VS
At a Glance
Power
220 kW
173kW@3200
Torque
450 Nm
317Nm@4800
Fuel
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 whL/100km
6.3L/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
6.2 s
7.8s
Engine
1998 cc
3456cc
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X3 delivers 220 kW while the Lexus RX produces 173kW@3200. On fuel, the X3 returns 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 whL/100km while the RX uses 6.3L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 289 500 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
220 kW
173kW@3200
Torque
450 Nm
317Nm@4800
0-100 kph
6.2 s
7.8s
Top Speed
215 Km/h
200km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
3456cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
-
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 whL/100km
6.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
6.6L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
65L
CO2 Emissions
26 when hybrid battery charged g/km
148g/km
Dimensions
Length
4755 mm
4770mm
Width
1920-2132 mm
-1885mm
Height
1660 mm
1690mm
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2740mm
Ground Clearance
—
175mm
Kerb Weight
2065 DIN / 2140 EU Kg
-
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
460-1600 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
645 lkg
825kg
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 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
48
Warranty Distance
unlimited vehicle / 100000 hybrid batterkm
100000km
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW X3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X3
Fuel Economy
X3
Value
RX
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Better fuel economy (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 whL/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.2 ss)
Higher starting price
Lexus RX
Lower starting price (R801 200)
Higher fuel consumption (6.3L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X3 or RX?
The X3 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 7.9 whL/100km and the RX uses 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle. The X3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the X3 or RX?
The X3 produces 220 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 173kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque. The X3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X3 and RX?
The X3 starts from R1 289 500 and the RX from R801 200. The RX is cheaper by R488 300 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 2000 Kg and the RX can tow 2000kg. 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.