Just_me

Conclusion:
Hybrid against power Diesels. The decision precipitates here clearly to favour of the new BMW X3 3.0sd. The BMW with that impressing strong twin turbo-Diesel unites sporty road performances with a justifiable consumption and exhibits besides outstanding handling characteristics. There the Bavarian SUV - up to easy losses with the travelling comfort - no further weaknesses affords, wins it with clear projection/lead. The complex hybrid system in the Lexus works perfectly and reliably. But against the Diesel of the BMW the drive of the RX 400h does not have a chance - it needs nearly three litres fuel more. Sparpotenzial shows the Japanese only with very deliberated driving fashion, but its environmental balance is positive.


Lexus RX 400h BMW X3 3.0sd
272hp / 286hp
0-100 km/h (s) 7.8 6.3
0-120 km/h (s) 10.6 8.6
60-100 km/h (s) 3.9 3.4
80-120 km/h (s) 4.9 4.3
Höchstgeschwindigkeit (km/h) 200 240
Handling (min.) 1:58,9 1:51,1
Slalom (km/h), Pylonenabst. 18 m 61.1 63.7
Brake distance: 39 m 37.8 m
Fuel consumption (l/100 km): 12 9.3

Tycoon

X3 may be ugly, but this Lexus is... Oh well....

Oh and btw, are they or what? They don't have any engine that can compete with Bavarian TT Diesel Power...

Mr. M

I agree, a hybrid is no match for a diesel, not yet at least. If they're comparing a Lexus diesel with this twin-turbo diesel X3 then maybe there's some sense in comparing, but otherwise the diesel will win hands down.

Tycoon

IMO, for the moment there's no better 6cyl diesel engine than the 3.0 TT from BMW...

Oh yeah, that's because i own it! j/k...

Yannis

Even though the interior of the X3 is not great it still looks ten times better than the cheapo Lexus one.
I saw a black on black RX330 near my house yesterday and the interior was even worse than this grey one.

Mr. M

That's true, the Lexus' interior really lacks imagination. It's one of my least favourite.

cawimmer430

I completely agree with you, Yannis. The Lexus RX interior is not that cheap, but it is heavily overrated by the press and Lexus fanboys (as can be expected) alike. At a local Lexus show in Tüssling, I checked out the Lexus RX and wasn't impressed. Terrible dull design and an interior that was good, but heavily overrated. Best in class? Not even close. Furthermore, the RX can't even go offroad. It is essentially a "raised sedan with AWD".




The RX interior is still better than the new IS, which I feel is completely overrated. Seems to me that the Lexus IS has always had the worst interior when it comes to Lexus cars. The last generation Lexus IS interior screamed "Toyota" all the way.



Link: http://www.germancarzone.com/showthread.php?t=5362

I am no fan of the BMW X3, but its interior first of all looks better optically and the materials seem slightly better.

About the cars, I am glad the BMW won because I'm sick of the way gasoline-hybrids are overrated in the US. Everyone who knows something about cars can tell you that a hybrid will be most effective within an urban environment. For the best of both worlds, a diesel-hybrid is the best combination. However, I am a supporter of diesel technology.

If you told someone in the 1980s that one day, diesels would be just as quick or even quicker than similarly engined gasoline cars, they would have thought you were smoking some serious stuff. Look at diesels nowadays. Clean (and getting cleaner), quick, frugal on fuel and fun to drive. Can't wait for the Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI Bluetec.

cawimmer430

Technically speaking, the RX interior isn't a Lexus interior but a Toyota Harrier interior with upgraded materials.

Bruce

My personal choice from these two..neither please

cawimmer430

Ah, you're waiting for the Mercedes GLK I see...

You know me, I like the Lexus GS a lot. Too bad that car is so cramped and tight.

Have you driven the new GS, Bruce?