When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Lexus RX 350 and BMW X6 stand as two prominent contenders, each offering a unique blend of elegance, advanced technology, and thrilling performance. But which one delivers the ultimate driving experience? Let’s take a closer look at the Lexus RX 350 vs. BMW X6 and see how they stack up against each other.
Our professional comparison will reveal their strengths, limitations, and features, allowing you to make a smart purchase choice. From engine power to interior elegance, we’ll look at every factor to help you determine which luxury SUV is best for you. Let’s go!
What’s New for the 2024 Models?
The RX continues the remarkable refinement first shown in the fifth-generation RX in 2023. It optimizes the driving and in-cabin experience based on consumer input by enhancing technology and functionality.
The Lexus RX pioneered the luxury crossover market with its initial release, and it has raised the bar ever since. A crossover that distinguishes out from the competition is created by combining innovative powertrains, safety features, and technology with efficient style. Class-leading cabin ergonomics and improved handling allow for a smooth driving experience. After a complete makeover last year, there haven’t been numerous modifications for the 2024 model. Actually, there was just one alteration, but it was a significant one. The RX now has a plug-in hybrid model.
On the other hand, BMW updates the X6 with a new headlamp and taillamp design, a new 48-volt hybrid system that boosts the base engine’s power, a new front grille and bumper, and updated wheel designs. The X6’s 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine can produce up to 375 horsepower, but this year’s 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8’s 523 horsepower is unchanged. The efficient M60i gains an emblem for the grille, gloss-black external details, and a more aggressive engine. Lastly, the X6 now has the Highway Assistant hands-free driving feature.
Engine and Performance
A 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine powers the RX 350, generating 317 pound-feet of torque and 275 horsepower. The front-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard, while an all-wheel drive is an option. The engine functions efficiently with the eight-speed automatic and produces a lot of low-end torque.
It doesn’t feel slow, but it’s also not very fast. Unless you push it hard, the engine is quiet, and there is more than enough power for steep slopes and interstate passes. According to Lexus, the RX 350 can reach 60 mph from rest in 7.6 seconds, or 7.2 seconds for all-wheel drive vehicles.
Meanwhile, the 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine of the X6 40i produces 375 horsepower, has a 48-volt hybrid system, and connects to an eight-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive. The M60i’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 is far more powerful than the previous model, yet it still features all-wheel drive and the same transmission.
The BMW X6 can reach 60 mph in 3.8 seconds because of its 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Even more remarkable is that the X6 M is faster and can produce up to 617 horsepower. The six-cylinder powerplant that comes standard is nonetheless incredibly smooth and quick. In the Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X6 showdown, the X6’s powerful engine and agile handling secure its position as the performance winner.
Safety
The X6’s pre-crash front seatbelts significantly increase protection against harm by automatically tightening when the car senses an approaching collision. Pre-crash pretensioners are not available on the RX. The Active Head Restraints that come standard on the X6 use a specifically made headrest to prevent whiplash injuries to the driver and front passenger.
The Active Head Restraints system pulls the headrests forward to protect the neck and spine during a rear-end collision. There is no whiplash prevention system available on the RX. The X6 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive for optimal traction and stability on all surfaces. However, it comes at a price on the RX. Also, both cars are still among the best SUV brands to buy based on their safety features. Finally, both the Lexus RX 350 and BMW X6 have:
- Passenger frontal airbags
- Driver and front passenger knee airbags
- Front side-impact airbags
- side-impact head airbags
- Four-wheel antilock brake
- Front seatbelt pretensioners
- Traction control
- Crash mitigating brake
- Post-collision automatic braking systems
- Electronic stability systems
- Daytime running lights
- Lane departure warning systems
- Blind spot warning systems
- Rear cross-path warning
- Rearview cameras
- Driver alert monitors
Tires and Wheels
The X6’s stock tires are larger than the RX’s (275/45R20 vs. 235/60R19) for improved traction. The optional tires for the X6 are bigger than the RX’s biggest tires (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 235/60R19). The standard tires on the X6 have a stiffer sidewall than the RX’s standard 60 series tires due to their lower 45 series profile (height-to-width ratio), which improves handling.
Compared to the RX’s optional 50-series tires, the X6’s 275/35R22 front and 315/30R22 rear tires feature a lower 35-series front and 30-series rear profile.
The X6 comes with 20-inch wheels, which is standard for improved handling, ride quality, and brake cooling. The RX comes with smaller 19-inch wheels as standard. Also, the RX’s optional 21-inch wheels are smaller than the X6’s available 22-inch wheels. Changing a flat tire near traffic might be risky and inconvenient. You can travel up to 50 miles without using any air pressure on the X6’s run-flat tires, which enables you to get to a repair facility. There are no run-flat tires available for the RX.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Compared to earlier generations, the RX 350’s cabin is more practical, and both touch screens provide sizable, user-friendly screens. The cabin is silent even when driving, and everything has been constructed to Lexus’s customary high standards. Although the available faux wood finish is quite dull, the chairs are comfortable and supportive, and there are many lovely materials. The RX’s cabin is often comfortable, practical, and luxurious.
This Lexus is a five-person luxury SUV with two rows. The front seats of the RX 350 are supportive and soft, and getting comfortable is easy thanks to the variety of seat and steering wheel adjustments. The cargo capacity of the RX 350 is 46.2 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats and 29.6 cubic feet in its normal position. There are two options: a hands-free liftgate and a power liftgate.
As expected, the inside of the X6 is similar to that of most other new BMW models. Thus, the dashboard is dominated by two sizable 12.3-inch digital screens filled with high-end materials and soft-touch surfaces.
Although the instrument panel appears sleek, the gauges are confusing. Fortunately, its optional head-up display is easier to use. Additionally, the rest of the switchgear is neatly arranged. The BMW gesture controls are present; they allow you to adjust some features, like the volume of the music, by simply waving your hand in front of the infotainment screen.
There are also several standard features, such as heated front cushions, ambient lighting that can be customized, 16-way power-adjustable front seats, and passive entry. The inside of the BMW X6 can accommodate up to five people and offers up to 59.6 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded down and up to 27.4 cubic feet when upright. Comparing the Lexus RX 350 vs the BMW X6, the RX 350’s interior comfort and amenities make it the ideal choice for families.
Pricing
The BMW X6 costs $74,895 to $94,595, depending on the trim and available extras. The Lexus RX 350, on the other hand, costs between $48,600 and $57,730, depending on the trim and options.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The RX 350 Premium’s 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen runs the user-friendly Lexus Interface by default, but a 14-inch touchscreen is an alternative. This system will provide cloud-based navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.
AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots allow users to access the internet on the BMW X6. The standard 12-speaker premium audio system provides excellent sound quality. The infotainment system has a 12.3-inch touchscreen and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It uses a rotary controller, voice instructions, conventional buttons, and even hand motions.
Some of the multiple menus on the company’s iDrive interface can be distracting despite its clear graphics and fast responses. Additionally, BMW provides upgrades like wireless charging, improved USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspots, and integrated navigation.
Suspension and Handling
The X6 M60i has dynamic sway bars that help keep it flat and under control when turning. At slower speeds, the bars disengage to provide more off-road suspension articulation and a smoother ride. This keeps the tires stuck to the road both on and off the road. There isn’t an active sway bar system on the RX.
An optional adjustable active suspension system for the X6 M60i xDrive dynamically counteracts cornering forces, reducing body roll and enhancing handling and stability. Lexus does not offer an active suspension for the RX. To maintain ride height, whether towing or carrying a high load, the X6 has a standard automatic load-leveling suspension. There is no load-leveling suspension available for the RX. In the Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X6 comparison, the X6’s sport-tuned suspension and agile handling outshine the RX 350’s comfort-oriented ride.
Fuel Economy and Range
Automatic engine start/stop is a standard function on the X6 and RX to prevent needless fuel consumption and pollution at stoplights and in heavy traffic. Since all X6s come with a standard disable switch, a driver can prevent the engine from going off when the car stops for a short time.
The RX 350h/500h has no start/stop disable option. The X6’s primary fuel tank holds 4.1 gallons more fuel than the RX 350’s (21.9 vs. 17.8 gallons), allowing for a greater range between fill-ups. The RX 350’s regular fuel tank holds 17.8 gallons; however, the X6’s fuel tank holds 21.9 gallons, which is 4.1 gallons more.
Warranty
The X6 has a 6-year corrosion warranty compared to a 12-year warranty on the RX. However, the basic warranty on both cars is 4 years. BMW covers planned maintenance for the X6 for two years and twenty-six thousand miles longer than Lexus does for the RX (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000). If you ever require service under the X6’s warranty, it will be easier because there are more BMW dealers than Lexus dealers by a margin of more than 43%. The Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X6 showdown reveals a tie in warranty offerings, providing buyers with peace of mind regardless of their choice.
User Experience
The BMW X6 has a passenger memory system, but only the Lexus RX 350 Premium/Luxury. This means that when drivers switch, the memory setting modifies the driver’s seat, outside mirror angle, steering wheel position, climate settings, and radio stations. The front passenger seat also adapts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.
The X6 has manual sunshades for the rear side windows to help reduce heat and glare for the backseat occupants. There are no rear-side window sunshades available for the RX. Optional massaging front seats are available on the X6 to enhance comfort and reduce fatigue during lengthy journeys.
There are no massaging seats for the RX. The center console of the BMW X6 features a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) to swiftly and efficiently keep personal gadgets charged without cables twisting and wearing out. The RX has an additional fee for wireless charging.
Conclusion
The Lexus RX 350 vs BMW X6 ends with a tie. You can already guess why. The Lexus RX 350 excels in comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for families. The BMW X6 prioritizes performance, style, and handling, suiting thrill-seekers. Choose the RX 350 for practical luxury or the X6 for sporty flair. Whichever way, both cars offer the best experience!
