As the automotive world shifts towards electrification, the competition between electric vehicles and their gasoline-powered counterparts intensifies. We'll compare two 2025 luxury candidates: the all-electric BMW i5 and the gas-powered/hybrid Lexus RX 350. While both offer grandeur and performance, this comparison will highlight the advantages of the BMW i5, showcasing its leadership in the luxury vehicle market.
Key Specifications
The 2025 BMW i5 and Lexus RX 350 represent different approaches to luxury vehicles. The i5 is BMW's latest all-electric offering, while the RX 350 has more traditional powertrains.
Here are the key specs of the BMW i5:- Powertrain: All-electric
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic
- Horsepower: Up to 539 hp
- Torque: 586 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (xDrive)
- Range: Up to 295 miles (estimated)
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (i5 M60 xDrive)
These are the key specs of the Lexus RX 350 (gas/hybrid):
- Powertrain: 2.4L turbocharged I-4
- Transmission: Eight-speed shiftable automatic / Continuously variable transmission
- Horsepower: Up to 275 hp / Up to 246 hp (net combined)
- Torque: 317 lb-ft / 233 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive optional / All-wheel drive standard
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds / 7.4 seconds
The BMW i5 clearly outperforms the Lexus RX 350 in terms of power and acceleration. Its all-electric powertrain delivers instant torque, resulting in a thrilling driving experience that neither the gas-powered or hybrid RX 350 can match.
Design and Aesthetics
Both vehicles boast striking designs, but the BMW i5 takes a more futuristic approach. With a sleek, aerodynamic design, its signature kidney grille, now available with illumination, makes a bold statement. LED headlights and taillights add to its appeal, while frameless doors contribute to its smooth silhouette. The interior follows a modern, minimalist design philosophy, creating a sophisticated and uncluttered space.
The RX 350 sports Lexus' bold spindle grille and L-shaped LED headlights. While it offers a luxurious interior with high-quality materials, it lacks the cutting-edge design elements found in the i5. Both vehicles offer available 21-inch wheels, but the BMW i5's design feels more prescient, reflecting the future of automotive aesthetics.
Interior and Comfort
The BMW i5 interior is spacious, with ample headroom and legroom. Its Veganza upholstery showcases BMW's commitment to sustainability. The interior's centerpiece is a curved display, which combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touch screen. An optional panoramic glass roof adds to the luxurious feel, while ambient lighting with up to 15,000 light points creates a customizable atmosphere.
As an SUV, the Lexus RX 350 has 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the i5's 17.3 cubic feet. With available leather upholstery, it features either a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touch-screen infotainment system and also offers an optional panoramic glass roof and ambient lighting. While both vehicles provide comfortable interiors, the i5's innovative features and sustainable materials give it an edge in the luxury segment.
Technology and Infotainment
As for technology, the BMW i5 takes a significant lead against the RX 350.
Tech features in the BMW i5 include:
- BMW iDrive 8.5 operating system
- Natural language voice control with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
- 5G connectivity
- Available Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
- Augmented reality navigation
- BMW Digital Key Plus
The Lexus RX 350 offers:
- Lexus Interface infotainment system
- Available Mark Levinson premium surround sound system
- Lexus app for remote vehicle control
Both the i5 and RX 350 feature wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and each has an available head-up display. While both offer advanced infotainment systems, the i5's iDrive 8.5 system, combined with its unique features, puts it at the forefront of automotive technology.
Performance and Driving Experience
The driving experience is where the BMW i5's performance truly shines. Delivering instant torque, it provides exhilarating acceleration. BMW's Adaptive M Suspension balances comfort and sportiness. You can select from different driving modes (Personal, Sport, and Efficient) to tailor your experience. The i5's one-pedal driving capability adds to its unique electric driving experience, and near-silent operation ensures a serene ride.
The RX 350 offers a smooth and comfortable ride, with an available F SPORT Handling package for improved dynamics. It features selectable drive modes and an available Adaptive Variable Suspension. However, while the RX 350 provides a pleasant ride, it can't match the instant responsiveness and silent operation of the all-electric i5.
Safety Features and Ratings
Both vehicles prioritize safety with advanced driver-assistance systems.
The BMW i5 features:
- BMW Active Driving Assistant Pro
- Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation
- Lane Keeping Assistant
- Active Blind Spot Detection
- Parking Assistant Professional with Maneuver Assistant
The Lexus RX 350 includes:
- Lexus Safety System+ 3.0
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
While both vehicles offer comprehensive safety features, the BMW i5's systems are more advanced, providing an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
Charging and Fuel Efficiency
Here, the fundamental difference between electric and gas-powered vehicles becomes apparent. As a fully electric vehicle, the BMW i5 has DC fast charging capability (up to 205 kW) and can achieve a 10%-80% charge in about 30 minutes. AC charging is also possible at up to 11 kW. The BMW Charging app provides you with easy access to charging networks.
The Lexus RX 350 has both gas and hybrid options. With a 17.8-gallon fuel tank, the gas models achieve a fuel economy of 22/29/25 mpg (city/highway/combined), while the hybrid powertrain gets 37/34/36 mpg. While the gas-powered RX 350 doesn't require charging, both gas and hybrid models need regular fuel stops. Meanwhile, the i5 can be charged at home or at public charging stations, offering more flexibility and potentially lowering your fueling costs.
Pricing and Ownership Costs
When considering a new vehicle, it's important to look beyond the sticker price. The 2025 BMW i5's starting MSRP is $67,100. While higher than its competitors, electric vehicles generally have lower maintenance costs due to having fewer moving parts than traditional gas vehicles. Additionally, you may be eligible for tax incentives, further reducing the overall cost of ownership.
You may be tempted by the Lexus RX 350's starting MSRP of $50,325. However, Kelly Blue Book estimates the 2024 model's five-year ownership costs at $72,462. While the RX 350 may have a lower initial price, the long-term costs of fuel and maintenance could make the i5 more economical over time.
Environmental Impact
In today's environmentally conscious world, the impact of our vehicles matters more than ever. As an all-electric vehicle, the BMW i5 produces zero tailpipe emissions. BMW has also made significant commitments to sustainability in its production processes and materials, further reducing the vehicle's overall environmental impact.
While the RX 350 has lower emissions compared to larger SUVs, even its hybrid option still produces tailpipe emissions. Lexus has made efforts toward more sustainable manufacturing processes, but the fundamental nature of a gas-powered vehicle limits its eco-friendliness.
Experience the Future of Luxury at Ciocca BMW of Williamsport
Ready to experience the future of driving? Visit us at Ciocca BMW of Williamsport in Muncy, Pennsylvania, to test-drive the revolutionary BMW i5. Our expert staff can guide you through its innovative features and help you discover why the i5 is the perfect choice for discerning drivers who demand the best in luxury and performance.