BMW 118d vs Lexus Rx450H+

What's the difference?

I’m the first to say the 1 Series is kind of the ugly duckling of the BMW family, but those looks grow on you, especially when you consider that this is exactly what a BMW hatch should look like. That this is one of the only rear-wheel-drive hatches left on the planet makes it even more special – and of course engaging to pilot. The downside is the price and the lack of value from a features perspective, plus safety could be bolstered with more technology. Still, anybody who likes to drive will commend you on your choice of a BMW.  

The new Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury is packed with a wealth of premium features and strikes a solid balance between refinement and practicality. There are enough thoughtful touches that make everyday driving a little easier.

You’ll get the most out of the plug-in hybrid powertrain if you’re able to charge it regularly; ideally every day. That might not always be practical for busy people on the go, but overall, the RX450h+ manages to blend efficiency with Lexus’ signature comfort and quality.

The 1 Series looks exactly how a BMW hatchback should. I know that sounds silly but what I mean is BMW could easily have designed something that was proportioned more like other hatches; that popular sort of bubble on wheels.

Instead, what you have is a hatch that retains BMW’s traditional attributes – there’s the long nose, the cabin set back, the high sides and the wheels placed almost at the very corners.

Seriously, look at the image of the orange 1 Series side on, now hold your out your hand and use it to cover just the windows – see, it looks just like a BMW 2 Series convertible. Does it look good? To me it does, right up until you get to the hatchback, and then it looks a bit awkward. But I do admire BMW’s designers for creating something unique looking.

That orange 120i ('Sunset Orange' is the official colour) is the most recent 1 Series I’ve tested. Those wheels aren’t standard, they’re 18-inch M ones and they are part of the optional 'M Sport Package', which also includes the body kit, complete with side skirts and the lower grille in gloss black.

The 1 Series is as affordable as BMWs get, but it’s still a real BMW. The cabin, for example, looks much like  every BMW, only smaller.

There’s the large, slab-like dash with the display sitting atop, below are the air vents and below that is the radio and then the climate-control dials. It’s a stack that’s kept its familiar order and shape on nearly all BMWs for what seems like forever.

The centre console has a similar layout as the one in a 3 Series or 5 Series or any Series, with the shifter and rotating media controller. Even the doors have the same design as those cars higher up in the BMW family, with the big moulded pockets and large pull handles.

The cabin isn’t as ‘blingy’ as the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but it’s not as plain as the Audi A3.

That steering wheel is part of the M-Package too, but the leather upholstery is a separate option.

The signs that this isn’t a more expensive BMW are the manual handbrake, the compact instrument cluster with analogue dials, the small dash-top display and the fact that  there’s a lot less real estate to be covered by trim pieces and material, which doesn’t have the same high-quality feel as those fancier models.

The cabin isn’t as ‘blingy’ as the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, but it’s not as plain as the cockpit of an Audi A3 – it’s somewhere in between; refined and well designed.

At 4.3m end to end, the 1 Series is 16mm shorter that the A3 Sportback and 20mm narrower, at just over 1.7m across.

The RX isn’t breaking new ground with its plug-in hybrid design, but it still delivers that signature Lexus understated refinement.

The strong, flowing body lines, 21-inch alloy wheels and updated 'spindle grille' all give it presence without screaming for attention.

And in a segment where boxy and bulky designs tend to dominate, the RX’s swoopy silhouette helps it stand apart in all the right ways.

Inside, the cabin feels considered and luxurious. There's a heavy use of premium materials, including the leather and suede upholstery, plush soft-touch surfaces and the big, crisp displays that make the space feel modern and high-end.

The panoramic sunroof brings in loads of natural light, too, which is especially welcome given the dark headliner that might otherwise feel a little heavy.

If I have one gripe, it’s the thin steering wheel, which doesn’t quite match the otherwise solid, tactile feel of the rest of the interior. But overall, the cabin is a space that feels luxurious and well-executed. It's quietly confident, just like the RX.

The 1 Series’ boot has a cargo capacity of 360 litres, which is more than the boot space of the Audi A3 Sportback (340 litres) but less than the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class’s 370 litres of luggage room.

What does that mean in real-world terms? It’s not a lot of space, and you might struggle to get a pram in, so check that  beforehand if you have small ones. That said, there was enough room for two carry-on sized bags, a computer bag and a scooter when my wife and I went on a weekend away with our four year old.

Space in the second row is also limited. Headroom isn’t too bad, but at 191cm tall I can’t sit behind my driving position without my knees digging into the seatback. I can just fit back there in the A3 and I have even more room for my knees in the A-Class.

Room up front is good with plenty of shoulder, head and elbow room for somebody my size.

Storage could be better: you’ll only find cup holders up front (two of them), the centre-console storage bin is small and so are the door pockets in the rear, but all is not lost because the door bottle holders in the front are massive, the glove box is a decent size and there are nets on the backs of the front seats.

It’s good to see directional air vents in the second row and a 12V power outlet, but there aren’t any USB ports back there – if you want to plug in a device there’s only one and it’s up front, along with another 12-volt outlet.

The rear doors appear large from the outside but the aperture to get in and out isn’t huge – again look at the images to see what I’m on about.

The RX cabin is thoughtfully laid out and impressively practical, with a premium feel that doesn’t come at the cost of everyday usability.

Up front, there’s plenty of space for driver and passenger, yet the stepped dash design brings a sense of intimacy. The electric front seats are seriously comfortable, with four-way lumbar support and extra adjustment functions that make this an easy choice for long drives.

Storage options are generous, too. There’s a clever dual-opening centre console, large glove box, multiple phone-sized shelves, map pockets and a couple of cup- and drink holders in each row.

Charging is taken care of by four USB-C ports, one USB-A port and a wireless charging pad.

Tech is up-to-date and well-integrated. The upgraded 14-inch media display looks crisp, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and is paired with a revamped 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a colour head-up display.

The cluster’s new layout is modern and much easier to read than the previous offering. The digital rear view mirror also earns its keep when the cabin’s packed with passengers or gear.

One of my favourite touches? The seat controls on the side of the front passenger seat. It makes quick work of moving the seat forward, especially helpful when you’ve got a kid clambering in with a school bag full of projects.

Access to the rear row is easy, but the stadium-style seating, where you're perched noticeably higher than those in the front, won’t be for everyone.

That said, the rear seats are plush and padded, though they lack side bolsters, which rear passengers might notice during cornering.

Legroom is generous and the hardened kickplates are a dream to clean when your child’s treating the seatbacks like a climbing wall.

My eight-year old gives the back seat a glowing review, thanks to its creature comforts, including rear climate control, directional air vents, seat heating/ventilation on the outboard seats, two USB-C ports and retractable sun-blinds, which are a crowd favourite in our household.

There are three top-tether anchor points, and the bench is wide enough to fit three child seats, though bulky booster seats might be tricky due to the raised seating height.

At the back, the boot is well set up for families, offering electrically folding rear seats, a 12-volt socket, flat loading floor, and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Under the floor, there’s a small compartment for your charging cables (Lexus throws in two!) and a usable 612L of capacity when all seats are in use. One downside, though, is the lack of a spare tyre as you just get a tyre repair/inflation kit.

There are four variants in the RX range, and we’re testing the 450h+ Sports Luxury AWD, which sits just below the flagship and packs in plenty of premium kit for its $123,500, before on-road costs, price tag.

That makes it slightly more affordable than its main PHEV rivals; the BMW X5 xDrive50e (from $125,885 MSRP) and the Volvo XC90 Ultra (from $124,466 MSRP).

The Volvo does offer seven seats to the Lexus’ five, which may matter for larger families, and both rivals also outdo the RX on electric-only driving range - 65km in the RX compared with 77km in the Volvo XC90 and a generous 101km in the BMW X5.

Still, the RX fights back with a seriously stacked features list. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, 10-way powered front seats with heating and ventilation, electrically folding rear seats (also heated and ventilated in the outboard positions), and a heated, power-adjustable steering wheel. Sound is taken care of by a premium 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround system.

Technology has had a solid upgrade with the 14-inch touchscreen multimedia display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, digital rearview mirror, colour head-up display, live traffic navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G connectivity, four USB-C ports, one USB-A port and a fast wireless charging pad.

There’s also access to the 'Lexus Connected Services' app, allowing you to remotely lock or unlock the vehicle, pre-set the cabin temperature via three-zone climate control, configure driver profiles and even use your phone as a digital key.

Practical features include keyless entry and start, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing LED headlights, rear sun-blinds, intelligent seatbelt reminders for the first two rows, a child presence alert and a hands-free powered tailgate. However, due to the plug-in hybrid system there’s no spare tyre, just a tyre repair kit.

As you step up through the grades the engines become more powerful. The entry-grade 118i has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol making 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque, while its diesel twin has a 2.0-litre turbo-four making 110kW and much more torque at 320Nm.

The 120i has a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder and an output of 135kW and 270Nm. Then above that is the 125i, which is getting into performance territory with its 2.0-litre turbo four petrol making 165kW and 310Nm.

But all hail the M140i and its beautiful 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol, with 250kW and 500Nm that it wants to share with you.

All cars are rear-wheel drive and all have an eight – hang on, that’s important: all cars are rear-wheel drive. Do you know how many other hatchbacks are rear-wheel drive? Try next to none – not the A-Class, not the A3, not the Golf. Rear-wheel drive is favoured for performance cars because it offers better balance and better acceleration thanks to the weight shift to the rear of the car. BMW has long claimed that RWD is one of the keys to its "sheer driving pleasure".

Now let me finish the sentence... all have an eight-speed automatic, and it’s a beauty – a little slow, but smoother for driving than a dual clutch, and way more fun than a CVT.

But wait, because there’s a manual gearbox, too. It’s a no-cost option and you can get it on any variant apart from the 125i.

Under the bonnet the RX450h+ Sports Luxury runs a plug-in hybrid powertrain that pairs a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a CVT auto and dual electric motors - one on each axle. Together, they produce a total of 227kW of power, though Lexus doesn’t quote a combined torque figure.

Still, it’s quick off the mark for a large SUV, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds. There’s more than enough grunt for daily driving and overtaking, even if it doesn’t quite match the outright power of its key PHEV rivals.

BMW says its most efficient petrol engine in the 1 Series range is the three-cylinder in the 118i, which uses just 5.2L/100km after a combination of urban and open roads.

The diesel unit in the 118d will use 4.2L/100km. Let that sink in for a moment – petrol engines are becoming so fuel efficient that they’re rivalling diesels, which have long been lauded for their frugality.

So don't just buy the diesel just because it’s more efficient, because you may never recoup the extra money you paid over the 118i.

Thirstier but still super-efficient is the 2.0-litre in the 120i. BMW’s claim is 5.9L/100km. During my week with the 120i I put 413km on the clock and used 15.57 litres doing so (measured at the pump), which comes to 7.7L/100km. The car’s computer said 7.8L/100km.

That’s great fuel economy, even if it is higher than the claimed figures. The 125i’s official fuel consumption is also 5.9L/100km.

It’s not surprising that the M140i, with its 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, is the least fuel efficient but its official figure of 7.1L/100km is still low.

The plug-in hybrid system brings solid efficiency, with claimed fuel use of just 1.3L/100km. In real-world conditions (mostly urban driving with regular recharging) I managed a respectable 4.8L/100km, which makes a strong case for the hybrid set-up.

The fuel tank holds 55 litres and it's worth noting Lexus recommends using a minimum of 95 RON unleaded petrol to fill it.

Using our real-world economy figure you can expect a range in excess of 1100km between fills.

The RX450h+ is fitted with a relatively small 18.1kWh lithium-ion battery, supporting an NEDC electric-only range of up to 65km.

While that’s fine for short daily trips, it’s shorter than you'd ideally want in a family SUV of this size and it lags behind rivals like the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 in this department.

Charging is simple enough. The RX uses a Type 2 charging port and accepts up to 7.0kW on AC power, which means a full charge takes around 7.5 hours, perfect for overnight top-ups. Lexus also includes an at-home charging cable and second adapter cable as standard, which is a thoughtful touch.

If I could run into a showroom and take whichever 1 Series I wanted it’d be the M140i – and not just because it would give me the best chance of outrunning the police after they discovered the break-in, but because the thing is so much fun to drive.

It’s also the most expensive, of course, but it’s worth it for that screaming straight six and for its agility.

You’ll have fun, though, in every grade of the line-up – they’re all engaging to pilot with great driving positions, good pedal feel and that eight-speed auto is smooth in traffic yet will shift hard when you have your race face on.

You might find the 118i, with its three-cylinder, a little under powered, especially with five people and their bags on board. If you’re keen on this grade, then consider the diesel, which will give you more torque. Our 120i test car proved to have enough oomph for overtaking and moving quickly when needed.

The 125i is less tame, with its throatier exhaust note, firmer ride and better handling thanks to the M suspension.

If you plan on choosing the M Sport Package for, say, the 120i keep in mind that you’ll lose the comfortable ride these cars have on their standard tyres.

Our 120i had the pack and while the body kit looks tough, the 18-inch alloy wheels shod in low-profile rubber (225/40 R18 Bridgestone Potenza 5001s front and 245/35 R18 at the rear) meant the ride was overly jarring on bad roads.

Given that Sydney was my test bed for the 120i and its roads are shocking, the ride was less than comfy. The M-sport suspension will only make the ride less comfortable, but in return you’ll have a 120i with better handling.

Run-flat tyres are common on BMWs and you may have heard of a few issues surrounding noise and a harsher ride. While that can be true, it's the price you pay for having a tyre you won’t immediately have to change if you get a puncture. Only the 120i and the M140i don’t have run-flats as standard.

The RX450h+ delivers power that’s pert and prompt, with genuine bursts of acceleration that make driving fun. It’s always ready to go and there's no lag in stop-start traffic - which gives it a lively, dynamic feel around town.

The transition between petrol and electric power is seamless; you hardly notice the switch, which makes for a smooth, refined driving experience. The cabin is impressively quiet, even on the highway, making long trips comfortable and peaceful.

Regenerative braking isn’t adjustable and is subtle enough that many won’t notice it which is likely a plus for fans of traditional internal combustion engines who are making the PHEV leap.

The adaptive variable suspension adds a sporty edge to handling, letting you confidently take corners at speed. There’s some body roll but the RX never feels top-heavy or unsettled.

The steering carries the weight of the SUV but remains well-balanced and responsive. Overall, it’s a well-tuned machine that’s a pleasure to drive.

Maneuverability is a strong suit, too, thanks to a tight 11.8-metre turning circle and a clear, easy-to-use 360-degree camera system. Parking is easy-as-pie, which a lot of drivers will appreciate.

The RX earned a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022, scoring highly across all protection categories: 90 per cent for adult protection, 89 per cent for child protection, 89 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 93 per cent for safety assist systems.

Standard safety gear includes eight airbags (dual front, front side, curtains, front centre, and driver’s knee) plus a comprehensive suite of driver aids. Standout features include emergency call functionality, child detection alert, side exit assist, front and rear collision warnings, park assist and emergency steering assist.

Additional tech covers blind-spot monitoring, driver attention monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, daytime running lights, LED cornering lights, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and intelligent seatbelt warnings for the front two rows.

Visibility and parking are enhanced by a 360-degree camera system and front/rear parking sensors, while adaptive cruise control adds comfort on longer drives.

The rear seats have two ISOFIX mounts plus three top tether anchors, accommodating child seats safely. Autonomous emergency braking is active from 5.0 to 80km/h for pedestrians, cyclists, and backover and up to 180 km/h for cars.

The 1 Series is covered by BMW’s three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Servicing is condition-based – the car will let you know when it needs a check-up.

BMW offers two service packages, which cover the car for five years/80,000km: the Basic is $1340 and the Plus costs $3550.

The RX comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which matches its key rivals but isn’t exactly class-leading by today’s standards.

Servicing is handled via a capped-price program, with each service costing $695. The intervals are well spaced at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

This Sports Luxury grade also includes a three-year complimentary 'Lexus Encore' membership, granting access to a handy phone app and member benefits at partners like Westfield and Ampol. On top of that, you get 24/7 roadside assistance for added peace of mind.