VS
At a Glance
Power
408kW@6000
173kW@3200
Torque
680Nm@1500
317Nm@4800
Fuel
13.9L/100km
6.3L/100km
Towing
3000kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
4.7s
7.8s
Engine
4395cc
3456cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Lexus RX is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The BMW X5 delivers 408kW@6000 while the Lexus RX produces 173kW@3200. On fuel, the X5 returns 13.9L/100km while the RX uses 6.3L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 398 033 for the X5 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
408kW@6000
173kW@3200
Torque
680Nm@1500
317Nm@4800
0-100 kph
4.7s
7.8s
Top Speed
250km/h
200km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395cc
3456cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
-
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.9L/100km
6.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.1L/100km
6.6L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
11L/100km
6L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85L
65L
CO2 Emissions
325g/km
148g/km
Dimensions
Length
4851mm
4770mm
Width
1933-2197mm
-1885mm
Height
1764mm
1690mm
Wheelbase
2933mm
2740mm
Ground Clearance
212mm
175mm
Kerb Weight
2380kg
-
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
1750kg
825kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
DSC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
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
WITH BRAKE FUNCTION
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
BOTH FRONT
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
24
48
Warranty Distance
-
100000km
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
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 (3000kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9L/100km)
Higher starting price
Lexus RX
Better fuel economy (6.3L/100km)
Lower starting price (R801 200)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or RX?
The X5 uses 13.9L/100km and the RX uses 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle. The RX 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 X5 or RX?
The X5 produces 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 of torque while the RX delivers 173kW@3200 and 317Nm@4800 of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and RX?
The X5 starts from R1 398 033 and the RX from R801 200. The RX is cheaper by R596 833 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 3000kg and the RX can tow 2000kg. 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.