, spacious and frugal but it is not good value especially for leasing. It has a much lower residual than 3/4 series and money factor is higher than Lexus.

Once I spec an X3 similar to a NX 200t with premium package, the price delta comes at about $10k! If the NX money factor and residuals would be similar to IS that would equate to about $150-$200 difference in monthly payment (assuming same money down for 36 month lease). Plus I think NX has the better exterior design and the reliability to boot.

 

After having the chance to drive the NX (turbo and Hybrid, Regular and Fsport) at a Running of the Bulls even almost 2 weeks ago, the NX struck me as the best value between the NX, X3, GLK, & Q5.
We had the chance to sit in all of the vehicles (I prefer the f-sport over the regular interior even though you can't get cooled seats in the f-sport), got to compare the technology, storage capacity, comfort, and just about everything else. The leg room in the back seats was more than enough for me when I put the drivers seat in the position I'd drive in and then climbed behind it (I'm 5'10").
We then took the vehicles out onto the roads. The NX actually shocked me at how well it handled the elevation changes and steep pitches of the roads outside of the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The weight was very well balanced, steering response was much quicker than some of the others, and the road noise was far less than the competition.

As a BMW owner myself, I hate their materials used on the dashes, the hard plastic/rubber isn't appealing at all to me. The NX looks so much more refined than any of the competition. The GLK shifts horribly! The transmission is slow and clunky. The NX was smooth and very quick for not being a DCT.
Obviously the Hybrid and the CVT was always smooth and in the power band.

The NX will top out under 50k with any and all options including the Hybrid from the info I've seen come through my email at work.

I'd be glad to answer any questions that I'm able to.

 

Would you consider 428 Gran Coupe? After building it with similar options with NX, the price delta came out about $10 like X3. I would like some cargo space but since I do not have kids I do not need huge space. It will probably come down to the decision if extra 10K is worth for BMW driving experience.

Also need to take into account the long term reliability since I plan to keep the car for about 10 years well beyond warranty. To my understanding BMW is much more reliable in recent years but does not even come close to Lexus reliability.

 

Honestly even the 4 series coupe feels a little too big for that BMW driving experience. The wheelbase and overall length and weight makes is it more of a GT car than a sports coupe. I think 2 series would give that BMW driving experience but it is simply too small if you have an active (outdoorsy) lifestyle and need to carry people and gear.

My girlfriend drives a CT200h and I love the interior quality and the bang for buck aspect of Lexus. A $40k NX would have cooled seats and power steering wheel. You need to get a $70k X5 in order to have those...

 

Great feedback. I always appreciate level-headed opinions from non-Lexus owners.

How was the ride comfort of the F-Sport versus the competition? Did the competition have upsized wheels (i.e. GLK = 235/45/20s)?

Lexus consistently dominates in reliability since 1990. This implies best quality and levels of tolerance in their materials and fit/finish which is (in my opinion) the true measure of luxury. Why else does one purchase a Rolex when a Citizen essentially does the same thing?

http://media.trb.com/media/acrobat/2...3-27151634.pdf

 

Lexus had NX on display at recent auto show in Seattle but we could not sit in it. Looking forward to inspect the car up close as soon as car is available and test drive. I agree BMW has some cheap material inside for the price they charge. But I liked its overall fit and finish and leather seats were nice. I wish leather seats were available in F-Sport.