BMW X3 vs Lexus RX350 11/30/2010
Luxury crossovers have been a big hit for the companies that sell them, and two of the leading brands in North America are BMW and Lexus. Both companies offer their own version of a midsize crossover - the BMW X3 and Lexus RX350 - at a similar price point. So which is the better buy?
The RX350 immediately has some ground to make up, as it's $1,225 more expensive than the X3, which is priced at $36,750. For that money, drivers get an extra 35 horsepower (275 to 240) and 36 extra lb-ft (257 to 221). The Lexus also gets a massive upgrade in terms of storage space, at 40 cubic feet compared to the X3's 27.
The X3 holds a slight edge in fuel economy at 19/27 miles per gallon as opposed to 18/25 for the RX350. Features across the vehicles are pretty similar, although those who prefer high-quality audio may wish to opt for the Lexus' Mark Levinson package, although that will tack on extra money to the price tag. The X3 has 12 speakers standard, but no option for an upgrade.
In the end, it comes down to whether drivers are willing to pay the extra money for the increased performance and storage space. Both options are viable, but the Lexus' upgrades come with only a modest upgrade in price, making it the overall winner.