BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series
Two legendary sedans, but which one should you choose?
The Lowdown
The BMW 3 series is a compact size family sedan, whereas the BMW 5 series is a midsize family sedan. That means the 5 Series has more interior space and cargo room, as well as bigger engine options. It also has a higher price tag, though more luxurious features come as standard – like leather seats.
2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan 330i Sedan
- MSRP
- $41,250
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Horsepower
- 255
- Weight
- 3,582 lbs
- Seating
- 5
- MPG (City/Hwy)
- 26 / 36
2021 BMW 5 Series Sedan 530i Sedan
- MSRP
- $54,200
- Body Type
- Sedan
- Horsepower
- 248
- Weight
- 3,765 lbs
- Seating
- 5
- MPG (City/Hwy)
- 25 / 33
Note: Images shown may not represent trims
The BMW 3 Series and 5 Series are the two best selling BMW cars in the US. Sales figures are extremely close, with the 5 Series occasionally outselling the 3 Series, but for the most part the cheaper 3 Series is the more popular sedan.
They’re both luxurious, 4-door family sedans from German automobile manufacturer BMW that can seat up to five passengers. Let’s take a more detailed look at the differences between the two BMW models.
Price
Just as you’d expect from the smaller BMW sedan, the 3 Series starts cheaper, costing $41,250 for the 2021 330i base model. For another $2000 you can get the xDrive 330i which features BMW’s patented all-wheel drive technology.
The larger BMW 5 Series starts at $54,200 for the 2021 base model 530i. There are also all-wheel drive 5 series, with the xDrive 530i starting at $56,500.
Both cars have a generous list of standard features including active cruise control, satellite navigation and Bluetooth. However, the optional extras are relatively more expensive on the 5 Series which can further widen the price gap between the two models.
Design
Both cars are distinctly BMW, with trademark dual kidney front grilles and two tailpipes at the back. BMW recently updated both models, with the 3 Series entering its seventh generation (G20) in 2018 and the 5 Series entering its seventh generation (G30) a year earlier in 2017. In 2021, the 5 series gets a light facelift which gives it a sharper look.
The smaller 3 Series looks relatively nimble and sporty, whereas the 5 Series has a slightly smarter, high-class appearance. The most noticeable difference is perhaps the taillight design, where the 3 Series goes with a slimmer, more squared off look compared to the more classic BMW taillight design seen in the 5 Series.
Interior
Since both cars were recently refreshed, the interiors are modern and uncluttered, with exquisite detailing and high-quality materials that you’d expect from a luxury car.
The additional leather and bigger panelling inside the cabin of the 5 Series gives it a slightly classier feel, but the difference in overall quality isn’t big.
However, the technology on the 5 Series is more impressive, featuring the likes of a bigger 10.25-inch central display (vs the 8.8-inch display of the 3 Series), 2 additional speakers, and Android Auto compatibility (which you don’t find on the 3 series).
Passenger and Cargo Space
Although both sedans can seat 5 passengers, those in the back of the 5 Series will appreciate the extra 1.3 inches of legroom.
Shoulder room is also significantly more generous in the 5 Series, with the driver and front row passenger getting an extra 2.7 inches while rear row passengers get an extra 1.3 inches.
Both cars have a 40/20/40 configuration rear row, but the 5 Series really shines when carrying 5 passengers thanks to its wider middle seat.
As for cargo, the 5 Series has one of the largest trunks in its class, measuring 18.7 cubic feet. However, the latest 3 Series has increased its trunk size by almost 4 cubic feet, going from 13 cubic feet to 16.9 cubic feet. That makes its trunk much bigger than comparable compact sedans like the Audi A4, and much more akin to a midsize sedan.
Both the 3 Series and 5 Series feature split-folding seats which gives you further space and flexibility for hauling larger objects.
Under The Hood
Engine options for the BMW 3 Series is limited to a 2.0-liter Turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. That is unless you go with the ‘M Performance’ version of the 3 Series, the M340i, which houses a 3.0-liter turbo inline 6-cylinder engine.
By contrast, the 5 Series has a much wider range of engine options. The 530i features the same B48B20 engine found in the 330i, but the 530e hybrid pairs this engine with an electric motor and the 540i offers a 3.0-liter turbo I-6. The M Performance version of the 5 Series, the M550i, houses a beastly 4.4-liter V-8.
For 2021, BMW have also added a 48v hybrid system to the 540i which provides a small boost to its performance.
Top speed and acceleration depend on the engine, but given the same engine (as is the case with the 330i and 530i) the lighter 330i is slightly faster, going from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the 530i.
Both vehicles pair their engines with a 8-speed Automatic transmission with automatic Sport and Manual shift modes.
Drive Experience
BMW has built their reputation of their excellent driving dynamics, and it is difficult to think of any sedan that is more fun to drive than either of these BMWs. Transmission feels very responsive, suspension is comfortable (and sufficiently stiff when thrown into sport mode) while the turning radius is nice and tight.
Thanks to its smaller body, the 3 Series is slightly more agile and better at handling corners, but the 5 Series also delivers a thrilling experience on the road.
Verdict
Both the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series are excellent sedans in their own right.
The 3 Series is more affordable, and its smaller chassis makes it more agile and convenient to drive on narrow city streets.
On the other hand, paying more for the 5 Series gives you extra room inside and more presence on the road. It also has more luxuries as standard which is another point to factor into your purchase decision.
We highly recommend visiting your BMW dealership and booking a test drive. Seeing and driving these cars in person can really help you make a decision if you are still on the fence.
Full Comparison Table
2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan 330i Sedan | 2021 BMW 5 Series Sedan 530i Sedan | |
---|---|---|
Performance | ||
Engine | 2.0-liter Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 2.0-liter Turbo Inline-4 Gas |
Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1550 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Handling | ||
Steering Type | Rack-Pinion | Rack-Pinion |
Turning Diameter (ft.) | 37.4 | 39.4 |
Front Suspension | Strut | Double Wishbone |
Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-Link |
Front Wheel Size | 18" x 7.5" | 18" x 8" |
Rear Wheel Size | 18" x 7.5" | 18" x 8" |
Front Tire | P225/45HR18 | P245/45HR18 |
Rear Tire | P225/45HR18 | P245/45HR18 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG - Combined | 30 | 28 |
MPG - City | 26 | 25 |
MPG - Hwy | 36 | 33 |
Gas Tank Size (gallons) | 15.6 | 18 |
Cruising Range - City (miles) | 405.6 | 450 |
Cruising Range - Hwy (miles) | 561.6 | 594 |
CO2 Emissions, 15K mi/year (tons) | 5.9 | 6.4 |
Exterior Dimensions | ||
Length (in.) | 185.7 | 195.8 |
Height (in.) | 56.8 | 58.2 |
Max Width (in.) | 71.9 | 73.5 |
Front Width (in.) | 62.3 | 63.2 |
Rear Width (in.) | 62.9 | 64.2 |
Wheelbase (in.) | 112.2 | 117.1 |
Weight (lbs.) | 3582 | 3765 |
Interior Dimensions | ||
Passenger Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Cargo Volume | 17 | 14 |
Legroom - front (in.) | 42 | 41.4 |
Headroom - front (in.) | 38.7 | 38.8 |
Shoulder Room - front (in.) | 56 | 58.7 |
Legroom - rear (in.) | 35.2 | 36.5 |
Headroom - rear (in.) | 37.6 | 37.5 |
Shoulder Room - rear (in.) | 54.6 | 55.9 |
Infotainment | ||
Bluetooth | Standard | Standard |
Hard Disk Drive | Optional | Standard |
HD Radio | Standard | Standard |
Satellite Radio | Standard | Standard |
MP 3 Player | Standard | Standard |
Premium Sound System | Optional | Optional |
Wifi Hotspot | Optional | Standard |
Aux Audio In | Standard | Standard |
Entertainment System | Not Available | Not Available |
Comfort | ||
Head Up Display | Optional | Optional |
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Standard | Standard |
Power Liftgate | Not Available | Not Available |
Power Mirror S | Standard | Standard |
A C | Standard | Standard |
Adaptive Cruise Control | Optional | Optional |
Automatic Parking | Optional | Optional |
Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
Cooled Front Seat S | Not Available | Optional |
Cooled Rear Seat S | Not Available | Not Available |
Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
Hands Free Liftgate | Optional | Not Available |
Heated Front Seat S | Optional | Optional |
Heated Rear Seat S | Optional | Optional |
Heated Steering Wheel | Optional | Optional |
Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
Multi Zone A C | Standard | Standard |
Power Driver Seat | Standard | Standard |
Power Passenger Seat | Standard | Standard |
Remote Engine Start | Optional | Optional |
Remote Trunk Release | Optional | Not Available |
Seat Memory | Standard | Standard |
Universal Garage Door Opener | Standard | Standard |
Seat Massage | Not Available | Optional |
Rear A C | Standard | Not Available |
Keyless Start | Standard | Standard |
Navigation From Telematics | Not Available | Not Available |
Telematics | Standard | Standard |
Interior Trim | ||
Bucket Seats | Standard | Standard |
Cloth Seats | Standard | Standard |
Leather Seats | Standard | Standard |
Leather Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
Premium Synthetic Seats | Standard | Standard |
Vinyl Seats | Standard | Standard |
Woodgrain Interior Trim | Not Available | Not Available |
Sun Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Back Up Camera | Standard | Standard |
Cross Traffic Alert | Not Available | Not Available |
Rear Parking Aid | Optional | Standard |
Blind Spot Monitor | Optional | Standard |
Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
Lane Keeping Assist | Optional | Standard |
ABS | Standard | Standard |
Night Vision | Not Available | Not Available |
Tire Pressure Monitor | Standard | Standard |
Brake Assist | Standard | Standard |
Stability Control | Standard | Standard |
Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
Airbags | ||
Driver Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Front Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Front Side Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Knee Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
Passenger Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Rear Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
Rear Side Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
Seatbelt Air Bag | Not Available | Not Available |
Warranty | ||
Basic | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Corrosion | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Drivetrain | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles |
Maintenance | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Roadside Assistance | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |