BMW XM vs Lexus NX

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published ratings include no record for the BMW XM. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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 XM 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 XM stands out with panoramic roof, ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Lexus NX. The Lexus NX counters with Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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

Drivetrain

The BMW XM uses a Plug-in Hybrid producing 550kW and 1000Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.8 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 XM has the clear power advantage at 550kW vs 179kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW XM is 3.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW XM measures 5,110mm long on a 3,105mm wheelbase, 450mm longer than the Lexus NX at 4,660mm (2,690mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW XM generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 527L in the BMW XM and 520L in the Lexus NX, giving the BMW XM a 7L advantage.

For towing, the BMW XM leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 1,200kg 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); both turn in a 11.4 m circle, kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW XM costs about $3,648 a year (12.8 L/100km as a hybrid) and fuel for the Lexus NX about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $2,223 a year less for the Lexus NX. A plug-in hybrid is costed running as a hybrid (battery depleted); charged daily, it uses less fuel and some electricity.

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

Where each one leads

The BMW XM: more power (550kW against 179kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (527L against 520L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 1,500kg).

The Lexus NX: the lower starting price ($71,700 against $309,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $3,648).

The Verdict

Lexus NX scores higher, 79 vs 58

The Lexus NX scores 79 to the BMW XM's 58 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Lexus NX ahead by 71 points), performance (BMW XM ahead by 47 points), value (Lexus NX ahead by 42 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Lexus NX costs about $2,223 less (5 L/100km against 12.8 L/100km as a hybrid, at $1.90 a litre).

Common questions