CarteaNewsCars UpdatesShowdown Between Lexus RX and BMW X5 to Choose the Best in the Luxury SUV Class

Showdown Between Lexus RX and BMW X5 to Choose the Best in the Luxury SUV Class

Ahd Kamal
Ahd Kamal
2025-09-03
contents

The Lexus RX and BMW X5 stand as leaders in the midsize luxury SUV category, each offering a distinct personality to meet the needs of drivers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The RX appeals to families who prioritize comfort, quietness, and safety, while the X5 caters to those who desire dynamic performance and advanced technology. With the RX currently included in Cartea’s Car Shopping Festival and eligible for cashback on select models, it gains an extra edge in the market, while the X5 remains a traditional premium choice outside these promotions.

Exterior and Interior Design


The Lexus RX presents a modern, elegant design with strong road presence highlighted by:

  • A wide front grille with bold details

  • Sharp, contemporary LED headlights

  • Sleek body lines with a longer and wider stance for added stability

  • A spacious cabin with ambient lighting and open pore wood accents

  • Premium leather seats with aluminum and chrome touches


The BMW X5, refreshed in its 2024 model, introduces noticeable updates such as:

  • A larger, more assertive front grille

  • Redesigned front bumper with updated headlights and taillights

  • Sporty, modern alloy wheel designs

  • M60i variant featuring gloss black accents with quad exhaust outlets

  • Interior enhanced by a large curved display spanning the dashboard

  • High quality materials, including natural leather and metallic trims

Performance and Engines


The Lexus RX emphasizes smoothness and comfort over pure sportiness, offering a variety of options that include:

  • 2.4 liter turbo engine producing 275 hp and 430 Nm of torque

  • 8 speed automatic transmission with front wheel or all wheel drive

  • 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in about 7.5 seconds

  • RX350h hybrid version with 246 hp

  • RX500h F Sport Performance with 366 hp, direct all wheel drive, and 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds


On the other hand, the BMW X5 delivers stronger performance and sharper responsiveness with options such as:

  • 3.0 liter inline six turbo engine producing 375 hp supported by a 48 volt mild hybrid system

  • 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in around 5 seconds

  • 4.4 liter twin turbo V8 engine with 523 hp in the M60i model

  • Less than 4 seconds to reach 100 km/h with 8 speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive

  • High cornering stability with precise steering and dynamic feedback

Comfort and Interior Space


Lexus RX puts clear priority on creating a calm and comfortable environment with:

  • Refined sound insulation with noise reducing glass

  • Smooth suspension setup for a gentle ride

  • Heated and ventilated seats in higher trims

  • Three zone climate control for all passengers

  • Spacious cabin for five passengers with a rear cargo area of about 546 liters


BMW X5 strikes a balance between sportiness and luxury through:

  • Suspension tuned for sporty stability while maintaining comfort

  • Power adjustable front seats with massage, cooling, and heating options

  • A roomy cabin finished with premium materials

  • Rear cargo space of about 645 liters with a split tailgate for easier loading

Technology and Safety Features


The Lexus RX comes equipped with modern technologies that include:

  • A 9.8 inch standard touchscreen and a 14 inch display on higher trims

  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support

  • A Mark Levinson surround sound system with 15 speakers

  • The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 package featuring:

    • Automatic emergency braking

    • Lane departure alert with lane keeping assist

    • Adaptive radar cruise control with lane centering

    • Surround view cameras and an advanced semi autonomous parking system


Meanwhile, the BMW X5 offers the latest iDrive 8 system with:

  • A dual curved display measuring 12.3 and 14.9 inches

  • Voice command support and wireless phone connectivity

  • Harman/Kardon or optional Bowers & Wilkins premium audio systems

  • The Driving Assistance Professional package including:

    • Advanced adaptive cruise control

    • Automatic lane change assist

    • Semi autonomous highway driving feature

    • Thermal night vision system to detect pedestrians and animals

Target Audience


The Lexus RX appeals to families seeking comfort, luxury, and everyday reliability, with the added value of cashback rewards through Cartea’s ongoing promotion. This makes owning the RX an even more attractive option in the Saudi and UAE markets.


On the other hand, the BMW X5 is designed for driving enthusiasts who prioritize strong performance, dynamic handling, and the latest technology. It suits those who put driving pleasure first, even if it comes at a higher cost without current promotional offers.

Cartea Cashback Offer


Cartea is currently running its Car Shopping Festival, giving customers cashback rewards when purchasing select models. This campaign offers a unique chance for car lovers to own their dream vehicle with a rewarding financial bonus.

Discover the full details and cashback value for each model on the campaign page:
Click here

Visit the link now, choose the model that suits you, and take advantage of the cashback offer before the festival ends.

2 / 100

Find new car for sale:
the Lexus RX car pricesthe BMW X5 car prices
Find used cars:
the Lexus RX used carsthe BMW X5 used cars
Find imported used cars:
the BMW X5 imported used cars

Also Read:

previous: The Leading Sedan Showdown in the GCC Hyundai Accent 2025 and Toyota Corolla 2025
Ahd KamalAhd Kamal
Chief editor information:

My passion for cars began long before my journey into automotive journalism in 2015. Even though I'm originally a pharmacist, the thrill of speed, elegant designs, and roaring engines has always had my heart. Today, I channel this passion by exploring the newest cars and sharing my experiences with fellow car enthusiasts across the GCC.