BMW X5 vs X3: Which One Suits Your Lifestyle?

When you're looking at BMW's lineup of luxury SUVs it can be tough to decide which one is right for you The BMW X5 and BMW X3 are two standout options in the brand's popular X series Each offers a unique driving experience technology and performance yet they cater to different types of drivers

So which one is the better choice? It really depends on your needs lifestyle and budget We're here to help break down the differences between the BMW X5 and BMW X3 comparing key aspects like performance interior space features and pricing so you can make an informed decision

Overview: BMW X5 vs BMW X3

Before diving into the nitty-gritty let's take a quick look at both models

The BMW X5 is a midsize luxury SUV offering more space power and features It's great for families or anyone who needs a bit more room It's also perfect if you want something that can handle long road trips comfortably while offering impressive performance

On the other hand the BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV It's smaller than the X5 but still offers plenty of features and a sporty driving experience It's ideal for city dwellers or people who don’t need the extra space but still want a luxury SUV that's nimble and easy to park

Alex Collantes who has owned both models shared his thoughts "I loved the power and presence of the X5 but the X3 really fits my lifestyle better in the city I don't need the extra space and it's easier to navigate through traffic"

Performance

Engine Options and Power

When it comes to performance both the BMW X5 and BMW X3 offer impressive engines but there are key differences

• BMW X5: The X5 offers a range of powerful engine options starting with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 335 horsepower For those wanting even more power the X5 M50i comes with a 4.4-liter V8 engine that churns out 523 horsepower making it a beast on the road For eco-conscious drivers there's also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant the X5 xDrive45e which combines electric efficiency with BMW’s traditional performance

• BMW X3: The X3 isn't lacking in the power department either The base model comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 248 horsepower If you’re looking for more thrills the X3 M40i bumps that up to 382 horsepower thanks to a 3.0-liter inline-six engine There’s even a high-performance X3 M with up to 503 horsepower but this is more comparable to the X5 M when it comes to pure performance

Verdict on Power

If you're seeking a powerhouse SUV the X5 wins in terms of raw performance particularly with its V8 and hybrid options The X3 however offers a more than capable drive for most daily tasks and still delivers plenty of fun behind the wheel especially with the M40i trim

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important factor especially with gas prices always fluctuating

• BMW X5: The X5 is understandably less fuel-efficient due to its larger size and more powerful engines The base X5 gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg on the highway which drops when you opt for the V8-powered versions The plug-in hybrid variant however offers 50+ MPGe in electric mode

• BMW X3: The X3 is more fuel-efficient particularly with the four-cylinder engine It delivers up to 29 mpg on the highway making it a better option if fuel economy is a priority for you

Fuel Economy Verdict

The X3 edges out the X5 here especially if you're watching your fuel budget The X5 PHEV does offer a greener alternative but it comes at a higher price point

Interior & Comfort

Both the BMW X5 and BMW X3 come with luxurious interiors packed with high-quality materials and the latest tech features but there are differences in size and space that could sway your decision

Interior Space

• BMW X5: As a midsize SUV the X5 offers more room inside There’s ample legroom for both front and rear passengers making it a great choice for families or anyone who plans on taking long trips It also offers 72.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down giving you plenty of room for luggage sports equipment or groceries

• BMW X3: The X3 being a compact SUV offers less space but it's still roomy for its class There’s 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are down and the rear seats are comfortable enough for most adults The X3 feels more compact in the cabin but it’s still a luxury space

Comfort Verdict

If you need more room or plan to use the third-row seating option then the BMW X5 is the better choice But if you don't need as much space and want something easier to manage in tight spaces the X3 offers a perfectly luxurious experience too

Technology & Features

Both models come with BMW's iDrive infotainment system but the X5 has a larger screen and more available features

• BMW X5: The X5 comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all trims Advanced tech options include a head-up display and gesture control for adjusting volume and settings The X5 also offers more driver assistance features as standard like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist

• BMW X3: The X3 offers an 8.8-inch display as standard though it can be upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen It also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto The X3’s tech is slightly less cutting-edge than the X5 but still very modern for the compact SUV class

Tech Verdict

The X5 wins on the tech front offering more advanced features and larger displays However the X3 still provides plenty of technology for most people and doesn’t feel outdated

Pricing

Starting Prices

• BMW X5: The X5 starts at around $65,000 for the base model but can easily climb past $85,000 if you opt for higher trims or the V8 engine
• BMW X3: The X3 is more affordable starting at about $48,000 but the price can reach around $75,000 for the fully-loaded X3 M

Pricing Verdict

The BMW X3 is the more budget-friendly option here If you want the luxury BMW experience but without breaking the bank the X3 is an excellent choice The X5, however is the better option if you're willing to invest more for the added performance and space

Drawbacks of Each Model

No car is perfect so let's take a look at some of the potential downsides of both models

BMW X5 Drawbacks

• Price: The X5 is significantly more expensive than the X3 especially if you opt for higher trims and features
• Fuel Efficiency: The X5 isn't as fuel-efficient as smaller SUVs and the V8 versions can be quite thirsty
• Size: While its larger size provides more space it also makes the X5 less nimble and harder to park in tight spaces compared to the X3

BMW X3 Drawbacks

• Interior Space: While the X3 is roomy for a compact SUV it's still smaller than the X5 If you regularly need to transport more passengers or cargo you might find the X3 too small
• Performance: The X3’s base engine is adequate but lacks the power and thrill of the X5’s larger engine options especially if you’re someone who loves to drive aggressively
• Features: The X3 doesn’t come with as many advanced tech features as the X5 some of which aren't even available as options

Final Thoughts: Which BMW SUV is Right for You?

So should you choose the BMW X5 or the BMW X3? It comes down to your personal needs

If you need more space more power and are willing to pay for it the BMW X5 is an excellent choice It’s perfect for families and those who love long-distance road trips in style However if you’re looking for something more affordable easier to park and more fuel-efficient the BMW X3 is a fantastic option

As Alex Collantes said "It’s all about what you need day to day I went with the X3 because it fits better into my city life but I’d definitely recommend the X5 if you’ve got more space to work with or want that extra luxury"

In the end both SUVs offer the luxury and performance that BMW is known for and you really can't go wrong with either