BMW iX vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW iX at 5 stars (2021) and the Lexus NX at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the BMW iX and 91% for the Lexus NX, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW iX, against 6 on the Lexus NX.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW iX features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus NX gets a 9.8-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW iX stands out with panoramic roof and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with power tailgate, Mark Levinson audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW iX gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW iX and 2-zone in the Lexus NX.

Drivetrain

The BMW iX uses a Electric producing 300kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds.

The Lexus NX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 239Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW iX is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW iX measures 4,965mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 305mm longer than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 500L in the BMW iX and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the Lexus NX a 20L advantage.

For towing, the BMW iX leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Lexus NX's turning circle is 1.4 m tighter, 11.4 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW iX costs about $960 a year (20 kWh/100km) and fuel for the Lexus NX about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Lexus NX). Capped-price servicing: no data (BMW iX), 4 years (Lexus NX).

Where each one leads

The BMW iX: more power (300kW against 179kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,500kg against 1,500kg).

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $142,900) and the bigger boot with the seats up (520L against 500L).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 69

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the BMW iX's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (BMW iX ahead by 34 points), value (Lexus NX ahead by 25 points).

Common questions