VS
At a Glance
Power
293 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
580 Nm
317Nm@4800
Fuel
8.2 l/100km
6.3
Towing
2500 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
4.6 s
7.8
Engine
2998 cc
3456
Choosing between the BMW X3 and the LEXUS RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X3 delivers 293 kW while the LEXUS RX produces 183kW@6000. On fuel, the X3 returns 8.2 l/100km while the RX uses 6.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 557 947 for the X3 and R769 400 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
293 kW
183kW@6000
Torque
580 Nm
317Nm@4800
0-100 kph
4.6 s
7.8
Top Speed
250 Km/h
200
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2998 cc
3456
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.2 l/100km
6.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
6.6
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
6
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
65
CO2 Emissions
187 g/km
148
Dimensions
Length
4755 mm
4770
Width
1920-2132 mm
1885
Height
1660 mm
1685
Wheelbase
2865 mm
2740
Ground Clearance
—
175
Kerb Weight
1980 DIN / 2055 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
570-1700 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
645 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
8
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
DRIVER
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
48
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X3
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
X3
Pros & Cons
BMW X3
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
LEXUS RX
Better fuel economy (6.3)
Lower starting price (R769 400)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X3 or RX?
The X3 uses 8.2 l/100km 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 X3 or RX?
The X3 produces 293 kW and 580 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 183kW@6000 and 317Nm@4800 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X3 and RX?
The X3 starts from R1 557 947 and the RX from R769 400. The RX is cheaper by R788 547 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X3 or RX?
The X3 has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the RX can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X3 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.