BMW X5 vs Lexus LX
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.
Price Breakdown
The BMW X5 starts from $137,600 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LX opens at $172,900. That makes the BMW X5 the more affordable entry point by $35,300.
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 $151,360 and $190,190 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X5 by roughly $6,840 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW X5 and Lexus LX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus LX packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 7 in the BMW X5.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the BMW X5 and 8 in the Lexus LX.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X5 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus LX gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X5 stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Lexus LX. The Lexus LX counters with Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW X5 uses a Diesel producing 210kW and 620Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds.
The Lexus LX responds with a Petrol making 305kW and 650Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Lexus LX has the clear power advantage at 305kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X5 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X5 measures 4,922mm long on a 2,975mm wheelbase, 173mm shorter than the Lexus LX at 5,095mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 and 487L in the Lexus LX, giving the BMW X5 a 163L advantage. The Lexus LX seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Lexus LX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
12.6m to 12.7m
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,451/year for the BMW X5 and $3,819/year for the Lexus LX. That is a $1,368 annual difference in favour of the BMW X5.
Estimated annual total: $2,451 (BMW X5) vs $3,819 (Lexus LX). The BMW X5 saves you roughly $1,368 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus LX). The BMW X5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus LX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X5 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LX if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X5 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW X5 will save you roughly $1,368 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 has a clear edge. The BMW X5 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 X5 and Lexus LX?
The BMW X5 is the cheapest at $137,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LX by $35,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X5 uses the least fuel at 8.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW X5 and Lexus LX all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 has the largest boot at 650L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW X5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Lexus LX makes the most power at 305kW. The BMW X5 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.3s.
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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