2021 BMW X5 vs. 2021 Lexus RX: clash of the mid-size premium SUVs!

The irrefutable fact: the BMW X5, produced since 1999, is one of the essential pillars of the mid-size luxury SUV class. Indeed, since its inception, it has been offering benchmark performances in the segment and has won over many drivers.

But let's not forget the Lexus RX, which went into production a year before the Bavarian vehicle in 1998. The RX, also a true pioneer, has always offered a different view of luxury, while offering an equivalent level of refinement. This establishes it as one of the benchmarks to beat in order to gain in popularity, just like its competitor from Munich.

However, so far, the RX has not been able to pass the X5. But for 2021, that's about to change, given the superior technology and practicality you will find in the Japanese SUV. Spinelli Lexus Pointe-Claire, your Lexus dealer of choice in the Montreal area, tells you why the Lexus SUV is a better choice than the BMW in this 2021 RX vs. 2021 X5 comparison!

Design: classicism for the 2021 X5, aggressiveness and athleticism for the 2021 RX

The first round in this X5 vs RX duel: the exterior style. In this regard, the two competitors of the day are diametrically opposed! Let's start with the BMW. First observation: the 2021 X5 hesitates between sharp angles and curves, as shown by its curvilinear headlights with pointed tops, as well as its profile, marked by extremely curved wings in strong contrast with the very pronounced wheel arches. All of this gives the impression that BMW has been unable to choose between fine, dynamic lines and a traditional look for its SUV.

At Lexus, on the other hand, there's no ambiguity. The Japanese automaker explicitly chose to use sportiveness in designing the current generation of its SUV. Iconic Lexus hourglass-shaped grille, parallelogram-like headlights, ultra-chiselled sides and very expressive taillights: the 2021 Lexus RX aims for athletic lines and fully embraces it.

So if you're looking for an extremely sharp exterior design for your next SUV, you have only one choice between the West Island and Laval: the 2021 Lexus RX, and not the 2021 BMW X5!

For the same amount of power, more choices for the 2021 RX

Second round of this top match: the technical specifications. On this point, we will compare equivalent versions between the two vehicles, the characteristics of which are usable every day.

Indeed, the 2021 BMW X5, in its supersport M Competition variant, features a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 engine with 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. While on paper these figures surpass those of the RX, the performance provided is simply unusable on a daily basis, on top of significantly increasing your fuel bills, given the impressive quantity of horsepower.

That's why we'll compare the different available variants of the 2021 RX to the 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i, equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower.

Facing this unique engine on the Bavarian vehicle, the 2021 RX offers three options of powertrains:

• 5-litre V6 with 295 horsepower (2021 RX 350),
• 5-litre V6 with 290 horsepower (2021 RX 350 L),
• Lexus Hybrid system developing 308 net horsepower (2021 RX 450h and 2021 RX 450h L).

While these engines are below the BMW's in terms of power, they remain extremely responsive and, above all, offer energy efficiency that can't be matched by the German vehicle. For example, the RX 450h will only consume 7.5 L/100 km in the city. What about the 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i? It will guzzle 11.7 litres for the same distance, which is 4.2 litres more.

So, with top-notch performances, very reasonable fuel consumption considering said performances, and a wider choice of engines with equivalent power, the 2021 RX wins again.

Interior: much more versatility aboard the 2021 RX!

Finally, the interior. For the latter, it's quite simple: the 2021 RX offers a practicality far superior to that of the 2021 X5. Indeed, while the BMW can only accommodate a maximum of 5 people, the Lexus SUV gives you choice. Indeed, the 2021 RX will be able to accommodate 5 (RX 350 and RX 450h), 6 (RX 450h L), or 7 passengers (RX 350 L). So if you want maximum versatility, only the 2021 Lexus RX will satisfy you on your drives between Laval and the West Island, near Montreal.

What's more, in addition to offering flawless ergonomics and the highest quality materials, the interior of the 2021 Lexus RX will also offer you the ultimate in technology for this segment. Heated and ventilated front seats, head-up display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, or Mark Levinson audio system: depending on the model you choose, you will have all the equipment you could dream of to comfortably face your everyday!

Conclusion: the 2021 RX has sporty features while being capable and versatile

In short, the 2021 RX offers a sharper design than the BMW, but also much more versatility than the latter. Moreover, while the power of the Bavarian SUV is superior, the capabilities offered, which will very rarely be fully utilized, will certainly come with much higher fuel expenses than with the Lexus. Indeed, the 2021 RX will offer you top-notch performance as well, but with greater energy efficiency.

It's for all these reasons that at Spinelli Lexus Pointe-Claire, we believe the 2021 RX is a much better SUV than the 2021 BMW X5! Still not convinced? Stop by your Lexus dealer of choice between Laval and Montreal! In addition to answering your questions, we will help you discover the Lexus leasing and financing offers and programs which will help you to return home behind the wheel of YOUR own Lexus SUV. We look forward to welcoming you soon in Pointe-Claire!