Lexus LC500H vs BMW XM

What's the difference?

For those merely gazing up to the lofty, ivory-tipped towers of high society, it would be easy to think that the mere ownership of a plush, premium vehicle, like the Lexus LC 500h for example, is a reward in and of itself.

The truth, though, is that Australia's premium manufacturers then sweeten the ownership pot even further, often inviting new owners into a secret club filled with tickets to exclusive events, seats at the fanciest of dining tables and concierge-style car maintenance, to name but a few of the perks on offer.

Lexus, though, sits atop the pile when it comes to offering ownership perks to its owners, and now more than ever, with the brand's existing Encore Club today welcoming a new and more-exclusive tier, called Encore Platinum.

We'll circle back to all of this under our 'Ownership' sub heading, but the short answer is that anyone who has bought a RC F, GS F, LX, LS or LC, like this 500h, since January 1 this year is automatically signed up, and is in line for some serious goodies. 

Perhaps the most pressing question, though, is will it be the new ownership program that lures customers into a LC 500h? Or can the luxurious Lexus performance coupe stand on its own four wheels? 

Let's find out. 

BMW’s new XM is a tricky customer to pigeon-hole. Yes, it’s a huge, super-lux SUV and, yes, it’s all-wheel drive and features a station-wagon layout.

But it’s also a M-car and that infers super high performance. Weighing in one the wrong side of 2700kg, however, makes that a difficult task for any engineer.

This car also left us wondering if perhaps the glory days of M Division sports cars and coupes might behind it and SUVs like this one represent the road ahead.

But fear not: The CEO of M Division himself, assured us that the XM is a showcase for what an M badge can do, rather than a mission statement for the brand.

So, with that in mind, does this car have the wow factor that places it somewhere between peak oligarch and a motor-show concept car? Does it move the goal posts for big luxury SUVs? Does it even matter that it’s a plug-in hybrid?