BMW X5 vs Lexus RX 350: Luxury SUV Titans Compared
When it comes to the world of luxury SUVs, the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350 stand out as two of the most sought-after models. Both vehicles offer a perfect blend of style, performance, and comfort, making them popular choices for those seeking an elevated driving experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into the details, exploring the key differences and similarities between these two automotive giants.
Whether you’re seeking a powerful and dynamic driving experience or a smooth and refined ride, this article has got you covered. We’ll cover the exterior design, interior comfort, performance, safety features, and value proposition of each vehicle, to help you make an informed decision.
Exterior Design and Dimensions: Boldly Sculpted for Sophistication
The BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350 exude a distinct sense of sophistication with their sleek and aerodynamic exterior designs. However, they each have their own unique style that sets them apart.
BMW X5: A Blend of Sportiness and Elegance
The BMW X5 seamlessly combines sportiness and elegance, with its bold, muscular lines and signature kidney grille. Its aggressive stance and sculpted body panels give it a dynamic and athletic appearance, making it a head-turner on the road.
Dimensions:
- Length: 194.2 inches
- Width: 78.9 inches
- Height: 69.1 inches
- Wheelbase: 117.1 inches
Lexus RX 350: Sleek and Sophisticated
On the other hand, the Lexus RX 350 exudes a more refined and sophisticated demeanor. Its sleek and elegant lines, combined with the iconic spindle grille, create a timeless and luxurious look. While not as overtly aggressive as the X5, the RX 350 has a certain understated elegance that appeals to those with a more subdued taste.
Dimensions:
- Length: 192.5 inches
- Width: 75.6 inches
- Height: 67.3 inches
- Wheelbase: 111.2 inches
Both vehicles offer a range of wheel sizes and exterior color options, allowing you to personalize your ride and make a statement wherever you go.
Step Inside: Exploring the Cabin Comforts
The interior of a luxury SUV is where you’ll spend most of your time, so it’s essential to have a comfortable and feature-rich cabin. Both the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350 excel in this department, offering a wealth of amenities and cutting-edge technology.
BMW X5: Premium Craftsmanship and Advanced Technology
Step inside the BMW X5, and you’ll be greeted by a meticulously crafted interior that exudes luxury and sophistication. The high-quality materials, such as premium leather and wood accents, create an upscale ambiance, while the ergonomic design ensures optimal comfort for all occupants.
The X5 also boasts an impressive array of technology features, including a state-of-the-art infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium sound system for an immersive audio experience.
Seating and Cargo Space:
- Seating capacity: 5 (optional third row)
- Cargo space: 33.9 cubic feet (behind second row), 72.3 cubic feet (with seats folded)
Lexus RX 350: Refined Elegance and Cutting-Edge Amenities
The Lexus RX 350 offers a serene and elegant interior that epitomizes the brand’s commitment to luxury. The cabin is adorned with high-quality materials, including supple leather and real aluminum accents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Like the X5, the RX 350 is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system, featuring a large touchscreen display and seamless integration with popular smartphone platforms. Additionally, it boasts a premium audio system, ensuring an exceptional listening experience for all passengers.
Seating and Cargo Space:
- Seating capacity: 5
- Cargo space: 29.6 cubic feet (behind second row), 46.2 cubic feet (with seats folded)
Both vehicles offer ample space for passengers and cargo, making them ideal for family adventures or long road trips.
Under the Hood: A Performance Showdown
When it comes to performance, the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350 take different approaches, catering to distinct driving preferences.
BMW X5: Powerful and Exhilarating
The BMW X5 is a true powerhouse, offering a range of potent engine options to satisfy even the most demanding driving enthusiasts. The base model is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that delivers an impressive 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, propelling the X5 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.
For those seeking even more adrenaline-pumping performance, BMW offers the X5 M50i, which packs a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that churns out a staggering 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.
All X5 models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, ensuring optimal traction and handling in various driving conditions.
Lexus RX 350: Smooth and Efficient
The Lexus RX 350, on the other hand, prioritizes a smooth and efficient driving experience. Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. While not as powerful as the X5’s top-tier options, the RX 350 still delivers a respectable 0 to 60 mph time of around 7.2 seconds.
Additionally, the RX 350 offers a hybrid variant, the RX 450h, which combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 308 horsepower and improved fuel efficiency.
Both the RX 350 and RX 450h are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available all-wheel-drive, ensuring a confident and composed ride in any situation.
On the Road: Ride Comfort and Handling Dynamics
Luxury SUVs are not just about performance; they should also deliver a comfortable and engaging driving experience. In this regard, both the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350 excel, but with distinct characteristics.
BMW X5: Dynamic Handling and Sporty Ride
The BMW X5 is a true embodiment of the brand’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” philosophy. Its well-tuned suspension and precise steering provide a sporty and engaging driving experience, allowing you to tackle winding roads with confidence.
While the X5’s ride can be firm, especially with larger wheel options, it strikes a balance between agility and comfort, thanks to its adaptive suspension system. This system automatically adjusts the damping to suit the driving conditions, ensuring a smooth ride on the highway and a dynamic handling experience when pushing the limits.
Lexus RX 350: Smooth and Refined Ride Quality
In contrast, the Lexus RX 350 prioritizes ride comfort over outright sportiness. Its suspension system is designed to deliver a smooth and refined ride, effectively absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road.
The RX 350’s steering is well-weighted and responsive, providing a sense of confidence and control. However, it’s not as sharp or engaging as the X5’s, catering more to those who value a relaxed and comfortable driving experience.
Both vehicles offer various driving modes, allowing you to tailor the ride characteristics to your preferences, whether you’re seeking a more dynamic or a more composed driving experience.
Prioritizing Safety: Advanced Driver-Assist Technologies
In the luxury SUV segment, safety is of paramount importance, and both the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350 come equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist technologies.
BMW X5: Innovative Safety Features
The BMW X5 is packed with cutting-edge safety features, such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, it offers optional features like adaptive cruise control, night vision with pedestrian detection, and a surround-view camera system for enhanced visibility and safety.
Lexus RX 350: Comprehensive Safety Package
The Lexus RX 350 also boasts an impressive array of safety features, including the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This comprehensive suite includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Additionally, the RX 350 offers features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and an available Panoramic View Monitor, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.
Both vehicles have received top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Evaluating Cost and Value: Which One Offers More Bang for Your Buck?
When it comes to luxury SUVs, pricing and value are crucial considerations. Both the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350 offer a range of trim levels and options, allowing you to tailor the vehicle to your specific needs and budget.
BMW X5: Premium Pricing, Exceptional Performance
The BMW X5 comes with a higher price tag, reflecting its focus on performance and cutting-edge technology. The base model, the X5 xDrive40i, starts at around $60,000, while the top-of-the-line X5 M50i can reach over $90,000 when fully loaded with options.
However, for those seeking exceptional performance and a dynamic driving experience, the BMW X5 offers a compelling value proposition. Its powerful engines, agile handling, and advanced features make it a true driver’s SUV.
Lexus RX 350: Affordable Luxury, Exceptional Value
On the other hand, the Lexus RX 350 offers a more affordable entry point into the luxury SUV segment. The base model starts at around $45,000, making it a more accessible option for those seeking a blend of luxury, comfort, and reliability.
While not as performance-oriented as the X5, the RX 350 delivers a smooth and refined driving experience, coupled with a well-appointed interior and a host of advanced safety features. Additionally, Lexus vehicles are renowned for their exceptional reliability and low ownership costs, further enhancing their value proposition.
When it comes to resale value, both the BMW X5 and Lexus RX 350 hold their value well, although the RX 350 tends to have a slight edge in this regard, thanks to its reputation for reliability and quality.
Making the Right Choice: BMW X5 or Lexus RX 350?
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Lexus RX 350 ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. Both vehicles excel in their respective areas, offering a unique blend of luxury, performance, and value.
If you’re a driving enthusiast who prioritizes exhilarating performance, dynamic handling, and cutting-edge technology, the BMW X5 is likely the better choice. Its powerful engine options, agile chassis, and advanced features make it a true driver’s SUV, capable of delivering an engaging and thrilling experience behind the wheel.
However, if you value a smooth and refined ride, exceptional comfort, and a focus on luxury and reliability, the Lexus RX 350 may be the better fit. With its well-appointed interior, efficient powertrain options, and reputation for dependability, the RX 350 offers a serene and comfortable driving experience, perfect for long journeys or daily commutes.
Ultimately, both vehicles are exceptional choices in the luxury SUV segment, and the decision will come down to your specific needs, preferences, and driving style. Whichever you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a vehicle that combines luxury, performance, and advanced technology in a package that will turn heads and provide an unforgettable driving experience.
