Denza B8 vs Lexus RX

The Denza B8 starts from $91,000 before on-road costs, while the Lexus RX opens at $90,350. That makes the Lexus RX the more affordable entry point by $650.

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 $100,100 and $99,385 respectively.

The Denza B8 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Lexus RX, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Denza B8 by roughly $5,320 in fuel alone.

Both the Denza B8 and Lexus RX hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Denza B8 and 90% for the Lexus RX.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus RX packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Denza B8.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.

How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

The Denza B8 features a 17.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Lexus RX gets a 14-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Denza B8 stands out with Apple CarPlay and Devialet audio that you will not find on the Lexus RX. The Lexus RX counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Lexus Premium Sound audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Denza B8 gets leather upholstery while the Lexus RX offers synthetic leather.

The Denza B8 uses a Petrol Turbo PHEV producing 425kW, sent through a 1-speed auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.8 seconds.

The Lexus RX responds with a Hybrid making 179kW and 221Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The Denza B8 has the clear power advantage at 425kW vs 179kW. In the real-world sprint, the Denza B8 is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Denza B8 measures 5,195mm long on a 2,920mm wheelbase, 305mm longer than the Lexus RX at 4,890mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Denza B8 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 147L in the Denza B8 and 612L in the Lexus RX, giving the Lexus RX a 465L advantage. The Denza B8 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Denza B8 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 2,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $475/year for the Denza B8 and $1,539/year for the Lexus RX. That is a $1,064 annual difference in favour of the Denza B8.

Estimated annual total: $475 (Denza B8) vs $1,539 (Lexus RX). The Denza B8 saves you roughly $1,064 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (Denza B8) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus RX). The Denza B8 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus RX).