BMW X5 vs X7: Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re thinking about buying a luxury SUV, there’s a good chance that you’ve found yourself caught between the BMW X5 and the BMW X7. Both of these SUVs have a lot to offer, but they are built for slightly different audiences. BMW is known for its performance-oriented vehicles, and both the X5 and X7 are no exceptions. However, when you start looking at what these two SUVs bring to the table, the differences become clearer.
Which one should you go for? This article will compare the BMW X5 and BMW X7 in detail, helping you decide which one suits your lifestyle, needs, and budget. We’ll go through the major factors like performance, interior, safety features, price, and more. Let’s dive in.
Size and Design: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Exterior Design
The BMW X5 has long been known for its athletic and muscular design. It features sharp lines and a sporty stance that immediately sets it apart from more bulky and boxy SUVs. The X5 is definitely an eye-catcher, especially with BMW's signature kidney grille and sleek LED headlights.
On the other hand, the BMW X7 is larger and more imposing. While the X7 shares some design cues with the X5, such as the grille and headlights, its size makes a huge difference. The X7 is massive, and you won’t mistake it for anything else on the road. Its size makes it look more luxurious and commanding, but it’s also a lot more reserved in terms of sportiness.
"The BMW X7 is a beast, no doubt, but the X5 has a sportier vibe to it," says Alex Collantes, a car enthusiast who has driven both. "If you want something more aggressive and ready to take on tight city streets, go for the X5."
Interior Design and Space
X5 Interior
When you step inside the BMW X5, you’re greeted with a cabin that blends luxury and practicality. The seats are comfortable, supportive, and covered in high-quality materials. The driver-focused dashboard layout makes everything feel within reach, and BMW's iDrive system is one of the most intuitive in the market.
For a midsize SUV, the X5 offers decent room for passengers in both the front and rear. However, if you plan on using the third-row seating option, you should know that it’s cramped. The third row is more suited for kids than adults. Cargo space is competitive, but you’ll find larger offerings in some of the X5’s rivals.
X7 Interior
The BMW X7 takes luxury up a notch. It’s more spacious than the X5, with three rows of seating as standard. The third row is actually usable by adults—a major advantage for families or anyone who frequently hauls passengers. The materials used inside the X7 are top-notch, with options like leather upholstery, wood trim, and customizable ambient lighting.
The X7 also benefits from extra legroom and headroom in all three rows, making it more comfortable on long road trips. If you’re looking for a more spacious, opulent experience, the X7 is the way to go.
Drawbacks
- The BMW X5's third row is only available as an option, and it’s pretty tight for adult passengers. So if you need space for seven adults, the X5 might not cut it.
- The BMW X7's large size can be a hassle to maneuver in tight parking spots or narrow city streets. Its bulk makes it feel less agile than the X5.
Performance: Sporty vs Luxurious
Engine Options
Both the BMW X5 and BMW X7 offer a variety of engines, from the base inline-six to the mighty V8.
BMW X5 Engine Options:
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six: 335 horsepower
- Plug-in hybrid variant: 389 horsepower
- M50i model with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8: 523 horsepower
The X5 delivers sporty driving dynamics, especially with the V8 option. It’s quick, responsive, and handles surprisingly well for a midsize SUV. If you’re looking for a performance-oriented SUV, the X5 is the better option.
BMW X7 Engine Options:
- Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six: 375 horsepower
- Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 in the M60i: 523 horsepower
The X7's performance isn’t as focused on sportiness. While it can still be fast (especially with the V8 engine), it leans more toward providing a comfortable, smooth ride. The X7 isn’t as eager to be thrown into corners, but it excels at cruising on the highway or handling less-than-perfect roads with ease.
Driving Dynamics
X5 Driving Experience
The BMW X5 has a sportier driving experience than most SUVs in its class. It’s lighter, more agile, and responsive. The adaptive suspension in the X5 keeps the ride smooth, even over rough terrain, while the M Sport Package adds even more cornering capability and a more aggressive suspension setup.
X7 Driving Experience
The BMW X7 is more about comfort and luxury. Its air suspension provides a pillow-like ride, especially over long distances. You won’t feel the bumps or imperfections on the road as much as you might in the X5. However, this comfort comes at the expense of agility—the X7 feels heavier and less nimble than the X5.
Drawbacks
- The BMW X5’s sportier suspension may feel too firm for some drivers who prefer comfort over performance.
- The BMW X7’s large size and weight make it less nimble than the X5, and it can feel sluggish when making quick turns or in city traffic.
Technology and Features: Packed With Innovations
Infotainment System
Both the X5 and X7 come equipped with BMW's iDrive infotainment system, which is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry. The system features a large touchscreen, a rotary controller, voice commands, and even gesture controls.
X5 Technology
The BMW X5 offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Optional upgrades include a head-up display and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. While the system is packed with features, the sheer number of menus and submenus can be a bit overwhelming for some drivers.
X7 Technology
In the BMW X7, you’ll find the same 12.3-inch display, but with additional premium options like rear-seat entertainment, four-zone climate control, and massaging front seats. If you want a more tech-laden experience, the X7 edges out the X5 thanks to its advanced luxury features.
Drawbacks
- The BMW X5’s tech features are great, but some drivers might find the infotainment system difficult to navigate due to the extensive menus.
- The BMW X7’s optional tech upgrades can get expensive, pushing the price even higher for those who want the best of everything.
Safety Features: Top-Notch Protection
Both the BMW X5 and BMW X7 come equipped with a host of advanced safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
X5 Safety
The BMW X5 has earned high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. Its smaller size makes it slightly more agile in emergency maneuvers than the X7, which can be a plus in avoiding accidents.
X7 Safety
The BMW X7, being larger and heavier, provides an extra layer of safety due to its sheer size. However, it’s also harder to maneuver in tight spaces or emergency situations. The X7 does come with some additional safety features, such as driver attention monitoring and a 360-degree camera system, which can be particularly helpful given its size.
Drawbacks
- The BMW X5’s safety tech is top-notch, but the smaller third-row option can be a concern for those needing full-time third-row safety.
- The BMW X7’s large size can make it more difficult to park or navigate through tight spaces, even with its advanced safety features.
Fuel Economy: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
BMW X5 Fuel Economy
The BMW X5 has decent fuel economy for its class, especially if you opt for the plug-in hybrid model:
- X5 40i (inline-six): 23 MPG city / 29 MPG highway
- X5 plug-in hybrid: 50 MPGe combined
BMW X7 Fuel Economy
The BMW X7, due to its size and weight, is less fuel-efficient than the X5:
- X7 40i (inline-six): 21 MPG city / 25 MPG highway
- X7 M60i (V8): 15 MPG city / 21 MPG highway
If fuel efficiency is important to you, the BMW X5 clearly has the upper hand, particularly with the plug-in hybrid option.
Drawbacks
- The BMW X5’s hybrid model comes with a higher upfront cost, and it’s only worth it if you plan on using electric mode frequently.
- The BMW X7’s fuel economy is not great, especially if you go for the V8 engine, which is thirsty for fuel.
Price and Value: Is Bigger Worth the Extra Money?
When it comes to pricing, the BMW X5 is generally more affordable than the BMW X7. Here’s a breakdown of starting prices:
- BMW X5: Starts at around $65,000
- BMW X7: Starts at around $82,000
While the X7 is larger and more luxurious, that extra size and comfort come at a steep price. For many buyers, the X5 will offer more than enough luxury and space at a more reasonable price.
Drawbacks
- The BMW X5’s price can rise quickly if you start adding options, and it can reach near X7 territory if you go for the V8 engine.
- The BMW X7’s higher base price makes it less accessible, and adding extras will push it even higher into six-figure territory.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
The decision between the BMW X5 and BMW X7 boils down to your needs. If you’re looking for a sportier driving experience with decent cargo space and the option for third-row seating (for occasional use), the BMW X5 is the way to go. It’s agile, powerful, and more affordable, making it the best choice for most buyers.
However, if you need a larger, more luxurious vehicle that can comfortably seat seven adults, the BMW X7 offers an opulent experience with more space and comfort. Just be prepared to pay a premium, both in terms of the purchase price and fuel economy.
In the end, Alex Collantes sums it up well: "The X7 is your luxury cruiser, while the X5 is more of your sporty, go-anywhere SUV." Your choice depends on what you value most in an SUV: agility and price, or size and luxury.
References
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