BMW X3 vs Lexus NX

The BMW X3 starts from $86,100 before on-road costs, while the Lexus NX opens at $71,700. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $14,400.

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 $94,710 and $78,870 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Lexus NX by roughly $3,565 in fuel alone.

Both the BMW X3 and Lexus NX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the BMW X3 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 X3.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X3 and 8 in the Lexus NX.

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

The BMW X3 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 X3 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with head-up display, heated front seats, 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 X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Lexus NX offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 2-zone in the Lexus NX.

The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 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 140kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Lexus NX is 0.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 95mm longer than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the BMW X3 a 50L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,138/year for the BMW X3 and $1,425/year for the Lexus NX. That is a $713 annual difference in favour of the Lexus NX.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X3) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX). The BMW X3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus NX).