BMW X1 vs Lexus NX: A Positive Comparison of Luxury SUVs
Luxury SUVs have become a huge part of the car market with automakers like BMW and Lexus standing at the forefront of this trend. The BMW X1 and the Lexus NX are two of the most popular premium compact SUVs. Both models offer a unique blend of luxury practicality and performance but each comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses. This detailed comparison will help you understand how these vehicles stack up against each other in terms of design performance technology safety and overall driving experience.
Design and Exterior: A First Look
BMW X1: Sleek and Sporty
The BMW X1 has long been praised for its athletic styling which sets it apart from many other compact luxury SUVs. With sharp body lines and a muscular stance the X1 offers a sporty appearance that feels right at home in BMW's lineup. For 2024 BMW has tweaked the design with more aggressive front-end styling larger kidney grilles and slimmer headlights giving the SUV a fresh look that still keeps true to BMW's design language.
Despite being a compact SUV the X1 gives off a premium feel thanks to its high-quality materials and sharp design cues like the chrome accents and blacked-out details around the windows and grille.
Lexus NX: Refined and Futuristic
The Lexus NX on the other hand takes a different approach with a more futuristic design. The spindle grille has been controversial in some circles but it gives the NX a distinct presence on the road. Combined with the sleek headlights and aggressive body lines the NX has a more luxurious aura compared to the sportier BMW X1.
In the 2024 update the NX received a slightly more refined exterior with sharper taillights and more subtle fender flares. It's an SUV that caters to those who want to stand out with an elegant and somewhat avant-garde design.
Pros and Cons of Exterior Design
BMW X1:
- Pros: Sporty and aggressive design
- Cons: Can appear too aggressive for some tastes
Lexus NX:
- Pros: Sleek and luxurious presence
- Cons: Spindle grille may not appeal to everyone
Interior and Comfort: A Luxurious Experience Inside
BMW X1: Driver-Centric and Minimalist
Stepping inside the BMW X1 you’re greeted with a driver-centric cabin that emphasizes minimalism. The layout is straightforward with all controls easily accessible from the driver’s seat. BMW’s focus on quality is clear with premium materials like leather upholstery available as standard or an option depending on the trim.
The seating is supportive especially for the driver and front passenger. The X1's seating position offers great visibility while still feeling sporty which is key for drivers who enjoy a more involved driving experience.
However the back seats might feel a bit tight for taller passengers which could be a drawback if you regularly carry adults in the rear. Cargo space is impressive for the class with 27.1 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 58.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
Lexus NX: Luxurious and High-Tech
The Lexus NX offers an interior experience that is hard to beat in the segment. With its soft-touch materials and upscale finishes the NX feels more luxurious than the X1 in some aspects. Lexus has packed the NX with high-end touches like ambient lighting and real wood or aluminum trim depending on the variant.
The seats in the NX are plush and comfortable and there's more rear seat legroom compared to the X1 which makes it a better option for families or people who frequently travel with passengers.
While the NX has a slightly more refined cabin there are complaints about the infotainment system which some drivers find overly complicated and less intuitive than BMW’s iDrive system.
Pros and Cons of Interior Comfort
BMW X1:
- Pros: Minimalist driver-centric layout good cargo space
- Cons: Rear seats can be tight
Lexus NX:
- Pros: Luxurious interior more rear seat space
- Cons: Infotainment system can be difficult to use
Performance and Driving Experience
BMW X1: Nimble and Fun to Drive
When it comes to performance the BMW X1 really shines. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine the X1 delivers 241 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive which ensures quick acceleration and excellent handling.
One of the highlights of the X1 is its responsive steering which gives drivers a real sense of control on twisty roads. The suspension is tuned more for sportiness than comfort though which could be a downside if you're looking for a more comfortable ride over rough surfaces.
Fuel efficiency is also a strong point for the X1 with 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway making it one of the more efficient vehicles in its class.
Lexus NX: Smooth and Refined
The Lexus NX takes a slightly different approach to performance focusing more on a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The base model comes with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 203 horsepower. While this isn't as powerful as the BMW X1's engine Lexus does offer an NX 350 variant with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 275 horsepower for those seeking more performance.
One key advantage of the Lexus NX is its hybrid option. The NX 350h combines a 2.5-liter engine with two electric motors for a total output of 240 horsepower. The hybrid model not only provides good acceleration but also delivers excellent fuel economy with up to 41 mpg in the city.
While the NX doesn't handle as sharply as the X1 it's much better at absorbing road imperfections making it the better choice for long-distance cruising.
Pros and Cons of Performance
BMW X1:
- Pros: Quick acceleration sporty handling
- Cons: Stiffer ride compared to competitors
Lexus NX:
- Pros: Smooth ride hybrid option available
- Cons: Base engine feels underpowered
Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected
BMW X1: Simple and Effective
The BMW X1 comes equipped with the latest version of the iDrive system which is widely regarded as one of the best in the business. The standard 10.25-inch touchscreen is responsive and intuitive and there's also a rotary controller that makes navigating the system while driving easier.
BMW has integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features which are wirelessly available. The available Harman Kardon sound system is a great option for audiophiles looking for excellent sound quality.
Lexus NX: Tech-Heavy but Complicated
The Lexus NX on the other hand packs more tech features but with a steeper learning curve. The standard 9.8-inch touchscreen is large and high-quality but the Remote Touch interface can be frustrating to use at times. Some drivers may prefer the 12.3-inch screen offered on higher trims which comes with more advanced controls.
The NX also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but unlike the X1 they are wired rather than wireless.
Pros and Cons of Technology
BMW X1:
- Pros: Easy-to-use iDrive system wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Cons: Smaller screen in the base model
Lexus NX:
- Pros: Advanced tech options large touchscreen
- Cons: Infotainment interface can be frustrating
Safety and Driver Assistance
BMW X1: Safe and Secure
The BMW X1 is equipped with an array of standard safety features including automatic emergency braking lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims come with more advanced features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and a 360-degree camera system.
The IIHS has consistently given the X1 high safety ratings and the NHTSA awarded it a 5-star overall safety rating.
Lexus NX: Packed with Safety Features
The Lexus NX is known for offering a ton of safety features as part of its Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Standard features include pre-collision warning adaptive cruise control lane-keeping assist and automatic high beams. It also offers road sign recognition and parking assist which are not available on the base BMW X1.
However some drivers have reported that the safety features in the NX can be overly sensitive leading to false alarms or premature braking interventions.
Pros and Cons of Safety
BMW X1:
- Pros: Standard driver assistance features good crash test ratings
- Cons: Advanced features reserved for higher trims
Lexus NX:
- Pros: Tons of safety features as standard
- Cons: Some features can be overly sensitive
Pricing and Value
BMW X1: Premium Pricing
The BMW X1 starts at around $39,000 for the base model which is on the higher end for the segment. As you add features and move up trims the price can quickly climb to over $50,000. BMW also offers a range of optional packages that can make the X1 feel even more luxurious but this can significantly increase the cost.
Lexus NX: A Good Balance
The Lexus NX is priced similarly to the X1 with a starting price of around $40,000 for the base NX 250 model. The NX 350 with the more powerful engine starts at around $43,000 while the hybrid version starts at $42,000. This makes the NX a good value for those looking for a luxurious SUV with a hybrid option.
Pros and Cons of Pricing
BMW X1:
- Pros: Premium features for the price
- Cons: Can get expensive with options
Lexus NX:
- Pros: Competitive pricing for a luxury hybrid
- Cons: Higher trims can be pricey
Conclusion: Which SUV is Right for You?
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the Lexus NX comes down to what you're looking for in a compact luxury SUV.
- The BMW X1 is the better choice for those who prioritize sporty handling quick acceleration and a minimalist interior. It's perfect for driving enthusiasts who want something compact but still dynamic.
- The Lexus NX offers a more luxurious interior a smoother ride and the benefit of a hybrid powertrain. It's a great option for buyers who want a more refined experience with better fuel economy.
As Alex Collantes a longtime automotive expert says: "Both the BMW X1 and Lexus NX are excellent vehicles but they cater to different types of drivers. The X1 is for those who want performance while the NX is all about comfort and technology."
In the end both vehicles are standouts in their segment offering luxury practicality and a good driving experience in their own ways.