BMW X3 VS. BMW X5 SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON: DIMENSIONS, SPECS & MORE
Shopping for your next premium vehicle is much easier once you check out our BMW X3 vs. BMW X5 guide. These two-row luxury SUVs offer spacious cabins and great screen coverage with the legendary BMW Curved Display. However, where the BMW X5 takes that size to the next level and powers it with more potent engine options, the BMW X3 adds value with higher MPG ratings and competitive features. Whether you're looking for a more maneuverable option or a luxury sport-ute for your growing family, our BMW SUV lineup at Berkshire BMW has the selection you're after.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BMW X3 AND BMW X5 AT A GLANCE
- Both SUVs provide signature BMW appeal. The BMW X3 embraces a more futuristic look with the available BMW Iconic Glow Kidney Grille. The BMW X5 is more classically subdued but still provides an aerodynamic exterior.
- The BMW X5 has 7 inches of length on the BMW X3, but the smaller SUV keeps things comfy with comparable legroom and similar cargo space.
- The BMW X5 offers higher horsepower and torque overall, while the BMW X3 has a better gas-only MPG rating.
- Both SUVs offer exceptional standard and available features, from the BMW Curved Display to the gorgeous Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof.
BMW X3 VS. BMW X5 EXTERIOR STYLE
The first part of a BMW SUV is how it looks on the outside, and both the BMW X3 and BMW X5 strive to never disappoint. Each model takes a sleek, athletic approach, with a roof that slowly curves into a point, the legendary kidney grille crafted carefully on the front, and simple yet memorable lines crossing the accents of each model.
However, there are notable differences between each style, largely arising from the 2025 redesign of the BMW X3. For instance, the kidney grille of the smaller SUV has horizontal, diagonal, and vertical struts, adding a fresh touch to a legendary design. The headlights are broader and more expressive, with an L-shaped, overlapping light source crafting careful illumination. The bold, deep sport skirts ride the bottom of each door, while the flared rear arches create an impression of a wide exterior. When you lease a new BMW X3, you can expect these expressive stylings and so much more – without the commitment of a financing plan.
The BMW X5, meanwhile, comports with more standard BMW flair. The kidney grille is vertical, the headlights narrow yet sharpened. It lacks the side skirts of the BMW X3, but the powerful wheel arches still create an enhanced exterior, sure to leave an impression on the highway and every city street. Lease a new BMW X5, and you can bring this appealing design to your garage for years to come. Then, you can decide whether you want to upgrade to the most current year, buy it outright, or return it for another option.
BMW X3 VS. BMW X5 DIMENSIONS
To start, let's look at the exterior chassis. The BMW X3 vs. BMW X5 size comparison shows that the BMW X5 is the larger SUV, with an extra 7 inches of length and 3 inches of width. While the BMW X5 offered optional third-row seating in the past, the BMW X7 is now your standard three-row model in the BMW stable. The new BMW X5 does have more space for its five passengers, though not by much.
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| BMW X3 vs. BMW X5 Size Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
 BMW X3 |  BMW X5 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Overall Length | 187.2 in | 194.2 in |
| Body Width | 75.6 in | 78.9 in |
| Height | 65.4 in | 69.5 in |
| Headroom (1st / 2nd Row) | 40.5 / 38.2 in | 40.7 / 39.4 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd Row) | 40.2 / 36.3 in | 39.8 / 37.4 in |
| Cargo Space (Standard / Maximum) | 31.5 / 67.1 in | 33.9 / 72.3 cu ft |
Despite the BMW X3 having the more maneuverable size, it offers more front legroom, similar rear legroom, and only slightly less cargo space. You and your family will feel at home in either SUV, especially with the high-quality Merino leather upholstery available in each.
The BMW X3 vs. BMW X5 size comparison doesn't change as you move toward the performance-enhanced versions of the models. Both the BMW X3 M50 xDrive and BMW X5 M60i dimensions remain consistent with the base models.
However, if you bring the size comparison to the electric model, there are some slight adjustments. The BMW X5 xDrive50e loses some cargo space, with a trunk size of 33.1 cubic feet and a total area of 71.2 cubic feet – still larger than the BMW X3, but the smallest trunk area of the other BMW X5 options.
BMW X5 VS. BMW X3 SPECS
The stronger engine options in the BMW X5 give it quicker acceleration and a higher towing capacity than the BMW X3, but the smaller model's two engines have the better non-hybrid MPG ratings without falling too far behind in speed.
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| BMW X5 vs. BMW X3 Specs | ||
|---|---|---|
| BMW X3 | BMW X5 | |
| Engines |
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| Transmission (All Engines) | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Horsepower |
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| Torque |
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| 0-60 mph time |
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| Best EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | 27 / 33 / 292 (2.0L) | 23 / 27 / 252 (3.0L) |
| EPA-Est. MPGe (Comb) | N/A | 583 (3.0L hybrid) |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 4,850 lbs1 | 7,200 lbs1 |
Thanks to the eight-speed automatic STEPTRONIC transmission, both the BMW X3 and BMW X5 can rocket down the road in under five seconds, but the BMW X5 M Competition wins the race with a stunning 0-60 mph acceleration of 3.7 seconds. Since the BMW X3 doesn't offer an electrified option, the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e has the best MPGe rating of the group – though drivers wanting efficient non-hybrid fuel economy should get behind the wheel of the BMW X3 so they can benefit from 27/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
What may be an advantage for the BMW X3 for many drivers is the standard drivetrain. By default, the smaller SUV comes equipped with BMW xDrive, the BMW-exclusive all-wheel-drive option that maximizes handling by intelligently putting more weight on wheels that can handle it.
The BMW X5 does have this feature, but only as an available option, with its standard sDrive powertrain being a capable two-wheel-drive option. While the BMW X3 vs. BMW X5 specs comparison remains the same regardless of powertrain, the extra traction provided by xDrive might make the BMW X3 the better option for smaller families who want excellent control of their ride without upgrading to a higher trim bracket.
BMW X3 VERSUS BMW X5 INTERIOR & FEATURES
Finally, let's look at the features in each model and discover how similar they are. The BMW X3 and BMW X5 are equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment options like the already iconic BMW Curved Display. See BMW X3 versus BMW X5 features below.
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| BMW X3 vs. BMW X5 Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| BMW X3 xDrive30 | BMW X5 sDrive40i | |
| Standard Feature Highlights |
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| Available Feature Highlights |
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Alternative packages are shared between models, such as a Harman Kardon® surround system, Head-Up Display, and seat ventilation and heating options. The choice between these two luxury vehicles won't have to be decided by access to technology unless you're looking for minor upgrades like gesture control in the BMW X5 or an interaction bar in the BMW X3.
Safety is fantastic, too, with options like Parking Assistant Plus and Active Driving Assistant Pro one upgrade package away – though the BMW X5 can have options unavailable on the 2025 BMW X3, such as Highway Assist.
There is no significant difference between BMW X3 and BMW X5 interior style. Take a seat behind the wheel and you'll be greeted by the handsome BMW Curved Display, providing an uninterrupted digital experience that spans your dashboard. Veganza upholstery, or available Merino Leather, complements your personal design sensibilities. However, each model offers a different array of interior colors; the BMW X3, for instance, has Veganza colors like Calm Beige and Espresso Brown, while the BMW X5 has others like Silverstone and Cognac. They do share some options, like a subtle Black shade, but their Merino Leather selections are unique.
EXPERIENCE THE BMW X3 VS. BMW X5 SIDE BY SIDE AT BERKSHIRE BMW
We hope our BMW X3 vs. BMW X5 comparison shows how evenly matched these two luxury SUVs are. One of the best ways to decide which is perfect for your family is to bring them to our showroom and try both options! Our representatives will walk you through our all-new BMW inventory, let you see the different trims of each model – like the BMW X3 M50 or BMW X5 xDrive50e – and get you on the road in a high-end vehicle.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS COMPARING THE BMW X3 AND BMW X5
HOW MUCH BIGGER IS THE BMW X5 THAN THE BMW X3?
The BMW X5 is 7 inches longer than the BMW X3, giving it around 5 additional cubic feet of cargo space. However, each cabin's spaciousness is approximately the same, with the BMW X3 having an extra 0.4 inches of front legroom while the BMW X5 has 1.1 inches of additional rear legroom. No matter the size of the SUV you pick, your passengers will feel at home.
WHICH IS BETTER: THE BMW X3 OR BMW X5?
The BMW X3 and BMW X5 have similarly spacious cabins, relatively close cargo sizes, and excellent standard and available features. The BMW X5 offers more space, a slightly better feature selection, and more powerful engine options with higher towing capacities. However, the BMW X3 compensates with a maneuverable size and a lower price point. The choice is truly up to preference, as many families would love driving either SUV.
WHAT IS THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BMW X3 AND BMW X5 MODELS?
The main differences between these two luxury SUVs are size and engine power. The BMW X5 is the larger model, though both vehicles boast impressive cabin sizes for their vehicle type. The BMW X5 also offers a selection of stronger engines, though the BMW X3 provides significantly better MPG ratings for gas-only drivers. And the BMW X3 starts at a lower price point.
IS THE BMW X3 OR BMW X5 MORE EXPENSIVE TO MAINTAIN?
Both models are fairly average to maintain for the luxury market, though the BMW X3 incurs a slightly lower annual cost on average. According to RepairPal, you can expect to pay around $1,034 per year to maintain or repair a BMW X3,4 while the BMW X5 averages around $1,166 annually.5 Either way, the BMW SUV lineup will remain consistent and capable for years to come.
Test drive the BMW X3 and X5 today!
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1When properly equipped.
2Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
3Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.
4Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/bmw/x3
5Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://repairpal.com/reliability/bmw/x5