The BMW X3 Overview

In 2004, BMW launched the X3, and with it an entirely new segment of vehicle was born – the compact premium SUV. The X3 quickly became a best seller – both in the United States and in Europe – as evidenced by sales of more than 600,000 global units. Not surprisingly, in the seven years since the X3 debuted, nearly every other premium nameplate has entered the now hotly contested segment.

In redesigning the all-new, second-generation X3, no stone was left unturned. Perhaps most noticeably, the presence of the X3 has been updated with modern design language that maintains its familial ties to the original X3, but in a package that is now similar in size to the original X5 (E53) SAV. In the end, both the X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i achieve a seemingly impossible task – delivering the most dynamic acceleration and handling in their categories, while also providing the most favorable fuel consumption and emission levels within their class.

The X3's advantages are not limited strictly to performance. The interior cabin has been upgraded in every way imaginable. Passenger and cargo space have grown considerably, and the use of premium materials is evident throughout. The cabin design language is equal parts modern, sporty and elegant, and the X3 is now available with a host of new creature comforts that place it at the head of the pack.

The Lexus RX 350 Overview

Built on the Toyota Camry platform, the third-generation RX 350 was completely redesigned for MY 2010. It is available in both FWD and AWD configurations.

Lexus has dubbed the RX 350 an LUV – or Luxury Utility Vehicle – and they've consistently produced an interior cabin that receives high marks for its coziness, refinement, quietness and elegance. Unfortunately, the RX drive experience has become synonymous with more unflattering terms, such as soulless, numb, disconnected, and even sloppy. In fact, Car and Driver tested the 2010 RX 350 and gave it a dismal 13-of-25 score (52%) in the "Fun to Drive" category.

Undoubtedly, some of the criticism stems from the fact the RX 350 suffers from a 57% nose-heavy bias, resulting in nearly 600 lbs. of excess weight being positioned over the front wheels. The result is an inherent tendency to understeer, a fact magnified by the fact the RX 350 AWD sends 100% of its power to the front wheels during normal driving. By comparison, xDrive benefits from a RWD bias in normal driving situations, and adds the ability to proactively dial out unwanted understeer and oversteer situations before they occur.

The ubiquitous RX is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that produces 275 horsepower and 257 lb-ft. of torque. Mated to a 6-speed automatic, the RX hits 60 mph in a sluggish 7.5 seconds, two seconds slower than the X3 xDrive35i.

What BMW offers…

• First engine in the world to combine turbocharging, Valvetronic and High Precision direct fuel injection for increased power and reduced fuel consumption
• Powered by a 2010 "International Engine of the Year" award recipient in the 2.5 to 3.0-liter category
• Inline 6-cylinder engine delivers smooth, refined power while helping achieve a superior 50.4 / 49.6 weight balance
• 300 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
• 300 lb-ft of torque @ an amazingly low 1,300 rpm
• 0 – 60 mph in 5.5 seconds
• 19 / 26 mpg
• Standard 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic
• Optional 8-speed Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters
• xDrive – 40:60 torque split during normal driving. Can send up to 100% of the available power to either axle. xDrive can proactively dial-out unwanted understeer and oversteer
• Standard Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant and Automatic Hold
• Brake Energy Regeneration only charges the battery when coasting or braking, saving 1-2% on fuel consumption
• Nearly a 3-inch longer wheelbase, despite an overall vehicle length that is 4.8-inches shorter
• Massive 13.0-inch ventilated rear disc brakes provide superior braking
• Standard Hill Descent Control
• Standard Xenon Adaptive headlights
• Standard Cornering lights
• Standard Adaptive Brake Lights
• Standard run-flat tires
• Standard rain-sensing wipers
• Noticeably more front and rear head room
• Standard iDrive minimizes driver distraction by reducing dash clutter and positioning the controller where the driver's hand would naturally rest . Six Programmable Memory Keys are also included
• Standard Integrated Owner's Manual
• Standard leatherette seat trim
• Standard sport steering wheel
• Standard driver's seat and mirror memory system
• Standard HD Radio
• Standard 12-speaker audio system
• Standard iPod/USB adapter
• Standard Bluetooth system includes phonebook download into the iDrive system
• 12 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to the high level of detail and quality craftsmanship that goes into every BMW
• Every BMW is supported by the BMW Maintenance Program for 4 years / 50,000 miles
• Maintenance intervals at approximately 15,000 miles or 12 months (whichever occurs first)

 

What Lexus doesn’t…

• A legacy engine that lacks turbocharging, variable valve lift or direct fuel injection, instead relying on a larger 3.5-liter displacement to produce its power
• Powered by an outdated and outclassed V-6 that fails to match the X3's power and acceleration
• V-6 engine creates more noise and vibration while contributing to a 56.8 / 43.2 nose-heavy weight bias
• 275 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
• 257 lb-ft of torque @ an engine-revving 4,700 rpm
• 0 – 60 mph in 7.5 seconds
• 18 / 24 mpg
• 6-speed automatic with Manual shift
• An optional transmission is not available, nor are paddle shifters
• Active Torque Control AWD sends 100% of engine power to the front wheels under normal driving. Only 50% of engine power can be transferred to the rear wheels
• Brake Drying, Brake Stand-by, Brake Fade Compensation, Start-off Assistant and Automatic Hold are not available
• The RX 350's alternator constantly charges the battery, thereby wasting fuel
• Suffers from long front and rear overhangs that negatively impact vehicle agility and responsiveness
• Smaller 12.2-inch solid rear disc brakes result in increased stopping distances
• Hill Descent Control is not available
• Optional Xenon Adaptive headlights
• Cornering lights are not available
• Adaptive Brake Lights are not available
• Run-flat tire are not available
• Optional rain-sensing wipers
• Lack of head room results in a cramped feeling
• A centralized controller (Remote Touch) with dash-mounted display monitor is only included when ordering optional Navigation. Programmable Memory Keys are not included
• An Integrated Owner's Manual is not available
• Standard fabric seat trim
• A sport steering wheel is not available
• A seat and mirror memory system is optional
• HD Radio is not available
• Standard 9-speaker audio system
• An iPod/USB adapter is optional
• Bluetooth is standard, but the phonebook download requires optional Navigation
• 6 year Corrosion Warranty speaks to a paint process that is substandard compared to BMW
• Edmunds.com estimates it costs $49/month to maintain the RX 350 during the first 3 years of ownership
• Maintenance intervals at 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever occurs first)
• Optional 330-watt premium audio with 15-speakers

 

With new-found suppleness to its suspension set-up, greater agility, stronger performance, reduced thirst and expanded

roominess, the new X3 feels much more like something conceived in Munich should. Motor Trend

 

Shelly BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Anaheim, Atwood, Brea, Buena Park, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, La Palma, La Habra, Lakewood, Midway, Placentia, Pomona, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Whittier, Westminster and Yorba Linda.