VS
At a Glance
Power
148 kW
173kW@3200
Torque
310 Nm
317Nm@4800
Fuel
7.5 l/100km
6.3
Towing
1800 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
8.5 s
7.8
Engine
1998 cc
3456
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the LEXUS RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X3 delivers 148 kW while the LEXUS RX produces 173kW@3200. On fuel, the X3 returns 7.5 l/100km while the RX uses 6.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 069 760 for the X3 and R801 200 for the RX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
148 kW
173kW@3200
Torque
310 Nm
317Nm@4800
0-100 kph
8.5 s
7.8
Top Speed
218 Km/h
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
3456
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
rear
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5 l/100km
6.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
6.6
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
65
CO2 Emissions
171 g/km
148
Dimensions
Length
4755 mm
4770
Width
1920-2132 mm
-1885
Height
1660 mm
1690
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2740
Ground Clearance
—
175
Kerb Weight
1805 DIN / 1880 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
570-1700 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
645 l
825
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
10
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
Optional
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
48
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
LEXUS RX
3 / 4 categories
Performance
X3
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
RX
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (7.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
LEXUS RX
Better fuel economy (6.3)
Lower starting price (R801 200)
Higher towing capacity (2000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.8s)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X3 or RX?
The X3 uses 7.5 l/100km and the RX uses 6.3 on the combined cycle. The RX is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X3 or RX?
The X3 produces 148 kW and 310 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 173kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X3 and RX?
The X3 starts from R1 069 760 and the RX from R801 200. The RX is cheaper by R268 560 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X3 or RX?
The X3 has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the RX can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X3 or the RX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.