BMW X3 Vs X5: Comparing BMW's Two Best-Selling SUVs

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.

X3

X5

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.

X3

X5

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.

X3

X5

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	sDrive30ixDrive30iM40i	sDrive40ixDrive40ixDrive45e Plug-In HybridM50i
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