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2024 BMW X5 vs Lexus RC: What To Choose?
The BMW X5 strikes a balance between the sportiness of the Porsche Cayenne and the smoothness of the Genesis GV80. Offering a versatile and luxurious middle ground. With three powertrain options, including a refined inline-six, a powerful twin-turbo V8, and an eco-friendly plug-in hybrid, the X5 aims for broad appeal. Its premium cabin, adorned with quality materials, features cleverly integrated technology like a sleek curved digital display. On the other hand, the Lexus RC, while ageing, maintains a timeless aesthetic. Its graceful appearance conceals an outdated chassis and engines, lacking the performance edge of newer rivals. The RC300’s turbocharged inline-four and the RC350’s naturally aspirated V6 offer a smooth ride, emphasizing style, comfort, and luxury. Making it a dignified choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and relaxation.
| BMW X5 | Lexus RC | |
| Dimensions | 194.3 in x 78.9 in x 68.7 in | 185.0 in x 72.4 in x 55.1 in |
| Engine | 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 | 3.5L NA V6 |
| Horsepower | 523 hp | 311 hp |
| Torque | 553 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.9 sec | 5.6 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 11.9 sec | NA |
| Top-Speed | 127 mph | 132 mph |
BMW X5
Engine & Performance
The X5 comes with three different power setups, each linked to a specific model. X5s with the sDrive40i or xDrive40i labels get a 375-hp turbocharged inline-six engine. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e combines a turbocharged inline-six with an electric motor for 483 hp. Lastly, the M60i packs a powerful punch with its 523-hp twin-turbo V8, standing out as the leader. All three powertrains work with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ensuring drivers have more than enough power for any driving situation.
Price & Mileage
The BMW X5 has a starting price of $66,195 for the sDrive40i and can go up to $90,295 for the xDrive M60i. The fuel economy estimates for the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e are not available from the EPA yet. But for the sDrive40i with RWD and the xDrive40i with AWD, they are rated at 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The V8-powered M60i model is expected to get around 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Acceleration & Features
The xDrive40i with 335 hp manages a quick 4.8-second run to 60 mph. The M60i, with its robust 523-hp twin-turbo V8, impressively accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. On a test track, the xDrive50e, the plug-in hybrid, sprinted to 60 mph in the same quick time of 3.9 seconds. Stepping into the X5’s cabin reveals a curved display wall spanning two-thirds of the dashboard. A 12.3-inch screen is a gauge display, while a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen provides access to BMW’s iDrive infotainment interface. Users can control the system via a center-console-mounted rotary knob. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.
Lexus RC
Engine & Performance
The base RC300 features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 241 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission and RWD. With full torque available at 1,650 rpm, it may not be exceptionally quick, but the acceleration is prompt. Opting for AWD introduces the naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 with a six-speed transmission. Resulting in increased horsepower to 260, albeit with a slight decrease in torque to 236 lb-ft. In the RC350, the V6 is tuned for 311 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. The RWD variant employs an eight-speed transmission, while the AWD model features a six-speed automatic.
Price & Mileage
The Lexus RC is priced at $45,920 for the RC300, with the RC350 F Sport reaching $53,470. At this stage of its life, the RC leans more towards a distinguished gentleman than a boy racer, making the base RC300 model the likely preference for most buyers. The most fuel-efficient variant is the rear-wheel drive RC300 with a turbocharged four-cylinder, boasting an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The RC350 is rated at 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, with all-wheel drive slightly lowering the figures to 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Acceleration & Features
The RC350 achieves a 5.6-second 0-60 mph run. Standard features include an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen available. Fortunately, with touch-capable screens, the console-mounted remote touchpad no longer solely controls the infotainment system. CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa come standard, while onboard Wi-Fi is an available option. Audiophiles may consider investing in the Premium audio package, which includes a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, along with the larger 10.3-inch touchscreen and navigation. While the cost is high, the sound quality is exceptional.