Lexus NX vs BMW X1

The Lexus NX starts from $59,900 before on-road costs, while the BMW X1 opens at $61,800. That makes the Lexus NX the more affordable entry point by $1,900.

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 $65,890 and $67,980 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Lexus NX and BMW X1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Lexus NX and 86% for the BMW X1.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Lexus NX packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the BMW X1.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Lexus NX and 6 in the BMW X1.

The Lexus NX features a 9.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 8-inch digital dash, while the BMW X1 gets a 10.7-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Lexus NX stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW X1. The BMW X1 counters with Apple CarPlay, head-up display and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Lexus NX gets synthetic nulux upholstery while the BMW X1 offers sensatec synthetic leather.

The Lexus NX uses a Petrol producing 152kW and 247Nm of torque, sent through a automatic direct shift - 8at to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9 seconds.

The BMW X1 responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 230Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9 seconds.

The Lexus NX has the clear power advantage at 152kW vs 115kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Lexus NX measures 4,660mm long on a 2,690mm wheelbase, 160mm longer than the BMW X1 at 4,500mm (2,692mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X1 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 520L in the Lexus NX and 540L in the BMW X1, giving the BMW X1 a 20L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X1 leads with a 1,700kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Lexus NX and $1,853/year for the BMW X1. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the BMW X1.

Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Lexus NX) vs $1,853 (BMW X1). The BMW X1 saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus NX) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X1). The BMW X1 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: 4yr (Lexus NX)—.