2020 BMW X5 vs Lexus RX
What's the difference?

BMW X5

$34,990 - $114,000

2020 price

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Lexus RX

$24,990 - $66,990

2020 price

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Summary

2020 BMW X5

2020 Lexus RX

By Justin Hilliard

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V8, 4.4L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

12.5L/100km (combined)

8.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Aggressive styling
Genuine practicality
Ferocious performance

Great value-for-luxury
Intriguing and pretty looks
Spacious cabin

Dislikes

Half-baked exhaust system
Far from fuel-efficient
Substandard warranty

Awkward touch-pad media system
Shorter warranty compared to mainstream brands
Wobbly ride over speed bumps and city streets

2020 BMW X5 Summary

Way back in 2009, the X5 was the first SUV to get the go-fast treatment from BMW’s high-performance M division. At the time, it was a crazy thought, but in 2020, it’s easy to see why Munich went down the (then) road less travelled.

Now in its third generation, the X5 M is better than ever, partly thanks to BMW Australia’s insistence on forgoing its ‘regular’ variant for the piping-hot Competition version.

But just exactly how good is the X5 M Competition? We had the unenviable task of putting it to test to find out.

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2020 Lexus RX Summary

Whether or not people like the look of the models in Lexus' line-up varies, but one thing's for sure, the Japanese luxury brand has a clear identity. The intent of occupying the rung between a mainstream brand and a prestige one is clear in the pricing, and the styling of Lexus's vechicles is akin to jewellery – just look at the intricate Spindle grille, which is particularly enormous on the RX300 Luxury I've tested in this review.

The RX300 Luxury is the entry point into the RX large SUV range, so does this mean it's missing much in the way of tech, equipment or grunt? Yes, and no. Read on to find out.

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Interested in a Lexus RX?

Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW X5 2020 Lexus RX

Verdict

After spending a day with the BMW X5 M Competition, we can’t help but wonder if it’s the ultimate vehicle for families.

On one hand, it nails the practicality brief and is loaded with standard equipment, including the key advanced driver-assist systems. On the other, its performance in a straight line and around corners is otherworldly. Oh, and it looks sporty and feels luxurious, too.

That said, we could absolutely live with the high fuel bill if this was our daily driver, but there’s only one problem: does anyone have a spare $250,000?

Is the new BMW X5 M Competition the ultimate family vehicle? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.

Verdict

The Lexus RX300 is luxurious but affordable, making it great value and superbly comfortable, with a high level of fit and finish. Fear not about the four-cylinder engine being small – it makes plenty of grunt and handles daily duties perfectly well.

Which would you go for: An entry level Lexus RX300 or a top-of-the-range Mazda CX-9? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

2020 BMW X5 vs Lexus RX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

2020 BMW X5 vs Lexus RX
What's the difference?