BMW X5 vs. Lexus RX400h

[James Douglas 2007]

I know this is a rather unusual comparison, but has anyone here ever driven a Lexus RX400h? I know one is hybrid and the other isn't, and I'm sure the BMW handles better than the Lexus, but aside from that, what are the most noticeable differences between the Lexus and the X5?

They're definitely very different cars, but I'd like to know the point of view of X5 drivers on the RX400h. In particular, what they like better in the X5, and what they prefer in the Lexus.

[trueX5er]

Yeah, I've driven both. The Lexus is super quiet at low speeds because of the electric motor, but the transition from electric to gas isn't as smooth as possible. I remember the seats being very plush, and the cabin quiet. The trunk is small. Handling? Well, not great. It certainly isn't a BMW in any sense.

[X5FX]

I came from a 400h to my new X5 and there is no comparrison. The 400h didnt get that much better mpg than my 3.0 X5, the difference in the drive is night and day, the ML stereo is no better than premium sound in the X5, the nav is slightly better but the lack of any other technology left the 400h in my dust.

[James Douglas 2007]

Originally Posted by X5FX

I came from a 400h to my new X5 and there is no comparrison. The 400h didnt get that much better mpg than my 3.0 X5, the difference in the drive is night and day, the ML stereo is no better than premium sound in the X5, the nav is slightly better but the lack of any other technology left the 400h in my dust.

Not much better mpg than the 3.0 X5? That's very interesting. Do you have any statistics (i.e. mpg numbers & driving style)? The Lexus is supposed to have much better gas mileage than the X5 (on paper). But if that's not true in real world usage…

[X5FX]

what I meant wasnt no significant difference. Yes its better, but I drive pretty hard. The 400h is fast, and releases very few emissions...but it lacks alot of little details. The X5 is more elegant, more comfortable and like I said the ride is 10X better. The X5 also has superior technology and looks alot better.

I am averaging bewteen 16-21mpg in the X5, I dont recall what I got in the 400h, but was probably between 19-24 mpg

[motordavid]

I've driven my neighbor's '07 a few times, which isn't the same
as owning one...it is "soft", luxurious, "schmaltzy", and imo,
soul-less, but some people love them.

If one drives it very modestly and carefully, you can get the
US EPA mpg numbers; if you drive it with "normal" inputs,
those EPA mpg #s will be hard to equal.

They paid $50 Gs+, USD, to be a first adopter last year, and theirs is
loaded with more electronic doo-dads than I would need;
or them: they have never cracked the manual.

Maintenance is on the owner's nickel, if that matters to you.

They are really very different species of cars, imo. Go drive
both back to back and consider how really "environmental" the
Lexus really "is"...
My 25Cts.
GL,mD

[James Douglas 2007]

Thanks for your input. A 3 mpg difference isn't very significant, I agree.

Now, I'm trying to convince someone to get an X5 instead of a Lexus. Any suggestions?

[X5FX]

Let her drive both...I have a second home thats a 7 hour drive. In my X5 it feels like a 2 hour drive....never felt like that in the Lexus.

[trueX5er]

This video...
Every time they turn the wheel the car goes crazy, lol.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...arch&plindex=0
Seriously, though, the X5 is a much more modern car than the RX. The RX seems almost outdated.

[X5FX]

Originally Posted by trueX5er

Seriously, though, the X5 is a much more modern car than the RX. The RX seems almost outdated.

the 400h has very dated techology too.