At a Glance
Power
390 kW
184 kW
Torque
750 Nm
239+e Nm
Fuel
11.9 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
2000 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.3 s
7.9 s
Engine
4395 cc
2494 cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the Lexus RX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X5 delivers 390 kW while the Lexus RX produces 184 kW. On fuel, the X5 returns 11.9 l/100km while the RX uses 5.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 234 215 for the X5 and R1 552 900 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
390 kW
184 kW
Torque
750 Nm
239+e Nm
0-100 kph
4.3 s
7.9 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
200 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4395 cc
2494 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
11.9 l/100km
5.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
83 l
65 l
CO2 Emissions
269 g/km
123 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4935 mm
4890 mm
Width
2004-2218 mm
1920 mm
Height
1765 mm
1695 mm
Wheelbase
2975 mm
2850 mm
Ground Clearance
214 mm
183 mm
Kerb Weight
2345 DIN / 2420 EU Kg
2060 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
650-1870 l
612 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
2000 Kg
Load Capacity
720 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
10
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
7 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
105000 vehicle / 195000 hybrid battery K
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X5
Fuel Economy
RX
Value
RX
Practicality
X5
Pros & Cons
BMW X5
More powerful engine (390 kW)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.3 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (11.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Lexus RX
Better fuel economy (5.4 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 552 900)
Less power than rival (184 kW vs 390 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X5 or RX?
The X5 uses 11.9 l/100km and the RX uses 5.4 l/100km 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 X5 or RX?
The X5 produces 390 kW and 750 Nm of torque while the RX delivers 184 kW and 239+e Nm of torque. The X5 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X5 and RX?
The X5 starts from R2 234 215 and the RX from R1 552 900. The RX is cheaper by R681 315 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 or RX?
The X5 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the RX can tow 2000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 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.