Lexus NX vs BMW X3

Lexus has arrived late to the compact SUV party, but there’s no denying its all-new NX is making a big entrance. Inspired by the head-turning LF-NX concept car, the bold newcomer certainly attracts attention. And with sales of upmarket off-roaders hitting an all-time high, the Japanese brand is hoping that the NX’s outlandish lines prove a big hit.

The NX is equally adventurous under the skin, where it packs an advanced petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain that aims to deliver unrivalled performance and refinement. More importantly, the hi-tech mechanicals promise excellent efficiency. 

With CO2 emissions from 116g/km, the NX will be popular with company car drivers looking for reduced Benefit in Kind bills, while claimed fuel returns of over 50mpg are almost unheard of for a high-riding SUV.

However, the Lexus isn’t the only upmarket off-roader with one eye on the bottom line, because the rugged yet composed BMW X3 has recently been refreshed. With tweaked looks and a revised 2.0-litre diesel engine, the all-wheel-drive car promises to be as desirable as it is cost effective. And that’s not all, because like all BMWs, it should be great to drive and provide class-leading performance.

• Lexus NX review

• BMW X3 review

So, which of our compact SUVs takes the spoils in this bruising encounter? Read individual reviews by clicking the links above, and read on to find out the verdict...

Head-to-head

Off-road

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Both the NX and the X3 get raised ride heights and tough SUV styling cues, but neither is really at home in the rough stuff. Even so, the BMW’s permanent all-wheel-drive transmission and hill descent control make it far more capable than the Lexus, which struggled on our off-road route. The main culprit is the electrically powered rear axle, which doesn’t have enough torque to scrabble up steep inclines.

Gearboxes

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On paper, the Lexus’ CVT gearbox promises to maximise performance and efficiency by using its theoretically limitless ratios to always be in the right gear at the right time. Yet in the real world, it can’t match the BMW’s eight-speed auto for response, refinement and control.

Benefit in Kind bills

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If you’re looking to slash your company car costs, then the Lexus is a tempting proposition. Not only does it boast CO2 emissions of just 116g/km in its two-wheel-drive guise, it doesn’t attract the three per cent BIK surcharge applied to conventional, diesel-engined rivals.

Verdict

1st place: BMW X3

25

The X3’s facelift is subtle, but does enough to keep it ahead in this encounter. Rugged looks, a smart cabin and a composed driving experience are real highlights, while the extra room for passengers and loads makes it a more practical choice. It can’t match the Lexus when it comes to low company car costs, but a stronger fuel return, excellent residuals and great-value servicing work in the X3’s financial favour.

2nd place: Lexus NX

25

Bold looks and extremely competitive Benefit in Kind bills are the new NX’s main calling cards. It’s also beautifully built and loaded with standard equipment. Yet the newcomer is undermined by its lacklustre hybrid powerplant, uninspiring handling and poor fuel economy. And despite its raised ride height and four-wheel-drive layout, the Lexus has extremely limited off-road ability.

Lexus NX vs BMW X3: key specs