BMW X3 vs Lexus RX 350: Which Luxury SUV Is Right For You?

In the world of luxury SUVs BMW X3 and Lexus RX 350 stand out as two of the most popular models offering a blend of comfort performance and style. If you're shopping for a new vehicle it can be tough to choose between these two but don't worry because we're breaking down everything you need to know. From engine specs to technology features we're here to help you decide which one is the better pick for your needs.

Let’s dive in and see how these two SUVs stack up against each other.

Overview: BMW X3 vs Lexus RX 350

Both BMW and Lexus are known for their dedication to quality and innovation. The BMW X3 offers a sportier more performance-oriented experience while the Lexus RX 350 focuses on comfort and reliability. But there’s much more to it than that so let’s break down each of these luxury SUVs to give you a better understanding of what they offer.

BMW X3 Overview

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that has become a favorite for those who enjoy a dynamic driving experience. It’s part of BMW’s X lineup of SUVs which emphasizes sportiness and agility. The X3 offers a range of engine options including a fuel-efficient four-cylinder and a more powerful inline-six for those who crave more horsepower.

Key Features of BMW X3:

• Powerful engine options including a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 3.0L six-cylinder for the M40i model
• Standard all-wheel drive is available in higher trims
• iDrive infotainment system with an easy-to-use interface and available Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Luxury interior with available leather seating premium materials and modern design
• Cargo space of up to 62.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded
• Fuel economy: EPA estimates 23 MPG city and 29 MPG highway for the 2.0L model

Lexus RX 350 Overview

The Lexus RX 350 is the quintessential luxury SUV combining comfort with the reliability Lexus is known for. It’s often seen as the go-to choice for families or anyone looking for a refined driving experience. The RX 350 comes with a 3.5L V6 engine that’s both smooth and powerful enough for most daily driving situations. Plus Lexus has long been recognized for its top-tier build quality and reliability.

Key Features of Lexus RX 350:

• Smooth 3.5L V6 engine with 295 horsepower
• Standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive
• User-friendly infotainment system with available Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Plush interior with high-quality materials and excellent craftsmanship
• Cargo space of 58.5 cubic feet with rear seats folded
• Fuel economy: EPA estimates 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway

Performance and Driving Experience

When it comes to luxury SUVs performance is often a major selling point. Let's compare how the BMW X3 and Lexus RX 350 fare on the road.

BMW X3 Performance

BMW is all about the ultimate driving experience and the X3 lives up to that reputation. The standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque which makes it responsive and fun to drive. For those who want more power the X3 M40i offers a 3.0L inline-six turbo engine pushing out a whopping 382 horsepower. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth and precise offering a sporty feel that’s hard to beat in this segment.

The X3 handles corners with ease thanks to its well-tuned suspension and precise steering. BMW has also included options for adaptive suspension and the available xDrive all-wheel-drive system adds even more control especially in rough weather.

Lexus RX 350 Performance

On the other hand the Lexus RX 350 is more about comfort than outright performance. The 3.5L V6 engine produces a respectable 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque which provides plenty of power for most drivers. However compared to the BMW X3 the RX 350 lacks that exhilarating sporty feel. The RX's suspension is more focused on absorbing bumps in the road rather than providing sharp cornering.

The RX 350 is a smooth cruiser with a very quiet cabin but for those looking for more excitement behind the wheel the X3 may be the better option. Still the RX does an excellent job at providing a refined relaxed driving experience that many luxury buyers will appreciate.

Summary of Performance:

• BMW X3: More powerful and sporty especially with the available inline-six engine. Ideal for those who enjoy spirited driving.
• Lexus RX 350: Comfortable and quiet perfect for long highway drives but less sporty compared to the BMW.

Interior and Comfort

When you step inside a luxury SUV you expect a certain level of comfort and refinement. Both the BMW X3 and Lexus RX 350 excel in this area but they approach it differently.

BMW X3 Interior

The X3’s interior is driver-focused with a modern minimalist design that emphasizes technology. The materials used inside the cabin are top-notch with premium leather upholstery available along with wood or aluminum accents. The seating is comfortable for both front and rear passengers and there’s plenty of legroom in the back seats which is impressive for a compact SUV.

The infotainment system is handled by BMW’s iDrive system which has been praised for its intuitive interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard making it easy to connect your smartphone. The X3 also offers available features like a panoramic sunroof heated seats and ambient lighting to further enhance the luxury feel.

Lexus RX 350 Interior

The Lexus RX 350 is renowned for its luxurious and comfortable interior. It has a more traditional luxury feel with soft-touch materials wood trim and attention to detail throughout. The seats are plush and provide excellent support especially on long drives. The rear seats also offer plenty of space and they recline making them extra comfortable for passengers.

The infotainment system in the RX 350 has been improved with the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but some critics have found the Lexus Remote Touch interface to be less user-friendly compared to BMW’s iDrive. That said the RX 350 still offers plenty of tech features and the available Mark Levinson premium audio system delivers excellent sound quality.

Summary of Interior Comfort:

• BMW X3: Modern sporty interior with premium materials. More technology-focused with a driver-centric design.
• Lexus RX 350: Traditional luxury with a plush interior focused on comfort. Rear-seat passengers benefit from extra features like reclining seats.

Technology and Infotainment

In today’s SUVs technology is a crucial factor for many buyers. Both BMW and Lexus are known for offering cutting-edge tech in their vehicles so how do the X3 and RX 350 compare?

BMW X3 Technology

The X3 comes standard with BMW’s iDrive 7.0 infotainment system which is one of the best in the business. It features a 10.25-inch display with easy-to-navigate menus. You can control the system via a rotary dial on the center console or simply use the touchscreen. There’s also available gesture control which lets you control certain functions by waving your hand.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and BMW includes a range of driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims also offer a head-up display and surround-view camera system.

Lexus RX 350 Technology

The Lexus RX 350 has also stepped up its game in terms of technology. The SUV comes with an 8-inch touchscreen which can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch display in higher trims. Like the X3 the RX 350 offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration making it easy to connect your phone.

However the Lexus Remote Touch system which uses a touchpad to control the infotainment screen can be frustrating to use while driving. Some drivers find it less intuitive compared to the BMW’s iDrive system. On the plus side the RX 350 includes a full suite of driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking.

Technology Summary:

• BMW X3: Superior infotainment system with iDrive and gesture controls. A tech-savvy interior with more intuitive features.
• Lexus RX 350: High-quality tech but the Remote Touch interface may take some getting used to.

Cargo and Space

If you’re looking at SUVs you’re probably wondering about how much cargo and space these vehicles can offer. Both the BMW X3 and Lexus RX 350 offer decent amounts of space but there are some differences.

BMW X3 Cargo Space

The BMW X3 provides up to 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 62.7 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This is above average for the compact luxury SUV segment giving you plenty of room for luggage groceries or outdoor gear. The rear seats also fold down easily in a 40/20/40 split making it flexible for larger items.

Lexus RX 350 Cargo Space

The Lexus RX 350 offers 16 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 58.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This is less than what the X3 offers so if cargo space is a major factor for you the X3 may be the better choice. However the RX 350 still offers enough room for most everyday tasks and family needs.

Summary of Cargo Space:

• BMW X3: More spacious cargo area especially with the seats folded down.
• Lexus RX 350: A bit less cargo space but still sufficient for most daily tasks.

Pricing and Value

When it comes to price and value both the BMW X3 and Lexus RX 350 are considered premium vehicles so you can expect to pay a premium for both. However there are some differences in pricing between the two.

BMW X3 Pricing

The BMW X3 starts at around $47,000 for the base model and can go up to over $65,000 for the fully loaded M40i version. While this price point is higher than many non-luxury SUVs it’s competitive within the luxury compact SUV segment especially considering the performance and tech features you’re getting.

Lexus RX 350 Pricing

The Lexus RX 350 starts at about $48,500 making it a bit more expensive than the base BMW X3. However Lexus is known for its excellent reliability and low maintenance costs so it could be a better long-term value for some buyers. The price can climb above $60,000 for higher trims but Lexus tends to offer more standard features in its base models compared to BMW which often requires add-ons.

Pricing Summary:

• BMW X3: Slightly more affordable at the base level but higher trims can get pricey.
• Lexus RX 350: More expensive starting price but possibly a better long-term value due to reliability.

Final Thoughts: Which SUV Is Right For You?

Choosing between the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX 350 depends on your priorities. If you want a more performance-oriented vehicle with a sporty feel and tech-savvy interior the BMW X3 is likely the better choice. Its handling is superb and it offers more cargo space.

On the other hand if you value comfort reliability and a quiet ride the Lexus RX 350 is hard to beat. It’s the perfect luxury SUV for long drives with a focus on comfort over sportiness. Lexus’s reputation for reliability is also a huge plus.

According to Alex Collantes an automotive expert “The BMW X3 is perfect for those who enjoy driving and want something that can handle well on twisty roads. On the flip side the Lexus RX 350 is more about relaxing behind the wheel and enjoying a smooth ride.”

Potential Drawbacks:

• BMW X3: Some buyers might find the ride too firm especially if they’re used to softer luxury vehicles.
• Lexus RX 350: The infotainment system could be more user-friendly and the cargo space is on the smaller side.

In the end both SUVs have their strengths and weaknesses but you can’t go wrong with either. Whether you choose the dynamic BMW X3 or the refined Lexus RX 350 you’re guaranteed to enjoy a luxury experience behind the wheel.