The 2025 BMW X3 and Lexus NX 350h represent compelling options in the luxury compact SUV segment, offering premium features and capabilities. The BMW X3 excels in performance and cargo capacity, while the Lexus NX 350h delivers impressive fuel efficiency with its hybrid powertrain and advanced technology. If you're looking for a luxury SUV in the Muncy, Pennsylvania, area, join us as we explore the key features of these two vehicles and find out why the BMW X3 could be just the car for you.
Performance, Efficiency, and Drivability
Whether you're running errands downtown or heading out on Pennsylvania's highways, performance is crucial. While the NX 350h offers great fuel economy, the X3 provides choice and versatility. Here's how.
Engine Options, Power, and Fuel Efficiency
The 2025 BMW X3 offers two powerful engine options with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The X3 30 xDrive features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The performance-oriented X3 M50 xDrive delivers an impressive 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Both engines come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Lexus NX 350h's hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to generate 240 horsepower, slightly short of the X3 30 xDrive's output. The hybrid system prioritizes efficiency, achieving a combined rating of 39 mpg compared to the X3 30 xDrive's respectable 29 mpg.
Handling, Acceleration, and Ride Quality
The BMW X3's standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional handling and stability across various road conditions. The X3 30 xDrive accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 130 mph. The sophisticated suspension system delivers responsive handling while maintaining ride comfort. The X3's turning radius of 40 feet enables confident maneuvering in tight spaces, so you needn't worry about getting around in the city.
The Lexus NX 350h delivers a similarly smooth ride with its hybrid powertrain. Electric motor assistance provides instant torque for responsive city driving, while a turning radius of 38 feet offers just a touch more maneuverability than the X3. You might find road noise levels higher than in the X3, though this will vary based on driving conditions and road surfaces.
Interior Design, Comfort, and Space
On top of a refined drive, the BMW X3 edges ahead in its interior space and comfort.
Cabin Design and Comfort
The BMW X3's interior offers standard power-adjustable front seats and available heated seating for both front and rear passengers. The front headroom measures 41.1 inches, and the front legroom is spacious at 41.4 inches. The cabin features multicolored ambient lighting and an Anthracite headliner for an upscale atmosphere. Rear passengers can enjoy 38.5 inches of headroom and 36.4 inches of legroom.
The Lexus NX 350h comes with NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support. On passenger space, it falls just a little short, with 38.3 inches of front headroom and 41 inches of front legroom. Like the X3, the NX 350h includes dual-zone automatic climate control, and its 60/40-split power-folding rear seat gives rear passengers 36.1 inches of legroom.
Cargo Space
If you've got a family or a lot of gear to transport, the BMW X3's cargo space is a real winner, with a capacity of 31.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 67.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The power-operated liftgate allows easy access to the cargo area. The Lexus NX 350h offers just 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.
Exterior Design
The 2025 BMW X3 presents a longer, lower profile than its predecessor, with an overall length of 187.2 inches and a width of 75.6 inches. The redesigned exterior features two separate grilles, now slightly taller than before, on the front fascia, maintaining BMW's signature aesthetic. The front track measures 63.5 inches, with a wider rear track of 65.3 inches for enhanced stability. The X3 offers better ground clearance than the NX 350h, coming in at 8.5 inches compared to the NX 350h's 8.1 inches.
The Lexus NX 350h offers aerodynamic styling with a length of 183.5 inches and a width of 73.4 inches. Its overall height measures 66.1 inches. The tracks are slightly narrower than the X3's, with 63.2 inches in front and 64 inches in the rear. The NX 350h incorporates LED headlights and distinctive L-shaped LED taillights with a full-width blade rear combination lamp design.
Safety and Infotainment Technology
Both the BMW X3 and the Lexus NX 350h offer robust safety systems and advanced infotainment options. Again, though, the X3 has the advantage — here's why.
Safety Features and Ratings
The BMW X3's safety suite includes comprehensive driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot assist. The Active Driving Assistant Professional package adds automatic emergency steering and front cross-traffic warning. The X3's advanced safety systems earned it the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ designation for 2024. The vehicle features seven airbags for enhanced occupant protection.
The Lexus NX 350h comes equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Other standard features include blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The vehicle features eight airbags and has earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating for 2024.
Infotainment Systems
The BMW X3 features the advanced BMW Operating System 9 with a standard 14.9-inch curved display. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Google Assistant, Siri, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The My BMW smartphone app enables remote vehicle monitoring and access to features such as Drive Recorder for critical traffic situations. The system offers extensive connected services through BMW ConnectedDrive.
The Lexus NX 350h offers a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen with an available 14-inch upgrade. The Lexus Interface system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Additional features include Lexus Remote Connect for vehicle monitoring and Wi-Fi hot spot capability with a 30-day/three-gigabyte trial period. The system includes a three-month SiriusXM trial subscription.
Ready To Try the 2025 BMW X3 for Yourself?
With its exceptional performance and superior cargo space, the BMW X3 offers clear advantages over the Lexus NX 350h. At Ciocca BMW of Williamsport, our team is waiting to introduce you to the X3 and its luxury features. Explore our inventory, discover financing options, and enjoy a test drive. Get in with us touch today and let us get you behind the wheel of your new luxury SUV.