BMW 4 Series vs Lexus RX

The BMW 4 Series starts from $83,500 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $84,900. That makes the BMW 4 Series the more affordable entry point by $1,400.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $91,850 and $93,390 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the BMW 4 Series and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the BMW 4 Series and 90% for the Lexus RX.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus RX packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the BMW 4 Series.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW 4 Series and 8 in the Lexus RX.

The BMW 4 Series features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus RX gets a 14-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus RX counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting that the BMW 4 Series does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The BMW 4 Series uses a Petrol producing 135kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.

The Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Lexus RX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 135kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW 4 Series is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW 4 Series measures 4,770mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 120mm shorter than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 4 Series generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 440L in the BMW 4 Series and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 172L advantage. The Lexus RX seats 5 vs 4.

For towing, the BMW 4 Series leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,166/year for the BMW 4 Series and $1,967/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Lexus RX.

Estimated annual total: $2,166 (BMW 4 Series) vs $1,967 (Lexus RX). The Lexus RX saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 4 Series) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The BMW 4 Series has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).