Toyota Motor Corp. is planning to release two models of sport-utility vehicles under its luxury Lexus brand in Japan within the next two or three years

Comparing the BMW X3 3.0si to the Lexus RX 350

by Karen Irvine

Comparison shopping is a smart approach when buying an SUV, albeit when it comes to comparing the popular BMW X3 SAV to the Lexus RX 350 AWD, SUV just listen to the experts.

First, consider that BMW distinguishes its X3 as a SAV, or Sports Activity Vehicle from the catchall SUV, or Sports Utility Vehicle. The X3 is not about utility or off-roading, it’s about adding a healthy dose of cargo capacity and any-road, any-weather prowess to The Ultimate Driving Machine®. The BMW SAV offers the perfect size, a sporty ride, advanced safety features, luxurious appointments and driving fun.

Then there’s the bottom line: despite its sportier design and higher level of standard equipment, the X3 3.0si at Circle BMW starts with a $820 base price advantage and a higher trim level. Add to this that the X3 3.0si offers many standard features: • Genuine wood trim • Panoramic moon roof, roof rails, rain sensing wipers • And driver’s seat memory On the Lexus RX, you guessed it, it’s optional.

Finally, a consumer is smart to pay attention to the tough automotive critics from reliable sources like Automobile, Car and Driver and Motor Trend who also compared the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX 350. Basically, what they found was if you want your father’s SUV, buy a Lexus. Test after test they found a lot of plush accommodations and less driving response compared to the BMW SAV.

As New Jersey drivers we need a reliable SAV with quick response and safety features to handle those NJ Turnpike traffic advisories, and a comfortable ride while snaking through those lines to our favorite concerts at the PNC Arts Center.

The experts say: “Suffice to say, the [RX 350] is too dedicated to the plush-riding Lexus ideal-even when rolling on its optional eighteen-inch wheels-to mount a serious challenge to [BMW]. Likewise, the steering is fine for straight ahead, but there’s no buildup of effort as you turn the wheel.” Automobile, March 2003

For those drivers who will not forsake the driving experience, the BMW X3 3.0si far exceeds the Lexus RX 350.

CR tested a total of five luxury SUVs for the July issue—the RX350, the MDX, the Cadillac SRX, BMW X5, and Lincoln MKX. Loaded with features such as sunroofs, high-end sound systems, and more, prices for these SUVs ranged from $43,595 for the MKX to $56,745 for the X5.

Though the SRX achieved a “Very Good” overall score, it still finished just midpack in this competitive segment. The X5 and MKX finished at the bottom of CR’s rankings for this class, though still with “Very Good” overall scores.

The RX350 and MDX finished in a virtual tie, with 80 points each overall. But the vehicles have very different driving characters. The five-passenger RX is luxurious and comfortable and delivers the quickest acceleration and the best fuel economy in this group—at 19 mpg overall. The three-row, seven-passenger MDX has better handling and a powertrain that feels sportier than the Lexus, but a firmer ride.