Compare the2027 BMW iX3 VS 2026 Lexus RZ

The iX3’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The RZ doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive is standard on the iX3. But it costs extra on the RZ.

The BMW iX3’s optional Surround View is equipped with washers for its front and rear cameras, ensuring crystal-clear visibility in any weather condition. Conversely, the Lexus RZ only offers a rear camera washer, which may not provide the same level of all-weather performance.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the iX3 has standard Cross Traffic Warning with braking function with automatic braking, systems which detect vehicles approaching from the sides and can automatically apply the brakes to prevent a collision. Only the RZ Premium/Luxury/F Sport offers Parking Support Brake.

Both the iX3 and the RZ have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The BMW iX3 weighs 491 to 833 pounds more than the Lexus RZ. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The iX3’s corrosion warranty is 6 years longer than the RZ’s (12 vs. 6 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the iX3 for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Lexus pays for maintenance for the RZ (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

There are over 43 percent more BMW dealers than there are Lexus dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the iX3’s warranty.

The iX3’s electric motors produces 242 more horsepower (463 vs. 221) and 278 lbs.-ft. more torque (476 vs. 198) than the RZ 350e’s standard electric motor. The iX3’s electric motors produces 155 more horsepower (463 vs. 308) and 155 lbs.-ft. more torque (476 vs. 321) than the RZ 450e’s standard electric motors. The iX3’s electric motors produces 61 more horsepower (463 vs. 402) and 80 lbs.-ft. more torque (476 vs. 396) than the RZ 550e F Sport’s standard electric motors.

The iX3 can travel longer on a full charge than the RZ on a full charge:

			Miles
iX3
	AWD	20" Summer Tires Electric Motors	434 miles
		21" All Season Tires Electric Motors	399 miles
		21" Summer Tires Electric Motors	398 miles
		22" Summer Tires Electric Motors	392 miles
		20" All Season Tires Electric Motors	383 miles
RZ
	FWD	w/18" Wheels Electric Motor	301 miles
		w/20" Wheels Electric Motor	284 miles
	AWD	450e w/18" Wheels Electric Motors	264 miles
		450e w/20" Wheels Electric Motors	257 miles

The iX3’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The RZ doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the iX3’s brake rotors are larger than those on the RZ:

	iX3	iX3	RZ
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.7 inches	12.9 inches
Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	13.6 inches	12.5 inches

For better traction, the iX3 has larger standard tires than the RZ (255/45R20 vs. 235/60R18). The iX3’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the RZ (F:255/40R21 & R:275/40R21 vs. F:235/60R18 & R:255/55R18).

The iX3’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the RZ’s standard 60 series front and 55 series rear tires. The iX3’s optional tires have a lower 35 series profile than the RZ’s optional 50 series front and 45 series rear tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the iX3 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the RZ. The iX3’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels optional on the RZ.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the iX3’s wheelbase is 1.9 inches longer than on the RZ (114.1 inches vs. 112.2 inches).

The iX3’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (48.6% to 51.4%) than the RZ’s (53.9% to 46.1%). This gives the iX3 more stable handling and braking.

The design of the BMW iX3 amounts to more than styling. The iX3 has an aerodynamic coefficient of drag of .24 Cd. That is significantly lower than the RZ (.28 to .29) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the iX3 get better fuel mileage.

The iX3 has 2 inches more front headroom, 1.9 inches more front shoulder room and 2.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the RZ.

The iX3 has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the RZ with its rear seat folded (65 vs. 55.6 cubic feet).

A standard locking glovebox keeps your small valuables safer in the iX3. The RZ doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

The iX3 has a 4400 lbs. towing capacity. The RZ has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stabilization Control on the iX3 uses the Dynamic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The RZ doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

A Condition-Based Service Display is standard on the iX3 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for vehicle inspections, vehicle inspection based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Lexus doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the RZ.

Unlike the driver-only memory system in the RZ, the iX3 has standard driver and passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, power steering assist, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The power windows standard on both the iX3 and the RZ have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the iX3 is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The RZ prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

If the windows are left open on the iX3 the driver can close all of them at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the RZ can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the iX3 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The RZ doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the iX3 has a standard rear wiper. The RZ doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The BMW iX3 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the RZ Premium/Luxury/F Sport.

The iX3 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the RZ.