Photo: Screenshot from Youtube
We made fun of Lexus when they came out with a sort of instructional video that showed exactly how the NX is better than the X3 but what happens when the two actually go head to head?
Well, we’re about to find out thanks to the guys from AutoGuide that pitted a BMW X3 xDrive28d against a Lexus NX 300h. The thing is, this is a US-only comparison as the xDrive28d model doesn’t exist in Europe because it’s called the xDrive20d.
That means it has a 2-liter turbocharged diesel engine under the bonnet making 190 HP and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque and it’s as basic as it gets. What we have here then, is a comparison between a good-old fashioned diesel and an overly complicated hybrid Lexus. The question is: could the Japanese prove it’s also better? And if so, how big will the difference be?
Well, it should be pretty big as this is no ordinary hybrid. The 300h has two electric motors working alongside the Atkinson-cycle internal combustion engine. There’s one up front, making 143 HP and one in the back making 68 HP. However, when all three are working together, only 197 HP are being sent to the wheels as the rear motor works only when the rear wheels will need it.
So, in theory, the Lexus should walk it with all these tidbits on board, right? Well, not really. For example, even though the BMW has less power, it will reach 60 mph 1.5 seconds faster. And then you’d say that efficiency is key here and not acceleration.
Well, on paper, the Lexus should have the upper edge inside the city while the BMW on the highway but the results the guys got showed that on a combined cycle, the Bavarian slips ahead in this department as well. There are even more differences as well, like in the driving department but we’ll let you find out all about the two in the video below.
Google News