iX vs RX 350
BMW versus Lexus: the iX and the RX 350 go after the same midsize luxury suv buyer. The iX has the edge in 2 of the 3 areas we looked at, most visibly in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance iX wins
- Space & Practicality iX wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.2
- Space & Practicality6.0
- Engine & Performance1.2
- Space & Practicality3.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The iX has 241 hp more power
The spread here is large: 516 hp on the iX versus 275 hp on the RX 350. Expect to notice it. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The iX has 20% more cargo space
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the iX makes its strongest case: 35.5 cu ft against 29.6 cu ft. The iX’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
-
The iX has 247 lb-ft more torque
The iX clearly leads on torque, and 564 lb-ft versus 317 lb-ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The iX has 69% more maximum cargo space
On cargo (seats folded), the iX posts 77.9 cu ft against 46.2 cu ft for the RX 350, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. The iX can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | iX | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
iX leads
No contest in engine & performance: the iX is the stronger of the two. Point to the iX for 241 hp more power. The iX’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. For engine & performance, the iX is the one to beat.
Total system output
iX: 516 hp RX 350: 275 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
iX: 564 lb-ft RX 350: 317 lb-ft The iX’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
iX leads
In the space & practicality category, the iX isn’t just ahead; it’s clearly ahead. The iX takes this one with 20% more cargo space. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice. The space & practicality verdict goes to the iX.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
iX: 35.5 cu ft RX 350: 29.6 cu ft Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
Cargo (seats folded)
iX: 77.9 cu ft RX 350: 46.2 cu ft Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to off-road & towing. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
This area doesn’t reduce to a single number. The table shows the safety & tech details for both, so you can judge what matters to you.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | iX | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Electric | Gas |
| Engine | Dual electric motors | 2.4L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 516 hp (winner) | 275 hp |
| Torque | 564 lb-ft (winner) | 317 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | iX | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | 309 mi | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | iX | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 35.5 cu ft (winner) | 29.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 77.9 cu ft (winner) | 46.2 cu ft Least room, seats folded |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | iX | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 3,500 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | iX | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | iX | RX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iX if…
- you want more power (516 hp vs 275 hp)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (35.5 cu ft vs 29.6 cu ft)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (564 lb-ft vs 317 lb-ft of torque)
- you want more room with the seats folded (77.9 cu ft vs 46.2 cu ft)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iX or the RX 350?
On the specs compared here, the iX makes more sense for most buyers; the RX 350 doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
The iX against the RX 350: two brands, one class, and more nuance than the marketing suggests. What tips it for me is that the iX has 241 hp more power. Beyond that, 20% more cargo space gives the iX another edge.
Who should get which? The iX for engine & performance, the RX 350 for the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the iX.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.