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    Lexus NX 300h Hybrid Vs BMW X3, Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 Diesel: Real-world Performance Comparison

    Published On Nov 02, 2018 05:29 PM By CarDekho for Lexus NX 2017-2022

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    Can a petrol-hybrid SUV match the performance of its diesel rivals in the real world? We find out

    As Delhi-NCR continues to grapple with alarming levels of air-pollution, electric vehicles, or EVs, are being considered as the future of mobility. However, EVs are still plagued with issues such as range anxiety and lack of adequate charging infrastructure, resulting in a very low adoption rate. However, these issues do not affect hybrid vehicles. Hence, we feel they make more sense for India while being kinder to the environment as well.

    BMW X3

    But can a hybrid SUV perform as well as a diesel one? To settle the debate, we’ve compared the road test data of the petrol-hybrid Lexus NX 300h with its diesel rivals such as the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and the Volvo XC60. But before diving into their performance and mileage figures, let's take a look at the powertrain of these SUVs.

    Specifications

     

    Lexus NX 300h

    BMW X3

    Audi Q5

    Volvo XC60

    Engine

    2.5-litre petrol

    2.0-litre diesel

    2.0-litre diesel

    2.0-litre diesel

    Electric Motor

    Two (one each at both axles)

    --

    --

    --

    Power

    197PS (combined)

    190PS

    190PS

    235PS

    Torque

    210Nm

    400Nm

    400Nm

    480Nm

    Transmission

    e-CVT

    8-speed AT

    7-speed DSG

    8-speed AT

    Lexus NX 300h

    Real-world Performance

    Model

    0-100kmph

    20-80kmph (kick down)

    Quarter Mile

    Lexus NX 300h

    10.16s

    7.13s

    17.24s

    BMW X3

    8.25s

    5.46s

    16.06s

    Audi Q5

    8.37s

    6.02s

    16.12s

    Volvo XC60

    8.54s

    5.5s

    16.05s

    In our tests, the NX turned out to be the slowest of all. This could be down to the fact that it lags behind the others when it comes torque figures.

    Audi Q5

    As far as 0-100kmph and 20-80kmph figures are concerned, the BMW X3 is the fastest SUV here. It is also just 0.01 second slower than XC60 in the standing quarter mile.

    Despite being the most powerful here, the XC60 is not only behind the X3 in terms of performance, but it also loses to the Q5 in 0-100kmph timings. But the Volvo hits back at the Q5 by shaving 0.52 seconds from Audi’s 20-80kmph time.   

    Braking

    All SUVs get similar braking equipment. They are equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear.

     

    100-0kmph

    80-0kmph

    Lexus NX 300h

    38.91m

    25.08m

    BMW X3

    36.28m

    23.10m

    Audi Q5

    40.61m

    25.07m

    Volvo XC60

    38.02m

    23.54m

    Volvo XC60

    The BMW is not only the quickest in gaining speed, but it is also the quickest to lose it. It takes the least distance to come to a halt from 80kmph and 100kmph. The Q5, on the other hand, takes the longest distance to come to a halt from 100kmph, while the NX 300h takes the most time from 80kmph.

    Fuel Economy

     

    City Mileage (tested)

    Highway Mileage (tested)

    Lexus NX 300h

    13.13kmpl

    18.42kmpl

    BMW X3

    11.56kmpl

    18.24kmpl

    Audi Q5

    12.29kmpl

    16.11kmpl

    Volvo XC60

    11.43kmpl

    15.11kmpl

    Fuel expense: Here’s how much you’ll have to spend on if you plan to clock an average of 1000km every month based on three different driving patterns (based on real-world fuel efficiency figures listed above). The calculation has been done by considering the price of a litre of petrol at Rs 80 and diesel at Rs 74.

    Car

    City:Highway

    City:Highway

    City:Highway

     

    70:30

    50:50

    30:70

    Lexus NX 300h

    Rs 5568

    Rs 5218

    Rs 4868

    BMW X3

    Rs 5698

    Rs 5229

    Rs 4760

    Audi Q5

    Rs 5593

    Rs 5307

    Rs 5022

    Volvo XC60

    Rs 6001

    Rs 5686

    Rs 5370

    The Lexus gives the diesel-powered SUVs listed here a tough fight when it comes to fuel efficiency figures. Based on our calculations, we’ve found out that the running expenses of the hybrid SUV costs the same as its diesel rivals. However, that’s despite the price of petrol being higher than diesel. But if 70 per cent of your daily commute is on highways, the BMW X3 diesel turns out to be cheaper to run than the hybrid Lexus NX.

    Audi Q5

    Verdict: Going by the findings, we can safely conclude that the Lexus NX hybrid doesn’t really match the performance of its diesel rivals. If it’s outright performance you are looking for, you should settle for one of the diesel SUVs listed here as the Lexus is the slowest when it comes to 0-100kmph, 20-80kmph and quarter mile sprints.

    BMW X3

    However, if you’re looking for a mid-size luxury SUV for the daily grind that also makes fewer trips to the fuel station, you should consider the Lexus NX 300h. While the Lexus’ running cost isn’t significantly lower than other diesel SUVs, it will be gentler on the environment. What’s more, in states like Delhi, you can register it for 15 years when compared to 10 years for diesel-powered cars!

    Also Read: Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain vs Volvo V90 Cross Country: Specification Comparison

    Read More on : NX Automatic

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