Thinking about buying a Lexus RX450h? Compare it to a BMW X6 Activehybrid first!

 

The BMW X6 Activehybrid Overview

The new ActiveHybrid X6 represents the logical extension of the EfficientDynamics philosophy. This new full-hybrid design underscores BMW's goal of building environmentally conscious, fuel-efficient vehicles that still fulfill the company's insistence on providing an exhilarating driving experience.

While some companies clearly consider fuel efficiency and performance as conflicting goals, BMW has always viewed the two as parallel routes to the same destination. It's this alternate approach that defines the difference between compromise and The Ultimate Driving Machine.


The Lexus RX450h Overview

The original member of the class, the RX hybrid is now in its second generation as Lexus announced its "all-new" RX450h for 2010. Like the Mercedes-Benz ML450H, the full-hybrid Lexus features a 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V-6 as its primary powerplant. In the RX's case, the gasoline engine puts out 245 horsepower, boosted to 295 with the electric motors in the all-wheel drive version (it's also available front-drive only).

The unique difference between the all-wheel-drive RX and all other competitors is in the rear-drive system: the gasoline engine drives only the front wheels. The all-wheel drive RX450h powers its rear wheels strictly on an as-needed basis via a third electric motor. With no mechanical connection between the front and rear wheels, the "all-wheel-drive" RX450h will likely handle exactly like a front-drive SUV in everyday driving. Moreover, even with the full 295 horses, the AWD RX remains unimpressive in performance, with a claimed 7.4-second 0-60 mph time. The Lexus also took a disappointing 190 feet to stop from 70 mph in Car and Driver testing (August 2009).



BMW vs. Lexus 


What's Hot About The BMW X6 Activehybrid…

  • BMW's ActiveHybrid pairs a twin-turbo 4.4-liter DFI V-8 with a 7-speed active transmission with dual electric motors.
  • The ActiveHybrid X6 boasts significantly better power, with 480 hp and a whopping 575 lb-ft of torque.
  • The ActiveHybrid X6 includes BMW's outstanding xDrive full-time all-wheel-drive system, which uses an infinitely variable clutch to shift torque forward or back instantly depending on demand.
  • From 0 to 60 mph takes only 5.4 seconds in the X6, two seconds quicker than the RX.
  • The X6 features 15.2-inch front and 13.6-inch rear rotors, with aluminum calipers front and rear. Rotors are lightweight aluminum hubs with cast-iron rotors.
  • Special staggered-size Aero wheels are 20 x 10-inch fronts, 20 x 11-inch rear, with 275/40 x 20 front and 315/35R-20 rear run-flat tires.
  • As part of its regular speedometer and tachometer, the X6 includes a power-flow meter, which indicates power usage and charging. BMW's iDrive also includes an 8.8-inch monitor with hybrid-specific displays that show Auto Stop/Start, charge condition and regenerative braking.
  • On the X6, standard equipment includes Napa leather with special stitching, leather dashboard, navigation w/80GB hard drive, steering-wheel shift-paddles, Comfort Access, Soft Close doors, Rear View Camera with Top View, MyInfo, BMW Search, and iPod/USB adapter.
  • 4 year/50,000 mile maintenance included warranty
  • 4 year/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance
  • 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty

 

What's Not Hot About Lexus RX450h…

  • The RX450h includes a 3.5-liter V-6 as its primary engine, backed by a planetary-gear CVT with dual electric motors.
  • The Lexus simply can't compare in power, with only 295 hp and far less than half the torque of the X6 – 234 lb-ft.
  • The RX450h is primarily a front-drive vehicle, with no mechanical connection front to rear. The all-wheel-drive system works only part-time in low-traction situations, via an additional rear-mounted electric motor.
  • The RX450h manages only a 7.4 second 0-60 time, much slower than the ActiveHybrid X6.
  • The RX450h's brakes are significantly smaller than the ActiveHybrid X6 's: 12.9-inch vented fronts, with only 12.2-inch solid rears. Rotors are cast-iron front and rear.
  • Similarly, the Lexus includes much smaller wheels and tires: 18 x 7.5-inch all around, with 235/60R-18 all-season tires; 235/55VR-19-inch are optional. No run-flats.

  • Instrumentation on the RX450h consists of tachometer and speedometer and specific hybrid display. Hard-drive navigation system is optional, and only includes an 8-inch monitor. Features such as BMW Search or MyInfo are not available.

    The RX450h includes standard fabric trim; leather seating is optional and does not include extended leather on dash or door panels. Other features such as navigation, parking assist and rear-view camera are optional. Such items as Soft Close, paddle-shifters and 4-zone climate control are not available.

  • 4 year/50,000 mile, 5,000 mile free maintenance
  • 4 year/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance
  • 6 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty


 "It drives like the BMW of hybrids. It's seamless and doesn't have that laggy tip-in that is typical of most hybrids.

Steering has gone from hydraulic in the original X6 to electrical here, but it still transmits good road feel to the driver." AutoWeek

Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.

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Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.