At a Glance
Power
460 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
750 Nm
317Nm@4800
Fuel
12.5 l/100km
6.3
Towing
3500 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
3.9 s
7.8
Engine
4395 cc
3456
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the LEXUS RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X5 delivers 460 kW while the LEXUS RX produces 183kW@6000. On fuel, the X5 returns 12.5 l/100km while the RX uses 6.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 301 901 for the X5 and R808 500 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
460 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
750 Nm
317Nm@4800
0-100 kph
3.9 s
7.8
Top Speed
290 Km/h
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
3456
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
petrol
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
12.5 l/100km
6.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
6.6
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
65
CO2 Emissions
285 g/km
148
Dimensions
Length
4948 mm
4770
Width
2015-2218 mm
1885
Height
1762 mm
1720
Wheelbase
2972 mm
2740
Ground Clearance
212 mm
175
Kerb Weight
2400 DIN / 2475 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
640 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
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
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
48
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.9 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (12.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
LEXUS RX
Better fuel economy (6.3)
Lower starting price (R808 500)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or RX?
The X5 uses 12.5 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 X5 or RX?
The X5 produces 460 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 183kW@6000 and 317Nm@4800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 and RX?
The X5 starts from R3 301 901 and the RX from R808 500. The RX is cheaper by R2 493 401 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or RX?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the RX can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 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.