2023 Lexus NX vs BMW X3

What kind of luxury SUV do you expect to take you into the future? That’s a good question when you are shopping today. There are so many technologies and new high quality materials. You want to be sure your ride is well-equipped.

Using this idea as a benchmark, how do the Lexus NX and BMW X3 compete in today’s marketplace? Let’s take a look.

1. Are the BMW3 and Lexus NX Close in Size?

   These days you see terms like “compact, midsize or large SUV”, and you have to wonder if two vehicles with the same designation are actually the same size. In this case, these two vehicles really are comparable. You’ll have generous space with either the Lexus or the BMW.

   At 185 inches, the BMW3 is slightly longer than the 183.5-inch Lexus NX 350. You will notice that the Lexus SUV has more front seat legroom. The two SUVs offer a similar 37 inches of legroom for the rear seats.

   

   The BMW 3 cargo area is best in class. So it does exceed what the Lexus can offer. Still, the NX has 22.7 cubic feet of space in its cargo hold. Folding the second row, owners can claim about 47 cubic feet of space.

2. What are the BMW X3 vs NX Prices?

   BMW X3 prices start at around $45,400 with the sDrive30i. The xDrive 30i retails around $47,400.

   Significantly, the NX lineup has many models that stay under these pricetags. This means you can get it for less, or you can spend about the same and get more for less. That’s a nice choice.

   If you want to keep your costs down, you’ve got a long lineup. NX 250 prices start around $38,605 MSRP while the Lexus NX Hybrid price starts around $41,955. NX 350 prices start around $42,356. NX 250 Premium, NX 250 Luxury and NX 350 Premium are all under the standard BMW X3 prices.

   Directly competing with the X3 sDrive30i, the NX350H Premium nets you ventilated seats, a hands-free liftgate, parking assist, and more at about the same price or less. MSRP is $45,005. For the cost of the X3 xDrive30i, you could get the NX350H Luxury package with top technologies and the most lavish, leather-clad upholstery.

3. How do the 2023 Lexus 450H+ Prices Compare?

   If you are interested in a plug-in hybrid, the Lexus NX 450H+ price is around $56,555 MSRP. Just a bit more, the 450H+ Sport Handling starts around $57,805. This puts this remarkable hybrid in the price categories covered by the luxury packages for the sDrive30i and xDrive30i.

   Shoppers will pay much more for the higher BMW options. The M40i price is around $59,95-. If you aim for the BMW X3 M, it starts around $72,000.

4. What Kind of Dash Tech is Available on Lexus NX vs BMW 3?

   Lexus starts with a 9.8-inch touchscreen. It has a Hey Lexus virtual assistant that is sure to benefit drivers. Perhaps because it starts at a much higher price, the BMW has a 10.25-inch touchscreen. When you move up to a larger touchscreen, the Lexus has a 14-inch screen while the BMW has a 12.3-inch screen.

   Both have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as dual USB ports, and HD Radio. Built-in navigation and a WiFi connection round out standard connectivity features.

   The Lexus has a standard 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Automatic climate controls regulate the air. Push button start gets you on your way. Lexus offers a digital key that lets you leave your physical key at home and use your phone to enter and start the NX.

   You’ll find premium audio systems and a wireless charger on the infotainment system menu for both of these luxury SUVs.

5. Advanced Technology Features

   When it comes to technology, these two are neck in neck. They offer a forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and a related autobrake. They protect the vehicle from the side by providing a blind spot monitor and a lane departure warning.

   While BMW offers standard adaptive cruise control, Lexus goes further. In addition to ACC, it has standard lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition.

   Both have a rearview camera and a rear cross-traffic alert. In addition to front and rear parking sensors, these rides offer a Park Assist to take all of the frustration out of the parking process. A surround-view monitor shows the SUV’s perimeter.

   The Lexus NX adds a few more systems, including road-hugging adaptive headlights and a front cross-traffic alert. An integrated camera display can send a live feed to the rearview mirror to give the driver an unobstructed view in real time. Both brands offer a head up display that appears on the windshield above the steering wheel.

6. How Does the Performance Compare?

   The less-expensive Lexus NX 250 is a 203-horsepower engine. You can dress this one up with every feature, and it will still not match the price of the BMW X3 entry level model.

   Stepping up to the 2023 Lexus NX 350, you are still not paying as much for the BMW X3. Yet you are getting a 275-horsepower engine that spits out 317 lb-ft of torque. This is definitely a better idea than the X3 with its 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft.

   

   You don’t even get punished at the pump. The turbo Lexus is slightly ahead of the BMW X3 turbo. More power without more gas? That’s a fun way to save.

   If you go with the hybrid powertrain, you still don’t have to spend as much as the BMW X3. This model earns 39 mpg in combined driving.The NX Hybrid can save you 60 to 75 percent over the fuel costs for the lower powered X3 sdrive30i.

   

   With the plug-in hybrid, you can commute with electric power. It has a 37-mile driving range on electric only. Then it still earns 37 mpg combined, allowing it to claim 84 mpge. Plus it’s fun to use torque when you have an electric motor to give it more kick.



Conclusion

The Lexus NX lineup clearly offers you all of the same luxuries, but it does this with lower prices and with more fuel efficient choices. Shoppers are surprised at how much they can get for their money when they choose Lexus luxury.

Schedule a test drive of the Lexus NX or NX Hybrid at Earnhardt Lexus. You’ll love sitting in the lap of luxury. Be sure to ask about ventilated seats!





REVIEWS



”The 2023 Lexus NX is the main entry point to the Lexus brand, specifically when it comes to the company's long lineup of SUVs and crossovers. Positioned towards the cheaper end of the spectrum, it aims across the segment by offering four different engine options, including two hybrid variants.”

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