BMW X1 vs Lexus NX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X1 starts from $61,800 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $59,900. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $1,900.
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 $67,980 and $65,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X1 and Lexus NX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW X1 and 91% for the Lexus NX.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus NX packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW X1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X1 and 8 in the Lexus NX.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 X1 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, heated front seats and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW X1 uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.
The Lexus NX responds with a Petrol making 152kW and 243Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.
The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 152kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 160mm shorter than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 540L in the BMW X1 and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the BMW X1 a 20L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X1 leads with a 1,700kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 50kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.3m to 11.4m
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW X1 and $1,967/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the BMW X1.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (BMW X1) vs $1,967 (Lexus NX). The BMW X1 saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X1) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX). The BMW X1 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus NX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X1 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus NX if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X1 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The BMW X1 will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. The BMW X1 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X1 and Lexus NX?
The Lexus NX is the cheapest at $59,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X1 by $1,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X1 uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW X1 and Lexus NX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X1 has the largest boot at 540L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,700kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW X1 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus NX makes the most power at 152kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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