BMW 3 Series vs Lexus UX
What's the difference?

BMW 3 Series

$47,490 - $92,888

2023 price

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Lexus UX

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2026 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2023 BMW 3 Series

2026 Lexus UX

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.5L/100km (combined)

4.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Driving performance
Well-specified base model
Sexy styling

Solid on-road handling
Great fuel economy
Long time between fills

Dislikes

Harder ride might bother some people
Cosy back seat for child seats
Lacklustre lane keeping tech

Reminds you too often its a base grade
Drive modes largely indistinguishable
Cosy back seat

2023 BMW 3 Series Summary

Back in the day, the 3 Series sedan was often the entry to the brand for first time BMW owners, and for good reason. They offered practical interior space without compromising on engine performance.

And they simply looked good, no boring nanny design elements. Then the 1 Series came along and price points bumped up, so how does the ‘entry’ BMW 320i M Sport live up to its long-standing reputation?

With an updated dashboard that brings the interior and tech up to market and a sharper exterior design, it more than holds its own at the table of luxury sedans, despite hard competition from the likes of the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C200 and Jaguar XE.

However, if the Merc is a placid and well-behaved mare… the BMW is the barely-broken-in bronco and it takes a certain kind of ‘rider’ to enjoy what the 320i has to offer.

I’ve been discovering just that this week with my family of three. What did we find out? Read below!

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2026 Lexus UX Summary

Replacing the long-standing UX250h, the more powerful Lexus UX300h hybrid sits at the luxury end of the compact SUV segment, and the latest update brings a refined line-up along with tweaks to both design and technology. In this review, I’m looking at the base Luxury grade to see what it's like to live with this hybrid day-today and how it stacks up against its nearest rivals.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW 3 Series 2026 Lexus UX

Verdict

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the BMW 320i M Sport. It’s fun to drive and I felt connected to what the car was doing on the road. The harder ride may not appeal to some but I didn’t mind it. The cosy back seat and boot mean it will probably suit a smaller family best and one which doesn’t have to worry about carrying a lot of gear around regularly, but it suited my needs just fine.

I reckon this is a car for those drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance but still have a kid or two. If you’re after the cushioned comfort of a Merc, this won’t appeal but I didn't want to give this one back and happily give it a firm 8/10.

My son liked the sports car looks and enjoyed the amenities in his row. He gives it a 10/10.

Verdict

The updated Lexus UX300h Luxury is a solid entry in the premium compact SUV segment. It doesn’t break new ground, and there are areas that could be improved, but it handles well, offers a thoughtful selection of amenities for a base-grade luxury model, and its compact size makes it easy to park almost anywhere. For buyers seeking a stylish, efficient, and practical hybrid with a luxury badge, it’s a dependable choice.

BMW 3 Series vs Lexus UX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 3 Series vs Lexus UX
What's the difference?