X3 vs RZ 350e
Choosing between BMW and Lexus often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact luxury suv class, that pair is the X3 and the RZ 350e. Close matchups are the hardest to call, and the X3 versus the RZ 350e is one of them.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X3 wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Price RZ 350e wins
Key Differences
-
The X3 has 34 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the X3 makes its strongest case: 255 hp against 221 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | X3 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Engine & Performance
X3 leads
No contest in engine & performance: the X3 is the stronger of the two. The X3 steps ahead thanks to 34 hp more power. The X3’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. The takeaway: on engine & performance, the X3 is the stronger car.
Total system output
X3: 255 hp RZ 350e: 221 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
You can skip ahead if space & practicality was your deciding factor: the two are evenly matched here. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The X3 and the RZ 350e match each other closely in this area. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
The X3 and the RZ 350e differ on safety & tech in ways that are described rather than measured. The table has the details.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X3 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 165 kW electric motor, 74.7 kWh battery |
| Total system output | 255 hp (winner) | 221 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X3 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 301 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X3 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X3 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X3 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | N/A (not specified) | 14 in |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | X3 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 189.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.6 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.4 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 112.2 in |
Price
| Spec | X3 | RZ 350e |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,500 | $46,000 (winner) |
“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.
Price & Value
The RZ 350e launched for $3,500 less, a gap small enough that the specs should decide. If $3,500 isn’t a stretch, the X3 gives you 34 hp more power.
Launch prices in the US as of October 2024; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X3 if…
- you want more power (255 hp vs 221 hp)
- you already know your way around BMW’s products
Choose the RZ 350e if…
- you’d put the $3,500 saving toward something else
- you already use other Lexus products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X3 or the RZ 350e?
The X3 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if the extra $3,500 would stretch your budget.
Which costs less, the X3 or the RZ 350e?
At launch, the RZ 350e undercut the X3 by $3,500. These figures are as of October 2024, and street prices can change.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy BMW or Lexus. I only care that you end up with the right one of the X3 and the RZ 350e. Honestly, 34 hp more power on the X3 does a lot of the persuading for me.
The X3 is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the RZ 350e for people who weigh price.
My pick: the X3 gets my vote, but the RZ 350e is the right call if you have better plans for $3,500.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.