Buy or Hold: Should you wait for the new Lexus NX or buy the BMW X3?

Buy or Hold: Should you wait for the new Lexus NX or buy the BMW X3?

As sports sedans become less enticing to family-oriented buyers, compact SUVs are gaining popularity in Malaysia. One such SUV is the BMW X3, whose latest version hit the local showrooms back in February. The SUV comes with a brand new look, improved cabin features, and an optimized drivetrain that puts it ahead of its rivals in this competitive segment. But can this upgrade also keep it ahead of the second-generation Lexus NX that will soon rock the local market?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Which is bigger: Lexus NX or BMW X3?

    BMW X3 is longer, wide, and taller than the Lexus NX along with a longer wheelbase.
  • Is the upcoming Lexus NX dearer than the BMW X3?

    Yes, the upcoming Lexus is dearer than the X3 and the reason is the assembly of the cars. The X3 models are locally-assembled, while the NX versions are fully imported (CBU) from Japan.
  • BMW X3

    Lexus Malaysia has just commenced the bookings for the new NX, along with revealing its specifications and price list. The upgraded SUV rides on a new Lexus Global Architecture (GA-K) platform with almost 95% new components.

    For those in a dilemma about whether to buy the available BMW X3 or wait for the new Lexus NX, we put them against each other.

    Lexus NX

    Price 

    Let's first talk about the variants and prices of these two SUVs. The German model comes in three versions - sDrive20i M Sport, xDrive30i M Sport, and xDrive30e M Sport, whereas the Japanese SUV will arrive in two forms - NX 250 Luxury and NX 350 F Sport. Here's the price comparison - 

    BMW X3

    Price 

    Lexus NX

    Price

    X3 sDrive20i M Sport

    RM 296,950

    NX 250 Luxury

    RM 370,888 

    X3 xDrive30e M Sport

    RM 337,950

    NX 350 F Sport

    RM 389,888

    X3 xDrive30i M Sport

    RM 339,950

       

    Note - The mentioned prices are on-the-road without insurance and also without the SST rebates, which are scheduled to end on June 30, 2022.

    We can see the upcoming Lexus NX is dearer than the X3 in terms of pricing, and the reason is the assembly of the cars. The BMW models are locally-assembled, while the NX versions are fully imported (CBU) from Japan.

    BMW X3

    Dimensions

    When it comes to the BMW X3 and Lexus NX size comparison, the former has a clear advantage. Check out the table below -

    Specs

    BMW X3

    Lexus NX

    Length

    4708 mm

    4,660 mm

    Width

    1891 mm

    1,865 mm

    Height

    1676 mm

    1635 mm

    Wheelbase

    2864 mm

    2,690 mm

    Lexus NX

    Engine specifications

    All three BMW X3 variants come loaded with different engine packs. Petrol-only options are the sDrive20i and xDrive30i; these are powered by the same 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder with varying output states. The lower version delivers 184 PS of maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque, while the more powerful tuning churns out 245 PS and 350 Nm. Both are coupled with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with a Steptronic Sport unit, and all-wheel drive available for the latter only. 

    For those who want plug-in hybrid power, the X3 xDrive30e is on offer with an internal combustion engine, a powerful electric motor, and a 12kWh battery pack. It delivers an all-electric range of up to 50 kilometers (WLTP).

    BMW X3

    Coming to the 2022 Lexus NX engine options, the Japanese automaker will offer the different variants with different mills. The 250 Luxury variant will come packed with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated engine that is good for making 206 PS of maximum power and 243 Nm of peak torque. The top-spec NX 350 F Sport, on the other hand, will run on a 2.4-litre turbocharged mill with 278 PS and 430 Nm output levels. As for the transmission, both will have an 8-speed automatic transmission with AI shift control.

    Lexus NXOn comparing the two SUVs in terms of engine specs, we conclude that if you want a more powerful SUV, wait for the NX 350 F Sport. 

    Features 

    Moving on from the engine stuff, it's time to compare the BMW X3 and Lexus NX in terms of exterior, interior, and safety features. Here's a comparison of the top-spec models with reference taken from the global market version for the NX.

    Lexus NX

    Features

    BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport

    Lexus NX 350 F Sport

    Exterior

    • Larger kidney grille
    • Full-LED tech
    • M Sport pack with 20-inch wheels
    • M Sport suspension
    • Panorama glass roof
    • Chrome framed grille
    • LED headlights
    • Full-width LED tail light bar
    • Adaptive Variable Suspension
    • Panoramic moonroof

    Interior

    • 12.3 inch infotainment screen paired with BMW OS 7
    • BMW Live Cockpit Professional with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
    • iDrive Controller
    • BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
    • BMW Connected, BMW Maps and support for OTA updates
    • Harman Kardon surround setup instead
    • Three-zone air conditioning
    • Ambient lighting
    • Vernasca Black leather with blue stitching or Vernasca Mokka upholstery
    • 14-inch infotainment touchscreen unit with Remote Touch Controller
    • Cockpit based on the tazuna concept
    • 10-inch head up display and  7.0-inch digital meter panel
    • Voice-recognition
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity
    • 64-colour Ambient lighting
    • Lexus-first E-Latch System 
    • Qi wireless charger
    • Multi-zone air-conditioning
    • 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System (17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System may come as optional)
    • Leather upholstery with new patterns

    Safety

    • BMW Driving Assistant package with 
    • Lane Change Warning
    • Lane Departure Warning
    • Rear cross traffic alert
    • Rear collision prevention and front collision warning
    • Parking Assistant package with Reversing Assistant and passive cruise control
    • Lexus Safety System Plus suite with 
    • Pre-Collision System (for pedestrian and cyclist detection)
    • Lane tracing assist
    • Dynamic radar cruise control with stop-and-go function
    • Adaptive high-beam system
    • Road sign assist
    • Panoramic view monitor and parking brake support

    BMW X3

    Verdict

    If you want a more power-packed and safe SUV with a fully-imported appeal, you must wait for the new Lexus NX. If that's not the case, you can buy the locally assembled and cheaper BMW X3, which will not disappoint you.


    Also read: 2023 BMW 7 Series: Taking automotive tech to the next level

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