X6 E71 vs RX III (AL10): which is better?
BMW X6 E71 (2008–2014) vs Lexus RX III (AL10) (2009–2015): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW X6 E71
Lexus RX III (AL10)Specifications
| BMW X6 E71 | Lexus RX III (AL10) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2008–2014 | 2009–2015 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.0 Turbo (35i) | 3.5 V6 (RX350) |
| Power, up to | 306 hp | 277 hp |
| Torque, up to | 400 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 877 mm | 4 770 mm |
| Width | 1 983 mm | 1 885 mm |
| Height | 1 690 mm | 1 720 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 933 mm | 2 740 mm |
| Fuel tank | 85 L | 72 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 42 425 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW X6 E71
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 306 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 85 L
Cons
- Engine BMW N54/N55 (3.0 Turbo): oil leaks from the filter housing and oil cooler
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Engine (BMW N54/N55 (3.0 Turbo)): oil leaks from the filter housing and heat exchanger; wastegate rattle; electric water pump failure; on the N54 — injectors and high-pressure fuel pump.
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Lexus RX III (AL10)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 277 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 72 L
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- X6 E71 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: X6 E71 or RX III (AL10)?
X6 E71: up to 306 hp, RX III (AL10): up to 277 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: X6 E71 — about 42 425 ₸, RX III (AL10) — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.