Lexus RX VS BMW X6
Lexus RX
Likes
Dislikes
BMW X6
Likes
- Thoroughbred on-road handling
- Practical and luxury features
- Updated technology looks great
Dislikes
- Polarising exterior looks
- Lots of good features embedded in extra-cost packages
- Updated multimedia system takes a while to get used to
Summary
Lexus RX
For those of us unlucky enough to remember the first Lexus RX to launch in Australia, the memories aren’t the fondest.
If you can’t remember it, just picture the stodgiest-looking SUV you can - make it so bland a mere picture of one could cure insomnia - dragging a glass-walled cube behind the rear wheels.Â
All of which makes the current-generation RX so incredible. I mean, just look at it; those big rims, the 3D-effect grille, the outrageous lines and creases. It’s about as far removed from its snooze-worthy predecessors as it is possible to get.
Little wonder, then, it has emerged as the second-strongest performer in the Lexus line-up. And with the RX recently refreshed (and with a seven-seat RX L model added for the first time) its high time we took a closer look at the Japanese premium brand’s large SUV.Â
Read More:Â Lexus RX 450h 2018 review: snapshot
Read More:Â Lexus RX 450hL 2018 review: snapshot
Read More:Â Lexus RX 350 2018 review: snapshot
Read More:Â Lexus RX 300 2018 review: snapshot
| Safety rating | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.5L |
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.6L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
BMW X6
First launched in 2008, the BMW X6 created history (and a new car category) with its coupe styling on an SUV framework.
It was a polarising effort but one that opened up the SUV market for those wanting the size and presence of an SUV without compromising on the sporty styling of a smaller car.
The 2024 X6 has had a facelift and that brings a more athletic and robust kerb-side appeal that might swing a few fence sitters onto the side of liking it.
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The already pleasant interior has been polished with extra customisations available on trims and accents. The technology has seen the biggest upgrade and it now features a more streamlined mild-hybrid component to the engine. It all positions the X6 well and truly within the rank of luxury.
For the last week I’ve been driving the mid-spec xDrive40i M Sport variant to see how the facelifted model holds its own against rivals, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI Dynamic Black and Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic Coupe.Â
| Safety rating | — |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 3.0L turbo |
| Fuel Type | — |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.3L/100km |
| Seating | 5 seats |
Verdict
Lexus RX7.9/10
A comfortable and ferociously well-equipped offering (even from the cheapest trim level) - and with a very good ownership package to boot - the RX has earned its place high in the Lexus pecking order.
There are faster, more pulse-quickening SUVs available, of course, but as a sedate suburban warrior, the RX is hard to fault. For ours, we'd be opting for the bang-for-bucks sweet spot of the Luxury trim, paired with the punchy-but-efficient hybrid powertrain.
BMW X68.3/10
I was not expecting to like the BMW X6 xDrive 40i M Sport as much as I do. The styling is still polarising but the facelift will throw more people towards the liking rather than disliking side of the fence. The cabin and boot are super practical and the X6 nails all the premium elements you expect at this level. It’s driving and handling are what win me over, though.
My son loves this one and doesn’t want to hand it back. My husband also noted how nice he thought the X6 was… and that’s saying something for a born and raised 'country boy'!
Design
Lexus RX
This current RX is like the butterfly that’s emerged from the caterpillar-cocoon of the older models, looking plenty premium and serving up road presence by the bagful.Â
No matter which model you go for, you’ll find the angry 'Spindle Grille' up front (which, for ours, is reminiscent of the Predator’s toothy grin, while 20-inch alloys are an impressive size, and a very un-Lexus body kit wraps from the front end all the way around to the rear spoiler.
The interior (check out the interior photos for a closer look) is premium-feeling, if a little busy, with the doors and dash covered in a combination of soft-touch materials and padded leather.Â
The brushed aluminium-look central tunnel that separates the front seats is super wide, as it houses the cupholders, drive-mode selector and the strange mousepad that controls the entertainment system, but feels nice under the touch and becomes a kind of focal point in the cabin.
BMW X6
SUV coupe styling with its raised platform and pinched bum just doesn’t do it for me usually but I like it on the new X6 model. The facelift helps the X6 appear more athletic and just plain meaner than the previous version.
The front end sees the most change with new adaptive LED headlights and a bigger 'kidney' grille. The kidneys are illuminated, which adds to its night-time presence and the extended blacked-out intake vents at the front and around the car make it look sharp as hell.
The weird prong on the side mirrors has been dropped in favour of a more seamless design (hurrah) and the 22-inch alloy wheels give total va-va-vroom sport-vibes.Â
On the interior, the dashboard has been revamped with a more pronounced shape and a curved display panel that houses the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.8-inch multimedia system.
The air-vents now blend more into the dash but the little knobs for them might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The ambient lighting is customisable and the quilted seats look beautiful but purists will wince on learning it’s synthetic leather, especially at this price point, but it feels and looks very nice.Â
Practicality
Lexus RX
With dimensions stretching 4890mm long and 1895mm wide, the RX sits squarely in the large SUV category, and there’s plenty of space for riders in both the first and second row.
Up front, there is a cup holder for both driver and passenger and extendable pockets in each of the front doors, and the deep cubby that separates the front seats adds plenty of storage space, and is home to two USB connections, a power outlet and and aux connection, but there is no sunglass holder.Â
The interior dimensions ensure there’s plenty of space in the back seat, although the central stack that houses the air vents and another power outlet does jut out into the rear legroom of the middle-seat passenger. There are two bonus cupholders hidden in a pulldown divider that drops from the middle seat, and two ISOFIX attachment points along the backseat.Â
Open the automatic tailgate (by waving your hand in front of the Lexus badge) and you’ll find 453 litres of luggage capacity, with boot space increasing to 942 litres by folding the backseat down. Theres’s a sliding cargo cover (the SUV version of a tonneau cover), too.Â
BMW X6
You know you’re in a large SUV when you slide into the X6 because the cabin has a lot of space in both rows.
But also because of the higher centre console design, you feel tucked into the car despite the higher seating position. It makes it feel far sportier than your typical SUV.Â
Even back rowers enjoy decent legroom and headroom, despite the panoramic sunroof and sloping roof design. Six-footers should be relatively comfortable in both rows but it's best to reserve the middle seat as a sometimes position for adults. The raised floor won’t allow true comfort for a longer trip.
Let’s chat luxury because there’s plenty to be had with the electric front seats and their cloud-like comfort.
The electrically-adjustable side bolsters and adjustable lumbar support makes it feel like you’re being cuddled by the seat and also hold you in place in a turn. The extendable under-thigh supports minimise leg fatigue on a longer trip.
However, the back seat is almost as comfortable as the fronts in terms of cushioning. You also sit in, rather than on top of the seats which is a nice change for an SUV.Â
Individual storage is great in both rows and up front you get a dual-opening middle console, glove box and a handy utility area that houses the cupholders and two phone pockets.
There is also a storage nook on the driver’s side that will comfortably hold a wallet.Â
In the rear you enjoy two map pockets on the front seat backs and retractable cupholders in the fold-down armrest.
The armrest houses a shallow device holder and sits at a good height. Both rows enjoy deep storage bins in each door and a large drink bottle holder.
Happily, the holder is tilted towards the user, rather than away which is what you usually see.
The boot is a great size at 580L with all seats in use. There’s a little lip that has practical metal scuff plates but otherwise the loading space is level.
The hands-free powered tailgate is welcome and the handy 40/20/40 split on the back row opens up your storage options.
You get a temporary spare tyre underneath the floor and it’s cool how the floor has a gas strut, which makes the area much easier to access.
The concertina-style cargo cover is a bit dicky to use but I like how solid it is. It could easily double as a shelf by itself.Â
Charging options are abundant with a total of two 12-volt ports, a USB-A port, three USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad to choose from throughout the car. But it is annoying to use the pad when the front cupholders are in use.
I like having hardened kickplates on the backs of the front seats because my seven-year old loves putting his feet on everything.
The higher ground clearance makes this an easy car to get in and out of but it also makes for a great view for my son. He finds the doors a little heavy to close but the massive door grab handles help!
Amenities in the rear row make it a pleasant space to be in for kids and adults alike. You have reading lights, map pockets, two storage shelves and directional air vents.
There is manual climate control in this row, too, but it feels at odds with the rest of the high tech in the car.
On that note, the updated technology looks gorgeous.
The head-up display is clear and the digital instrument panel offers plenty of customisation. It's a super handy feature to access your recent call log via the steering wheel controls and see it pop up on the instrument cluster.Â
The touchscreen multimedia system is responsive but you can also use the rotary dial to get around it. There is a stack of information in it, though, which will take a bit to get your head around. Can’t fault its graphics, it looks hot, but some users may feel flustered at first.
The system has built-in satellite navigation that features an augmented reality feature, which overlays dynamic instructions on the video feed. What makes it practical is how it can be viewed on your instrument cluster, which means more on-road focus for the driver.Â
There is wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, with the latter being simple to connect to. You don’t have the important climate control buttons/dials up front and I find it annoying to access the multimedia screen to change climate and fan speed settings.Â
What you lack in controls there is more than made up for in the centre console. There are a lot of buttons, from the push-button starter, rotary control wheel and everything in between.
Even after a week, my mind still has a mini freeze looking at them while on the go.
Price and features
Lexus RX
The Lexus RX arrives in plenty of trim and engine combinations, so exactly how much yours will cost is largely up to you.Â
The minimum RRP, though, is $74,251, which will buy you an RX300 Luxury. A little further up the price list lives the RX350 Luxury, at $81,421, which makes use of a bigger engine, while the hybrid RX450h Luxury will set you back $90,160.
The range then steps up to the second of three trim levels, the F Sport, for which you’ll be paying $86,551 for the RX300, $93,721 for the RX350 and $102,460 for the RX450h.Â
Finally, the range tops out with the Sport Luxury trim, which will push the budget to $92,701 for the RX300, $99,871 for the RX350 and $108,610 for the RX450h.
Okay, so that’s what you’ll be paying. But take a deep breath now, we’re dive into the model comparison.
Even the Luxury-badged cars are a premium package, arriving with 20-inch alloy wheels, tinted windows, a powered tailgate, LED headlights and fog lights (with daytime running lights) , a smart key with keyless entry, roof rails and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, expect a laundry list of standard features, including dual-zone climate control, sat nav (which, as far as GPS navigation systems go, is a breeze to operate), push-button start and leather trim.
Your 8.0-inch screen (it’s not a touch screen) pairs with digital radio and 12 speakers, there’s Bluetooth for your MP3s, as well as wireless charging (though iPhones require a special case), and you get heated and cooled front seats, too. Be warned; there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto anywhere in the range.
Step up to the F Sport - a pseudo sport edition - and you’ll add a bigger, 12.3-inch infotainment screen that adds a CD player and DVD player and pairs with a better Mark Levinson sound system complete with 15 speakers (including a subwoofer). You get a new colour head-up display (HUD), too, and a whole heap of sport-flavoured styling flourishes.
Compare that to the Sport Luxury, which adds with soft leather trim elements, heated seats in the second row (vs just the front seats on the F Sport trim) and a power folding function for the backseat. There’s no heated steering wheel here, but then, who needs one in Australia? The adaptive front lighting system cn be switched off, too, should you prefer the traditional approach.Â
Colours include 'Titanium' (metallic grey), 'Sonic Quartz' (white), 'Premium Silver', 'Onyx' (a kind of black), 'Graphite Black', 'Vermilion' (red), 'Metallic Silk' (rose gold), 'Deep Metallic Bronze' (a fancy brown) and 'Deep Blue'.
How many seats? That would be five. If you want a third row seat, then you’re shopping for the RX L, as the standard RX is strictly a five-seat affair.
A thick accessories catalogue includes specialty floor mats, roof rack and boot liner options, bull bar, nudge bar and rear seat entertainment system options, as well as a panoramic sunroof, which will set you back $3675. You won't find Homelink though (which automatically opens your garage door), as it's yet to be made available in Australia.Â
BMW X6
There are three variants for the X6 before you jump up to the performance M grade. Our test vehicle is the mid-spec xDrive40i M Sport model and will cost you $144,900 before on road costs.
That places it in the middle of its rivals and you get a well-specified model for the price tag but our test vehicle has also been fitted with a few extras, like the 'M Sport Package Pro' which adds a darkened grille and accents throughout the car, an M Sport exhaust system, red M Sport brake calipers and the M Sport signature colour stitching in the seat belts. All of that adds $2308.
Our test model also has the 'Enhancement Package' which tacks on $4616 but you get some great items like the crystal glass accents on the rotary dial and push-start button and a premium Harman Kardon surround sound system.
It also adds big 22-inch alloy wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system and a temporary spare tyre which replaces the standard run-flat tyres on the base model.
Oh, and the 'M Brooklyn Grey Metallic' paintwork adds $1539. Just sayin’ it will cost you a pretty penny but it’s not outrageous for a luxury SUV.
Other standard equipment includes synthetic leather trims, electric front seats with heat function, electrically adjustable steering wheel, sports paddle shifters, M Sport styled scuff plates and badging, exterior puddle lamps and a full suite of LED lights including adaptive headlights.Â
You also enjoy a panoramic sunroof, adjustable lumbar support on both front seats, as well as extendable under-thigh support.
The drivers seat features two memory positions and comfort entry/exit functions (the seat and steering wheel slide back for you to get in and out of car).
For practicality, there is a hands-free powered tailgate, pre-entry climate control with programable entry time and a boot floor that features a gas strut for easy access.
We’ll touch on the tech later but the highlight is a new curved display panel that houses the 12.3-inch digital instrument screen and 14.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system.Â
Under the bonnet
Lexus RX
There are three (petrol) engine size options on offer; a turbocharged 2.0-litre in the RX300, a punchy V6 in the RX350 and a hybrid set-up in the RX450.
First up, the four-cylinder turbo engine serves up 175kW/350Nm (decent specs for a smaller engine), channelling it through a six-speed automatic gearbox and sending it on to the front wheels.
The six-cylinder petrol engine is good for 221kW/370Nm, sending that power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.Â
The hybrid (it’s not a plug-in hybrid) option uses the exact same engine, but paired with an electric motor that lifts the total output to 230kW/335Nm. That combination pairs with a CVT auto, sending its horsepower to all four wheels.Â
All are petrol powered (there are no diesel or LPG options, and no manual transmission, for that matter), and for ours, the combined engine specs of the hybrid powertrain make the most - and most expensive - sense.Â
While the Luxury, F-Sport and Sport Luxury models all have adjustable drive modes (including Eco mode), tweaking throttle response and gearing, only the Sport Luxury serves up true variable suspension.Â
The F Sport and Sport Luxury also make use of the Lexus AWD system (though 4WD aficionados will notice the lack of low range that prevents it being a true 4x4). The RX300 is front-wheel drive, with no rear-wheel drive options anywhere in the range.
Expect a braked towing capacity of at least 1000kg (provided you’ve picked a tow bar/tow hitch receiver from the accessories catalogue) with a gross vehicle weight that starts from 2500kg.
For reported problems and maintenance, including transmission problems, battery and oil type, and changing your timing belt or chain, see our owner’s page.
BMW X6
The xDrive40i M Sport has a 3.0-litre, inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with maximum outputs of 280kW and 540Nm. That’s 30kW and 90Nm up from the previous model.
It has a smooth eight-speed auto transmission and is all-wheel-drive.
The facelift sees the addition of a new mild-hybrid system which makes for almost imperceptible stop/start functionality when idling and a smidge better on-road fuel economy.Â
With a 0-100kmh sprint time of 5.4-seconds, it’s obvious that it has plenty of power to have fun with.
Efficiency
Lexus RX
For the smaller, turbocharged engine, Lexus claims fuel economy of 8.1 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, with emissions pegged at 189g/km of CO2. Stepping up to the RX350 increases fuel consumption numbers to 9.6L/100km and 223g/km, while the hybrid gets by with impressive mileage of just 5.7L/100km and 131g/km.
Expect a 72-litre fuel tank that requires 95RON fuel in the 300 and 350, while the hybrid’s fuel tank capacity is 65 litres.
BMW X6
Expectations for a thirsty engine were high, considering the hefty power available, but this version of the X6 has proved to be quite economical.
The xDrive40i M Sport variant has an official combined cycle fuel economy figure of 9.3L/100km but my real-world usage averaged 8.8L/100km.
That’s after mostly open-road driving with only a little ‘city’ thrown in but I didn't hesitate to use the power, so I'm happy with the result.
The X6 has a big 83-litre fuel tank and based on my usage, you’d see a driving range of around 943km, which is great.
BMW only recommends a minimum 95 RON petrol to be used.
Driving
Lexus RX
If BMW serves up the 'ultimate driving machine' and Mercedes delivers 'the best or nothing', then surely the review tag line for the RX SUV range should be 'easy like a Sunday morning'.
Sure, there are sportier-feeling SUVs - and faster ones, too - but there is an easy comfort to the way the RX goes about its business that you’ll undoubtedly appreciate more frequently than you would harder suspension, more in-touch steering and the endless pursuit of speed and 0-100 performance figures.
For the record, though, the hybrid cars will sprint from 0-100km/h in a brisk 7.7sec, a smidge quicker than the 8.0sec of the regular V6. The RX300 records a far more leisurely 9.2sec.Â
Probably most impressive, the RX doesn't feel overly large and cumbersome, and nor does its turning radius, and it’s equally at home in the cramped inner city as it is eating up kays on the freeway. The six- or eight-speed transmission is silky-smooth seamless, switching between cogs without you even noticing, and the cabin is commendably quiet - especially when you're coasting though the ‘burbs - locking the worst road noise outside out of the cabin.Â
You can inject a little excitement by selecting 'Sport' or 'Sport +' via the central dial, tweaking the accelerator and steering settings, and in Sport Luxury cars, firming up the suspension, removing some of the lolling about in corners, though there’s no air suspension.
While the F-Sport and Sport Luxury cars are AWD-equipped, the off road capability is hampered somewhat by its ground clearance, big chrome-look wheels and skirtings. This is an SUV built for the city over the bush, but you likely don’t need us to tell you that.
BMW X6
The X6 is a thoroughbred on the road. It’s wide stance and massive wheels provide a well-balanced and grippy on-road ride experience.
Seriously, the tyres feel glued to the road even in the wet. Confidence is high with this one.
There is plenty of power to enjoy and you don’t feel like you’re digging deep for it, either, when you have to get up to speed or overtake.
It has the handling and power of a much smaller and sportier car but at no point does it feel wild or reckless to drive. It’s got a certain elegance and maturity to its handling.
Despite those massive wheels, the ride comfort is fantastic with the adaptive suspension. You still feel the road but you’re not knocked about by it. It’s very much a driver’s car in that sense but passengers still feel well-cushioned. Â
The cabin is insulated and you get basically no road noise or wind noise but occasionally you get some feedback from the tyres depending on the road surface. Longer journeys are comfortable and quiet.
The steering is light enough that you don’t feel like you’re hauling a massive SUV around but is still responsive. Meaning you can tackle a winding road or urban traffic easily.
When it comes time to park it, you’ll love having the 360-degree view camera system. It’s the best and clearest system I’ve sampled.
Add the front and rear parking sensors and no car space is an issue. But if you’re unsure, you can use the Park Assist feature to help out.   Â
Safety
Lexus RX
Even the cheapest RX (which, admittedly, isn’t all that cheap) arrives with a long list of standard safety features, including a reversing camera, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, AEB, lane assist and parking sensors (but no park assist).Â
You’ll also find 10 airbags, and twin ISOFIX mountings for you baby car seat, as well as cruise control and the usual suite of braking and traction control systems.
The Lexus RX received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the best possible ratings outcome, when tested in 2015. The Lexus RX is built in Japan.
BMW X6
The X6 has an extensive safety list and I like the SOS emergency call button and front cross-traffic alert. Both are great to have but the latter is particularly useful on a large SUV like this, especially in the city or driveways.
Other standard safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, LED daytime running lights, forward collision warning, side collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping aids, lane departure warning, intelligent seat belt reminders, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree view reversing camera, traffic sign recognition, driver fatigue monitor, and adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality. As well as an SOS emergency call button and stolen vehicle tracking.
The X6 hasn’t been tested by ANCAP, so it’s unrated but it is based on the X5, which achieved a five-star rating in 2018. However, it only features six airbags which is low for a family car.
There are ISOFIX child seat mounts on the outboard seats and three top tethers in this row. Two seats will fit best but I reckon you could squeeze a third in if you had to.
There’s plenty of room for front passengers when you install a 0-4 rearward facing child seat, too, which is good.
Ownership
Lexus RX
Expect a four-year/100,000km warranty (that's 12 months longer than BMW or Mercedes-Benz, so think of it as a kind of extended warranty), and the RX will require a trip to the service centre every 12 months or 15,000km.
Your first service cost is gratis, and the total maintenance cost for each service is available online - so there are no surprises at the dealership.
For common problems, complaints, issues and the like, visit our Lexus RX owner’s page. But your owner’s manual should be required reading, too. Traditionally, Lexus product ranks well in reliability ratings, resale value and initial value rating charts.Â
BMW X6
The ongoing costs are surprisingly reasonable for a large luxury SUV! Like its rivals the X6 enjoys a five-year/unlimited km warranty.
However, you can pre-purchase a servicing plan for up to five years or 80,000km, whichever occurs first, for a flat $2400. Or an average of $480 per service which is inexpensive for this class.
Service intervals are also good at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.Â