2023 BMW X3 vs. 2023 BMW X5

2022 BMW X3 vs. X5: Price Overview

No driver wants to spend more than they have to. Although the BMW X3 and the BMW X5 are both luxurious and well-appointed vehicles, you can bring home either model in exchange for an accessible monthly payment:

• 2022 BMW X3: Starting at $43,700 MSRP
• 2022 BMW X5: Starting at $60,600 MSRP

The X3 and the X5 share many standard features, but the X5 has several advantages that justify its higher price tag. Just for starters, only the X5 comes standard with a hands-free liftgate, three-stage heated front seats, and a panoramic moonroof.

2022 BMW X3 vs. X5: Performance Features

If you’re exploring our lineup to find the Ultimate Driving Machine®, performance can’t be absent from the equation. Although the X3 is certainly formidable, the X5 offers more power as standard as well as more power at the top of the line:

2022 BMW X3 Engine Options

• 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder: 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder: 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder: 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque (specs are for the BMW X3 M configuration)

2022 BMW X5 Engine Options

• 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder: 335 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder with integrated electric motor: 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque
• 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine: 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque
• 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo gasoline engine: Up to 617 hp with Competition Package

It’s also important to note that the X5 is currently available as a plug-in hybrid. At the time of this writing, the X3 lineup has no rival for the BMW X5 xDrive45e, and that means efficiency-conscious Los Angeles-area drivers can safely upgrade to the larger vehicle without worrying about higher fuel costs. However, if you’re comparing gas-powered configurations, the smaller X3 is generally more efficient.

2022 BMW X3 vs. X5: Interior Dimensions

As we’ve mentioned throughout this comparison, the midsize X5 is larger than the compact X3. Here’s what this difference actually means in practice:

• Only the X5 is offered with an optional third row of seats that brings your total capacity to seven passengers. The X3 can only seat five.
• The X3 offers 36.4 inches of second-row legroom, compared to 37.4 inches in the X5.
• The X3 measures 185.9 inches end-to-end, so it’s easier to park and maneuver than the X5—which comes in at 194.3 inches.
• The BMW X5 offers 33.9 cubic feet with the rear seats upright; the X3 offers 28.7 cubic feet under the same conditions. When the rear seats are folded flat, the X5 can store about 10 more cubic feet of cargo than the X3.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Interior Space

When it comes to interior space, you’ll find the X3 to be a bit more compact. Taking a closer look at their dimensions may show that difference to be within tight margins. Get started comparing their dimensions here:

• The BMW X3 offers 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats upright, or up to 62.7 cubic feet with the rear seats flat. It seats five passengers as standard, and includes 40/20/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats.
• The BMW X5 offers 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the optional third-row seats flat, or with all seats upright in its standard five-passenger configuration. Fold down the second (and third) rows of seating to access up to 72.3 cubic feet behind the first row.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Performance

If you’re looking to get a bit more than what the base models have to offer, you’ll want to look into all of the available upgrade options. The X5 has a leg up on the X3 in terms of performance. While there are many who prefer the plug-in hybrid versions of these Sport Activity Vehicles®, it’s the X5 that gets the attention of power-hungry drivers. Here are the powertrain options for each of the BM models below:

2021 BMW X3 Engine Options

• 2.0L I-4 engine – 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L M Performance I-6 engine – 382 hp and 382 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0L I-4 engine with eDrive Electric Motor – 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
• Offered with sDrive RWD or xDrive AWD on the base trim
• Offered with xDrive AWD as standard on other models

2021 BMW X5 Engine Options

• 3.0L I-6 engine – 335-hp and 330 lb-ft of torque
• 523-hp 4.4L M Performance V8 engine – 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L I-6 engine with eDrive Electric Motor – 282 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque
• Offered with sDrive RWD or xDrive AWD on the base trim
• Offered with xDrive AWD as standard on other models

BMW X3 vs. X5: Notable Features

No matter whether you choose the X3 or X5, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide variety of high-tech and convenient features. From voice-activated navigation and 10-way power front seats to upgraded leather upholstery options, there’s plenty to be excited about.

There are a few differences between the X3 and X5 interiors however. Here’s a closer look:

• Heated Front Seats: Three-stage heated front seats are standard in the X5, but cost extra in the X3.
• Audio & Connectivity: The X3 gives you 12 standard speakers, while the X5 offers 10 speakers in its base trim. However, only the X5 gives you Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ standard. The X3 only offers Apple CarPlay™.
• Cargo Accessibility: The X3 comes standard with a liftgate that you can open using your key fob, and offers a hands-free liftgate as an optional upgrade in its base trim. The X5 comes standard with Comfort Access keyless entry with a hands-free-access trunk.

 X3 vs. X5: Dimensions

When you compare BMW models, the BMW X3 vehicles are the smaller of the two. Its compact size is reflected in its affordable price point, while the BMW X5 models are a little larger and more expensive overall. Consider your space requirements and take a look at how the two differ:

• BMW X3: This compact crossover seats 5 passengers with 28.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down all the seats to unlock a maximum of 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space.
• BMW X5: This midsize luxury SUV seats five passengers with 33.9 cubic feet of space or 72.3 cubic feet of cargo space total. However, this versatile model also offers a 3-row configuration to boost your seating capacity to seven**.

 X3 vs. X5: Performance

What type of performance do you want during your next Malibu adventures? While both offer standard rear-wheel drive or the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, you’ll find different engine options when you compare BMW models – including the high-octane M Series:

Standard BMW X3 Engine:

• 248-hp 2.0L I-4 engine with 258 lb-ft of torque
• 4,400 pounds towing capacity with RWD or available AWD

Available BMW X3 Engine:

• 382-hp 3.0L M Performance I-6 engine with 382 lb-ft of torque
• 4,400 pounds towing capacity with AWD

Standard BMW X5 Engine:

• 335-hp 3.0L I-6 engine with 330 lb-ft of torque
• 7,200 pounds towing capacity with RWD, 6,603 pounds towing capacity with AWD

Available BMW X5 Engine:

• 456-hp 4.4L V8 engine with 479 lb-ft of torque
• 6,603 pounds towing capacity with AWD

Available BMW X5 Engine:

• 523-hp 4.4L M Performance engine V8 engine with 553 lb-ft of torque
• 7,200 pounds towing capacity with AWD

 X3 vs. X5: Features

No matter which BMW SUV models catch your eye, you’ll be blown away by the luxury features available. From standard Bluetooth® and voice-activated navigation to an optional hands-free liftgate, there’s tons of comforts and conveniences available. But how do the two models differ?

• Speed-sensitive volume control: Not available in the X3, standard in the X5
• Sound System: 12 standard speakers in the X3, 10 standard speakers in the X5
• Heated front seats: Available in the X3, standard in the X5
• 12-volt power outlets: 2 outlets standard in the X3, 4 outlets standard in the X5