Might be switching away from BMW

Yesterday, we went to see the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX330. First we went to the Lexus dealership and was impresed with the interior and the overall asthetic of the car, then we went to the BMW dealership and saw the X3 its interior is lacking many of the things the Lexus had (to my surprise). So now we are probably goin to buy a Lexus over the BMW...






The Bimmer seems more cheap and plasticy at least in the X3...

BMW is all about being driven and the Lexus is all about being driven in. Your decision will depend upon which is more important to you.

Good luck with your choice.

You buy an automobile based on interior's looks and aesthetics? If that's the case then by all means get a Lexus.

BMWs are about the driving experience. Really they're not called the "Ultimate Driving Machine" for nothing.

Originally Posted by shaun132

Yesterday, we went to see the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX330. First we went to the Lexus dealership and was impresed with the interior and the overall asthetic of the car, then we went to the BMW dealership and saw the X3 its interior is lacking many of the things the Lexus had (to my surprise). So now we are probably goin to buy a Lexus over the BMW...

That Lexus is BUTT-UGLY. Does it have wood paneling on the sides too?

Originally Posted by shaun132

Yesterday, we went to see the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX330. First we went to the Lexus dealership and was impresed with the interior and the overall asthetic of the car, then we went to the BMW dealership and saw the X3 its interior is lacking many of the things the Lexus had (to my surprise). So now we are probably goin to buy a Lexus over the BMW...
ems more cheap and plasticy at least in the X3...

Lexus == Apples && BMW == Oranges

How can you not know that? Did you test drive them?

The X3 and the Lexus aren't comparable vehicles--perhaps the X5 and the Lexus?

I think it's pretty fair to say that the X3 falls down in interior aesthetics, compared to many vehicles, not just the RX.

If that's the #1 priority, then you probably should go with the Lexus.

Originally Posted by shaun132

Yesterday, we went to see the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX330. First we went to the Lexus dealership and was impresed with the interior and the overall asthetic of the car, then we went to the BMW dealership and saw the X3 its interior is lacking many of the things the Lexus had (to my surprise). So now we are probably goin to buy a Lexus over the BMW...






The Bimmer seems more cheap and plasticy at least in the X3...

It's about the drive...

Originally Posted by philippek

I think it's pretty fair to say that the X3 falls down in interior aesthetics, compared to many vehicles, not just the RX.

If that's the #1 priority, then you probably should go with the Lexus.

I disagree. Perhaps, we should compare an X3 with the dark wood trim to the aforementioned RX330. The only deficiency in the 2005 X3 is that the shifter isn't wood to match but that can be fixed aftermarket. The problem I have with the Lexus aesthetic is that it looks like a cheap pair of two-tone shoes. That shiny reddish wood against black looks awful.

But there are features where the Lexus is better like the navigation system, laser cruise control, backup camera, and such.

Originally Posted by shaun132

Yesterday, we went to see the BMW X3 and the Lexus RX330. First we went to the Lexus dealership and was impresed with the interior and the overall asthetic of the car, then we went to the BMW dealership and saw the X3 its interior is lacking many of the things the Lexus had (to my surprise). So now we are probably goin to buy a Lexus over the BMW...






The Bimmer seems more cheap and plasticy at least in the X3...

If you want comfort and a nicer interior. Definatly go for the Lexus. But if you want the ultimate DRIVING machine in the small SUV class, that would be the X3.

I like comfort and foofy, but I think the Lexus looks overdone. The X3 has a clean, practical look (mine has the dark wood) and it drives like a dream. This is the 4th BMW I've owned and I don't want to drive anything else. I feel very safe driving such a responsive vehicle.

I'm not really sure why you posted on this topic unless you wanted the bimmer enthusiasts to talk you out of it.... But, like everyone else says - it all depends on what is most important to you.

I've driven Bimmers for over 20 years and cannot see myself driving anything else. BMW is all about Machine and Man coming together as one. The Lexus although a good car is still a want-to-be BMW all dress up in fancy clothes. You go ahead and buy the Lexus and hope you don't lay in bed thinking that you should have gotten the ultimate driving machine instead.

Personally, i think this interior looks much better than the Lexus.

Well in the first picture of the interior of the X3 taken by BMW I would like the X3. But after looking at this picture of the X3 I would go with the Lexus. Have you looked at the X5? It is a fun car!! Get which ever one YOU like best. We will not be driving it you will. Good Luck.
David

Originally Posted by LeucX3

Personally, i think this interior looks much better than the Lexus.

One thing the Lexus interior will never have: 3 pedals.

Both interiors sort of suck, but I prefer the X3's. The Lexus interior looks like one of those cheap bookshelf stereos trying to look expesnive. The x3 just looks unremarkable and kind of clunky. When the X3 first came out, I thought the interior looked horrible. Now, seeing it alongside its competitors, and also seeing some of BMW's more recent efforts, it put things in perspective. I still don't like it, but its better than the alternatives.

It also seems like one of BMW's more solid feeling interiors (since the e46). All of the other current BMW interiors (e46 excluded) seem flimsy and chintzy feeling. As sad as it is to say, I'd be happy if the e90 interior looked like the x3's. Even the x5 interior doesn't feel as well built in some areas. One small thing-- I have no idea why, but the headlight switch on the x3 has a really nice, solid feeling.

But, if you want "all the toys", you probably should go with Lexus.

You're right, the interior esthetics are not as sharp in the X3, but what about the handling? Which costs more? I don't know - I'm just asking. If you just want nice interior, I got a '77 Fleetwood with only 176K on it. Interested?

Here's another X3 to compare to. Note the different steering wheel.

But seriously folks, the 2006 X3 interior is much better than that Lexus:

I strongly considered the Lexus RX-330 before I bought my X3. I just could not handle the way it looked like a pregnant roller skate. I agree the NAV is impressive as is the rear view camera but you cannot compare to the overall looks and performance of the BMW.

yeah. i went in to a local bmw dealership with some friends about a month ago, i was welcomed with open arms as i pointed to a '05 x3 (the 3.0 engine). i love the sunroof by the way, so big! so i get in and go. the guy tells me to stop on a secluded street, so i do. then he says, " turn the wheel to the left all the way, as far as it can go" so i do. then he looks at me and says "are there any cars around", i reply with no. and he says to me, "ok punch it". i look at him and say "you know where on loose gravel right?" he nods his head. so i punch it. WOW, i flipped that bitch going 25+ on loose gravel and not even a slight screech. i was simply in awe. then he says to me you can see why that white one over there is mine. so test drive both those cars real well before you make your decision, you'll be glad you did.

Originally Posted by stevenw66

I strongly considered the Lexus RX-330 before I bought my X3. I just could not handle the way it looked like a pregnant roller skate. I agree the NAV is impressive as is the rear view camera but you cannot compare to the overall looks and performance of the BMW.

I'm going to have to steal that adjective!!! Pregnant roller skate! How apropos.

It comes down to a matter of taste (or lack thereof)! Butt-ugly is one phrase that applies: to me, the Lexus interior is falsely luxurious. Excessive details such as gleaming wood trim that scream: "Look at me!" are the antithesis of true luxury to me. In contrast, Audi, Land Rover, Volvo, Bentley and Aston Martin, among others, know how to design tasteful interiors.

But none of those makes offers the unique driving character of the X3 in an SUV package. And while I certainly didn't buy the X3 because of its interior, I appreciate it stylistically. It is not luxurious, but I believe that it presents a sleek, post-modern aesthetic that fits the no-nonsense driving personality of the X3. I am particularly impressed by the interplay of curvilinear surfaces.

Could the X3 benefit from higher grade, softer touch plastics? Yes, but I'm really not fussed about it. I LOVE driving this vehicle.

Look at the X3 with black on black and light birch wood trim and you'll like it a lot better.

Wife looked at Rx330 and the X3 and loved the Rx330 interior but then she took them both out for a ride and the X3 definitely put a smile on her face while the Rx was just a boring ride.

We spend way too much time in the car to settle for a boring ride.

actually I like the X5 interior also

thx... ill check it out...