Lexus NX Vs BMW X3: Can The Upstart Take Down The Establishment?

Lexus has arrived late to the compact SUV party, but there’s no denying its all-new NX is making a big entrance. Inspired by the head-turning LF-NX concept car, the bold newcomer certainly attracts attention. And with sales of upmarket off-roaders hitting an all-time high, the Japanese brand is hoping that the NX’s outlandish lines prove a big hit.

The NX is equally adventurous under the skin, where it packs an advanced petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain that aims to deliver unrivalled performance and refinement. More importantly, the hi-tech mechanicals promise excellent efficiency.

leej - 10/21/2014 11:48:19 AM

-3 Boost

No one is going to cross-shop these 2 vehicles. Lexus knows its customer, and has created a product for the Lexus customer. BMW has its own following. This article is a waste of time...comparing apples to oranges...uh, yes...they are different.

atc98092 - 10/21/2014 6:53:27 PM

+1 Boost

this was exactly what I was considering cross-shopping, along with the Audi Q5. Diesel or hybrid? Great choices on both ends. however, I tired of waiting and just bought a Passat TDI. This will tide me over a couple of years while VW decides what sort of diesel or hybrid crossover sized rig to bring. I loved my Tiguan, but hated the mileage. I'll get back unto something like that after a while.

knowitall1985 - 10/21/2014 12:55:41 PM

+3 Boost

The NX will cut into X3 sales, some people do cross shop....

iamdabest1 - 10/21/2014 3:13:35 PM

+2 Boost

i dont see why this wouldnt be cross shopped, its all about price and needs, my parents volvo is up in a few months and they are considering the nx200, X1, acura rdx, lincoln MKC and another xc60, pretty much all over..
i personally hope they get the nx200 - something new and different.

carsnyc - 10/21/2014 3:32:34 PM

+1 Boost

Another ugly super reliable Lexus duck compared to the least desirable BMW

MicrosoftUser - 10/22/2014 1:20:03 AM

+3 Boost

Dpn't you mean "Another SUPER UGLY reliable Lexus duck…"?

knowitall1985 - 10/21/2014 5:52:29 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus is not the upstart it beat BMW 10 years in a row. Suv's are new to BMW compared to the experience Toyota has......

Ccoxx - 10/21/2014 6:57:02 PM

+4 Boost

I would not buy either one but was surprised at the newer Lexus coming in second place: Lexus top speed barely over 100 mph (112 mph), 10 mpg less and operating costs/ resale value favor the BMW.

Dexter1 - 10/21/2014 9:18:18 PM

+5 Boost

It actually makes the BMW almost good looking.

MicrosoftUser - 10/22/2014 1:31:33 AM

+4 Boost

I just saw the new NX in person at a local international auto show with all the makes of new cars and boy is the NX disaster visually and it had to be the ugliest car or thing there by far. A lot of other people who looked at it had the same thought too that I talked to. I really thought it may look decent in person but not just the front but the entire car was hideous except for the interior which was ok.

knowitall1985 - 10/22/2014 6:59:17 PM

0 Boost

People said the same thing when Bangle changed BMW you punks are too young to remember. If the styling is not polarizing up front the car will age quickly. When these get out on the road people will like them over time. I'm glad Lexus took their own styling insted of copying off someone else.

leej - 10/23/2014 11:32:13 AM

+1 Boost

I did not say the NX would not be cross-shopped with other small luxury SUVs...I just do not think it will be cross-shopped with performance focused German small luxury SUVs. These are such completely different vehicles that meet completely different needs...and that a comparison of these two vehicles is a contrast in differences...not a comparison of equals.

knowitall1985 - 10/24/2014 10:30:50 AM

+1 Boost

You don't know what your talking about......

HughJass - 10/29/2014 9:40:54 PM

+1 Boost

Would have thought the NX was targeting the X1 and Q3.