Debuting in 1999 as the first ever BMW SUV, the X5 was BMW’s best-selling SUV in the U.S. all the way up until 2018. However, in 2018 the newest third-generation X3 overtook the X5 to become the best-selling BMW SUV, and also beat out the likes of the 3 series to become the best-selling BMW in North America.
The X3 is a compact luxury crossover SUV whereas the X5 is a midsize luxury SUV, meaning the X3 is smaller. Although that’s the main gist of it, let’s take a closer look at exactly what separates the two models.
Quick Summary
The BMW X5 is a midsize SUV that’s more powerful, more spacious and more expensive than the X3, which is BMW’s compact SUV offering.
Price
The X3 is the cheaper of the two and starts at $41,000 for the sDrive30i base model. To get the AWD xDrive30i, you’ll need to spend at least $43,000.
The X5 starts at $60,700 for the base xDrive40i.
Size
The smaller of the two, the BMW X3 measures 185.9 inches from front to back. By comparison, the X5 is almost 10 inches longer at 194.3 inches. The X5 is also around 3 inches taller and 4 inches wider than the X3.
The bigger X5 makes for a roomier interior but also makes it slightly less nimble and troublesome to park.
Passenger Space
Both cars can seat 5 passengers, but the X5 can optionally be fitted with a third row to give it a maximum seating capacity of 7 passengers.
While passengers will be comfortable in either model, the X5 offers slightly more generous shoulder room in both the front and back rows and more legroom in the back row.
Cargo Space
The X3 has a maximum cargo capacity of 62.7 cubic feet. The X5 has a maximum cargo capacity of 72.3 cubic feet.
To put that into perspective, the extra 10 cubic feet of space means the X5 can fit 1 additional large suitcase and 1 additional small suitcase.
Engine Performance
The BMW X3 30i is powered by a 2.0L I-4 engine that produces 248 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque. The larger X5 40i boasts a more powerful 3.0L V6 engine that produces 330 ft-lbs of torque. The X5 is naturally more hungry for petrol, getting just 20/26 mpg (city/hwy) vs the X3’s 23/30 mpg.
Drivetrain Availability
The base model X3, the sDrive30i is rear-wheel drive. However, the more popular X3 model is the slightly more expensive xDrive30i which is an all-wheel drive version of the sDrive30i.
The BMW X5 is currently only available with xDrive AWD. However, BMW do have plans to add a cheaper sDrive model to the X5 lineup in 2020.
Standard Features
Both models feature an extensive list of standard features for comfort and convenience:
- Voice activated navigation
- Bluetooth® connectivity
- Leatherette seat trim
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- HD Radio™
- SiriusXM®
- Apple CarPlay Compatibility
- Available advanced real-time traffic information
- Available head-up display
However, the base X5 model offers some additional standard amenities which are optioned extras for the X3:
- Heated front seats
- Panoramic Moonroof
- Active Blind Spot Detection
Direct Competitors
The BMW X3 competes with the likes of the Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Lincoln Corsair and Range Rover Velar in the compact luxury crossover SUV segment
On the other hand, the X5 competes in the midsize luxury SUV segment against the likes of the Audi Q7, Mercedes GLE and Lexus RX.
Conclusion
Most buyers should now have a good idea about which BMW SUV suits their needs better. The X5 is more spacious but costs significantly more and is less nimble than the X3 which is more convenient for inner-city driving. For those still undecided, booking a test drive at your local BMW dealership is the best way to get a feel for each SUV in person.
Comparison Table
| 2021 BMW X3 | 2021 BMW X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Trim | ||
| Price | $43000 | $59400 |
| Performance | ||
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas | 3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas |
| Horsepower | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm | 335 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm | 330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Handling | ||
| Steering Type | Rack-Pinion | Rack-Pinion |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-Link |
| Rear Wheel Size | P225/60HR18 | P265/50HR19 |
| Front Suspension | Strut | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheel Size | P225/60HR18 | P265/50HR19 |
| Turning Diameter (ft.) | 39.4 | 41.3 |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG/MPGe - Hwy | 29 | 26 |
| MPG/MPGe - City | 25 | 21 |
| MPG/MPGe - Combined | 27 | 23 |
| Gas Tank Size (gallons) | 17.2 | 21.9 |
| Cruising Range - Hwy (miles) | 498.8 | 569.4 |
| Size and Weight | ||
| Height (in.) | 66.0 | 68.7 |
| Length (in.) | 185.9 | 194.3 |
| Weight (lbs) | 3931 | 4828 |
| Max Width (in.) | 74.4 | 78.9 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 112.8 | 117.1 |
| Interior Dimensions | ||
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Seat Leg Room (in.) | 40.3 | 39.8 |
| Front Seat Head Room (in.) | 41.1 | 40.8 |
| Front Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 57.6 | 60.0 |
| Rear Seat Leg room (in.) | 36.4 | 37.4 |
| Rear Seat Head Room (in.) | 39.1 | 38.7 |
| Rear Seat Shoulder Room (in.) | 56.0 | 58.1 |
| Infotainment Features | ||
| HD Radio | Standard | Standard |
| MP3 Player | Standard | Standard |
| WiFi Hotspot | Standard | Optional |
| Satellite Radio | Standard | Standard |
| Bluetooth Connection | Standard | Standard |
| Entertainment System | Not Available | Not Available |
| Premium Sound System | Optional | Optional |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | Standard | Standard |
| Smart Device Integration | Standard | Standard |
| Hard Disk Drive Media Storage | Optional | Standard |
| Interior Trim | ||
| Cloth Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Vinyl Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Leather Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Premium Synthetic Seats | Standard | Standard |
| Bucket Seats | Standard | Not Available |
| Sun/Moonroof | Optional | Standard |
| Leather Steering Wheel | Standard | Standard |
| Woodgrain Interior Trim | Standard | Not Available |
| Comfort Features | ||
| A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Rear A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Telematics | Standard | Standard |
| Seat Memory | Standard | Standard |
| Seat-Massage | Not Available | Optional |
| Keyless Entry | Standard | Standard |
| Keyless Start | Standard | Standard |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Multi-Zone A/C | Standard | Standard |
| Power Liftgate | Standard | Standard |
| Climate Control | Standard | Standard |
| Head-Up Display | Optional | Optional |
| Power Mirror(s) | Standard | Standard |
| Automatic Parking | Optional | Optional |
| Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
| Power Driver Seat | Standard | Standard |
| Cooled Rear Seat(s) | Not Available | Not Available |
| Hands-Free Liftgate | Optional | Not Available |
| Heated Rear Seat(s) | Optional | Optional |
| Remote Engine Start | Not Available | Optional |
| Cooled Front Seat(s) | Optional | Optional |
| Heated Front Seat(s) | Optional | Standard |
| Power Passenger Seat | Standard | Standard |
| Remote Trunk Release | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Optional | Optional |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Optional | Optional |
| Navigation from Telematics | Not Available | Not Available |
| Universal Garage Door Opener | Standard | Standard |
| Steering Wheel Audio Controls | Standard | Standard |
| Safety Features | ||
| ABS | Standard | Standard |
| Brake Assist | Standard | Standard |
| Night Vision | Not Available | Not Available |
| Rear Parking Aid | Standard | Standard |
| Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
| Stability Control | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Cross-Traffic Alert | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Optional | Optional |
| Tire Pressure Monitor | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Airbags | ||
| Knee Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Driver Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Seatbelt 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 |
| Front Head Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| Front Side Air Bag | Standard | Standard |
| 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 |
