BMW X1 vs Lexus NX

The BMW X1 starts from $61,800 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $71,700. That makes the BMW X1 the more affordable entry point by $9,900.

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 $78,870 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $2,140 in fuel alone.

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. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Lexus NX, against 5 on 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.

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 and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, Mark Levinson audio 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.

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

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 179kW vs 115kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

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 1,500kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW X1 and $1,425/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $428 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.

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).