VS
At a Glance
Power
408kW@6000
173kW@3200
Torque
680Nm@1500
317Nm@4800
Fuel
13.9
6.3
Towing
3000
2000
0-100 km/h
4.7
7.8
Engine
4395
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 408kW@6000 while the LEXUS RX produces 173kW@3200. On fuel, the X5 returns 13.9 while the RX uses 6.3 — 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
4.7
7.8
Top Speed
250
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395
3456
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
13.9
6.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.1
6.6
Fuel Consumption Highway
11
6
Fuel Tank Capacity
85
65
CO2 Emissions
325
148
Dimensions
Length
4851
4770
Width
1933-2197
-1885
Height
1764
1690
Wheelbase
2933
2740
Ground Clearance
212
175
Kerb Weight
2380
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000
2000
Load Capacity
1750
825
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
—
100000
Service Plan
M
M
Service Intervals
30000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
LEXUS RX
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
Higher towing capacity (3000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7s)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9)
Higher starting price
LEXUS RX
Better fuel economy (6.3)
Lower starting price (R801 200)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or RX?
The X5 uses 13.9 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 408kW@6000 and 680Nm@1500 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 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 3000 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.