I cross shopped it.

when I was in the market, you could not get the driving aids I wanted. You needed two of them, driving aid and driving aid plus (I forget the BMW terminology), in my area, NYC Metro, only one car had plus, and it was over 55K for what amounted to the RDX Tech, without as good a radio, but with HUD.

I thought the BMW drove a bit better, but not much. The nav was way better, since you can zoom in and out, voice commands were better. IIRC it also had folding mirrors. To me, it wasn’t worth the 10K difference. But that was this past summer and I felt that I couldn’t wait to see what the 19s came with, or what ordering would result. Negatives to me were run flats, subscription car play, and the nickle and dime method of options and packages.

FWIW, I had ordered my BMW 535 and was able to pick and choose what I wanted, but that was a fairly long process.

I Drive has a learning curve for sure, but once learned it is a very good system.

I drove a 2018 X3 for a month prior to purchasing my RDX Advance.

The X3 drives better - the handling and the gearing are perfect.

After using the Acura Android system for a month I’d also say I prefer the BMW idrive system. The RDX system is slow and buggy.

If budget is primary concern I’d go RDX, otherwise I think the X3 wins.

I had a terrible time ($28k in repairs over 5yrs) with my 2013 X5.....so I basically vowed to change brands....really the only reason I didn’t go with the X3 m40i. I was hoping for better reliability, but not sure that is going to happen.

Hahah I understand that feeling. They took the engine out of my X5 three times in 50,000 miles to fix oil leaks. Now there is a class action lawsuit against them for my year of X5. Crazy.

But man, when they are working well, nothing compares to the driving experience.

If if you are considering an SQ5 - I’d definitely go that route.

The RDX is a great car, but it’s still not on the level of BMW, Audi, Porsche IMO.

I had 125K on an 11 year old 535 with no major repairs. But service was expensive, and I was looking at near 5K in up oming service for an 11 year old car, and wanted modern driving aids and conveniences. So I pulled the trigger.

It drove great, and was more comfortable at 130 mph than I was (on the autobahn, European Delivery) and more comfortable at 85 than my wife’s Accord at 65. BMWs drive great, simple as that.

I don’t get it why ppl says “The X3 drives better - better handling etc.” Is it really?

Drive them both on the same day and focus on how they drive. Many people think the X3 drives better. Better enough to overcome everything else? Not to me. The RDX drives very well indeed.

Exactly I don’t feel like X3 drive and handle better, I drove it too ..

RDX is a good car that provides a good driving experience, but after driving a 2018 X3 for a full month prior to purchasing me RDX Advance - I’m certain the X3 driving experience is superior.

Two main aspects:

1. Gearing - the X3 is always in the perfect gear. The RDX has issues with its 10 speed - specifically selecting the right gear when coming out of a turn and shifting into reverse (takes at least 2-3 seconds).

2. Sport modes - the X3 sport mode is more refined. In the RDX in Sport+ the engine is too loud and the power delivery is no where near to as smooth as in the X3. The RDX throttle is jumpy in sport+.

I still bought the RDX, because I swore off BMW due to my previous issues with my X5, but if cost is not your primary concern - go with the X3.

There are many aspects to driving experience including engine, transmission, steering (response & feedback), suspension, weight, FWD vs RWD bias, etc. X3 wins in some areas (from my standpoint engine, transmission, chassis) and the RDX wins in others (steering feedback and suspension). BMW's steering is the numbest in the business and their suspensions are weird -- either too hard or very floaty. I had an X3 as a loaner when I serviced my 328i and I wasn't impressed. Given the number of factors, it's pretty subjective as to which car one prefers. BMW has done an awesome marketing job to make folks think their cars are the ultimate driving machine, but since the last generation, even their M cars don't provide the same connected and planted feel as they used to.

There are a few areas where BMW does do better -- their infotainment system seems better thought out and is consistently implemented across all cars. Acura has different systems in different cars and the systems have many weirdnesses. When I am in the middle of a phone call, e.g., I lose my access to the navigation system. The rear camera only works when moving backwards; with BMW it stays on when moving forward at low speed which helps align the car. Also the lines are more precise with the BMW--the guide lines show exactly where the wheels are. And I'm not even a big user of the infotainment.

But if I was going German, I would choose Porsche followed by Audi followed by BMW followed by VW. But before any of those, I would take a good look at the Alfa Stelvio and the Jaguar F-Pace.

I came to RDX for seat comfort, for value, and find the ride more than acceptable. I had read good things about SH-AWD and it doesn't disappoint. On the test drive, I found the engine and transmission OK, and the suspension was good for daily driving. My days of taking curves as fast I could are over (back issues). The car is a bit heavy and the mpg is on the low side, but I knew both of those things going in.

Yes, but not available in my lowly Tech with only the rear camera.