Many people prefer an SUV over a sedan because of its overall comfort and safety. Luxury brands like BMW offer a variety of SUVs that make it difficult for buyers to select the best car for their needs and demands. Regardless, which BMW SUV is better – BMW X5 or X3?
BMW X5 is much bigger, more powerful, and more comfortable than the BMW X5. On the contrary, the BMW X3 is cheaper, more compact, and more reliable than the BMW X5. Therefore, the final choice depends on what you’re looking for.
Both cars offer comfortable interiors, exceptional performance, advanced technology, and safety. However, the BMW X5 is more practical than the BMW X3 because of its size. On the other hand, the BMW X3 is the perfect daily driver as it is more compact and easier to pack around the city.
Which car is better – BMW X5 or BMW X3?
Appearance
Both SUVs look elegant on the exterior and it’s just a matter of taste and preference. Nonetheless, the BMW X5 has a slight edge as it looks more luxurious than the BMW X3. Besides, it is also quite bigger and more intimidating than the X3.
The BMW X5 features a large kidney grille at the front, Icon adaptive FULL-LED adaptive headlights, LED fog lights, panoramic moonroof, adaptive brake lights at the rear, and 19-inch alloy wheels with BMW branding.
On the other hand, the BMW X3 also comes with a modestly sized kidney grille, LED headlights with a cornering function, LED fog lights, satin aluminum roof rails, chrome exhaust tips, and 18-inch Y-spoke wheels with BMW branding. Some people may prefer the BMW X3 look over the BMW X5 look.
When it comes to the interior, both SUVs look classy and feature Vernasca leather seats and a leather dashboard. Even though these cars share most of the interior features, the BMW X5 has some features such as heated front seats as standard, while the X3 has them as options.
Surprisingly, the BMW X3 also has some features that the X5 lacks. For instance, the BMW X3 comes with 12-speakers as standard, while the BMW X5 comes with only 10-speakers as standard.
Performance
As expected, the BMW X5 performs way better than the BMW X3. Both models have a wider range of drivetrains, giving buyers several options depending on their budget and preference. Despite BMW X5 having lots of powerful trims, the BMW X3 trims also perform at almost the same level as the BMW X5 trims.
The base BMW X3 trim, the sDrive30i comes with a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 gas engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. It also delivers a maximum of 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 149 mph.
The high-end trim for the BMW X3 is the M40i with a 3.0-liter inline-6 gas engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. It produces up to 382 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.
On the contrary, the BMW X5 base model, the sDrive40i comes with a 3.0-liter inline-6 gas engine AND 8-speed automatic transmission. It can produce up to 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. It also has a top speed of 130 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.3 seconds.
While the high-end trim for the BMW X5, the M50i is fitted with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 gas engine that is extremely powerful. This engine delivers up to 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.
Comfort and Cargo Space
In terms of comfort and cargo space, the BMW X5 is the winner as it’s more spacious than the BMW X3. Besides, the BMW X5 has an option for third-row, while the BMW X3 doesn’t have. Additionally, the X5 has more trunk space with or without folding the rear seats.
Price
Since the BMW X5 is bigger, more powerful, and more secure, it is more expensive than the smaller but reliable BMW X5. The base BMW X3 goes for about $$43,000, while the base BMW X5 goes for about $60,300.
FAQ
Which car is more reliable – BMW X5 or X3?
BMW as a model is among the least reliable luxury car brands. Nonetheless, the BMW X3 is more reliable than the BMW X5. This is because the X3 ranks slightly above average on the reliability score, while the X5 ranks below average. Also, the X5 registers more issues than the X3 over the same period.
Which car is faster – BMW X5 or BMW X3?
The BMW X5 is faster than the X3. The BMW X5 performance trim, the M50i offers a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 3.8 seconds. Contrarily, the BMW X3’s performance variant, the M40i can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.
Which car is cheaper to maintain – BMW X3 or X5?
The BMW X3 is much cheaper to maintain than the BMW X5. Unlike the BMW X5, the X3 reports fewer issues per 100 vehicles. Besides, it is one of the most reliable BMW SUVs on the market. On the contrary, BMW X5 is the least reliable BMW model.
Which car is more fuel-efficient – BMW X5 or X3?
Of course, the BMW X3 is more fuel-efficient than the BMW X5. It has an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and a combined 24 mpg. On the other hand, the BMW X5 has a rating of 21mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and a combined 23 mpg.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a BMW SUV for daily driving, the BMW X3 is the best car for you. Not only is this car compact for easy parking, but it is also more reliable than the BMW X5. But if you desire a more practical, powerful, and secure SUV, the BMW X5 is the best bet.
