BMW M3 vs Lexus LX
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 M3 starts from $163,700 before on-road costs, while the Lexus LX opens at $172,900. That makes the BMW M3 the more affordable entry point by $9,200.
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 $180,070 and $190,190 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW M3 by roughly $4,700 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BMW M3 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 6 in the BMW M3.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW M3 and 8 in the Lexus LX. The Lexus LX adds a 360-degree camera that the BMW M3 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BMW M3 features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Lexus LX gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW M3 stands out with Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Lexus LX. The Lexus LX counters with wireless charging and Mark Levinson audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW M3 uses a Petrol producing 353kW and 550Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.5 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 BMW M3 has the clear power advantage at 353kW vs 305kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW M3 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW M3 measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 386mm shorter than the Lexus LX at 5,095mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M3 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW M3 and 487L in the Lexus LX, giving the Lexus LX a 7L advantage. The Lexus LX seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Lexus LX leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 1,700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 12.6m
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,879/year for the BMW M3 and $3,819/year for the Lexus LX. That is a $940 annual difference in favour of the BMW M3.
Estimated annual total: $2,879 (BMW M3) vs $3,819 (Lexus LX). The BMW M3 saves you roughly $940 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M3) vs 4 years / 100,000km (Lexus LX). The BMW M3 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —4yr (Lexus LX).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW M3 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Lexus LX if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Lexus's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW M3 takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW M3 will save you roughly $940 a year in fuel. The BMW M3 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 M3 and Lexus LX?
The BMW M3 is the cheapest at $163,700 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Lexus LX by $9,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M3 uses the least fuel at 10.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW M3 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 Lexus LX has the largest boot at 487L.
Which can tow the most?
The Lexus LX has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW M3 has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M3 makes the most power at 353kW. The BMW M3 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.5s.
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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