Lexus vs. BMW Comparison

As the popularity of luxury vehicles continues to grow, shoppers have more choices than ever before. If you've had your eye on a Lexus, but you're wondering how it compares against other top brands such as BMW, Metro Lexus is here to help. Our Lexus vs. BMW comparison, takes an in-depth look at the key differences between the two manufacturers to help make your decision easier.

Safety

Groundbreaking safety innovations to keep drivers and passengers safeguarded from the unexpected help highlight the Lexus commitment to building the safest vehicles on the road today. Included as standard on most Lexus vehicles, the Lexus Safety System+ is the most comprehensive safety system ever offered by Lexus5. Some highlights of the advanced safety features found in this suite of systems include a Pre-Collision System, Intelligent High-Beam Headlights, Lane Assistance, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 and 3.0 go even further with Lane Assistance and Road Sign Assist features.

Before you select your next luxury vehicle, consider one man's story of why he chose Lexus.

"At 10:27 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, my LS 460 was blindsided by an 18-ton truck traveling at 70 mph. It left no skid marks at the scene. The impact tore the entire front left-wheel assembly off my Lexus, sending it more than 250 yards away, and spun the vehicle into the truck, crushing the rear. Fortunately, the entire cabin was left intact and I walked away without a scratch. Shortly after, I called my Lexus dealer and said, ‘Naturally, I want the same car this time around.⁶"

-- Four Time Lexus Owner, Oklahoma

Powertrain Warranty Coverage

When considering confidence and peace of mind, new car warranty coverage is a critical component of any vehicle purchase. Both Lexus and BMW feature identical 4 year / 50,000 mile new vehicle warranty coverage terms⁴. That's where the similarities stop. Taking a closer look at powertrain warranty coverage lengths, BMW powertrain coverage ends when the new warranty does -- after 4 years / 50,000 miles. Offering an advantage, Lexus owners will continue to enjoy powertrain warranty coverage for 6 years / 70,000 miles⁴ -- 2 whole years and 20,000 miles longer than BMW. For superior quality and warranty protection, Lexus is certainly the better choice.

Resale Value

No other manufacturer can outperform Lexus in terms of resale value. Every year, the experts at Kelley Blue Book name their top choices for vehicles with the top resale value in their respective segments in the Best Resale Value Awards⁸. Lexus was named the Best Luxury Brand for resale value in 2023, with special mention going to the LS as a top model. No BMW models were named.

DEPENDABILITY - LEXUS TOPS J.D. POWER U.S. VEHICLE DEPENDABILITY STUDY^SM (VDS) FOR THE 10^TH TIME IN 12 YEARS

Yet another key concern when considering a new vehicle is long-term dependability. While sophisticated engineering and advanced technology may catch a buyer's attention, vehicles which consistently deliver high performance and perform reliably everyday often earn a spot in their garage.

Every year, the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) measures the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year old vehicles1. In 2022, original owners of 2020 model year vehicles were asked to report their experiences. This study covers 184 specific problems grouped into 9 major vehicle categories, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

For the tenth time in 12 years, Lexus stands at the top of the competition in terms of dependability with a score of 133 PP100. This is a full 53 problems per 100 vehicles lower than the industry average of 186 PP 100 Compared to the BMW score of 184 PP100, Lexus is the clear winner in terms of dependability.

Lexus NX & RX vs. BMW X3

The first thing to be noticed when looking at this popular model comparison is that the Lexus NX offers up some serious performance numbers for significantly less than a BMW X3. BMW does make higher-performance variants of the X3, but these come with a steep price increase. You just can’t find the price/performance sweet spot that the NX offers at BMW. And if you want a bit more room, the same engine comes standard in the RX, giving you both a power and an interior space advantage over the X3. Let’s take a look at the interiors next.

Lexus NX & RX vs. BMW X3 - Comfort & luxury Features

Shifting our focus towards comfort and luxury amenities, Lexus continues to set the benchmark for the competition. Once again, regardless if you opt for the compact NX or the larger RX -- both models will allow front passengers to ride more comfortably thanks to greater front legroom and front shoulder room.

In terms of standard equipment, the BMW X3 cannot compete with the Lexus NX and RX duo. Adaptive cruise control, satellite radio, tilt/telescoping steering wheel adjustments and remote start system each provide helpful convenience and confidence. While all are included as standard equipment on the NX and RX, BMW X3 shoppers will find themselves paying for these features as costly options to equip it similarly to a Lexus SUV. No matter which way you look at it, Lexus SUVs offer greater value, performance, comfort, safety, and versatility than BMW.

Lexus Customer Satisfaction

To round out this comparison, we’re going to mention one last award. This time it’s not for Lexus vehicles, which already have plenty of awards, it’s for Lexus dealership customer service, which ranks #1 among luxury brands in the 2023 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study7 from J.D. Power. Fortunately, you can experience both the best customer service in the business and a whole range of award-winning vehicles with a visit to Metro Lexus.

¹Source: J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Charts and graphs extracted from this press release for use by the media must be accompanied by a statement identifying J.D. Power as the publisher and the study from which it originated as the source. Rankings are based on numerical scores, and not necessarily on statistical significance.

²Source: 2022 Brand Image Awards: Best Brands - Kelley Blue Book

³Lexus provides complimentary maintenance for your first two scheduled visits. To obtain these services, contact your Lexus dealership. Complimentary services applicable for new Lexus vehicle registered owners. Complimentary service intervals may vary, depending on model. Please refer to the Warranty and Services Guide for details. These services apply to Lexus vehicles registered and normally operated in the United States, U.S. territories and Canada.

⁴The Basic Warranty coverage is for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Wheel alignment and balancing are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The Powertrain Warranty is for 72 months or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

⁵Drivers are responsible for their own safe driving. Always pay attention to your surroundings and drive safely. System effectiveness is dependent on many factors including road, weather and vehicle conditions. See Owner's Manual for additional limitations and details.

⁶All collisions are unique. Lexus cannot guarantee similar performance in other collisions.

⁷J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Customer Service Index (CSI) Study

⁸2023 Best Resale Value Awards - Kelley Blue Book