2026 BMW X3 Vs. X5

Which BMW SUV meets your needs and budget in Roswell? The BMW X3 compact SUV is more affordable than the midsize X5, but the latter offers greater cargo capacity and a PHEV option that’s not available for the X3. Let our team help you compare BMW models today! Our detailed BMW X3 vs. X5 buying guide covers what you need to know!

2023 BMW X3 vs. X5: Price

You’ll note a significant difference when you compare these BMW models in terms of price; the X3 is a smaller SUV with fewer standard features, so it will cost you $20,000 less at the base trim. See below for a comparison of the BMW X5 vs. X3 price for all available configurations:

2023 BMW X3 Price Range

• X3 sDrive30i / xDrive30i – Starting MSRP $46,200
• X3 M40i – Starting MSRP $61,000
• X3 M – Starting MSRP $74,400

2023 BMW X5 Price Range

• X5 sDrive40i / xDrive40i – Starting MSRP $61,600
• X5 xDrive45e – Starting MSRP $65,700
• X5 M50i – Starting MSRP $85,400
• X5 M – Starting MSRP $108,900

Plus, don’t forget that you can save on either SUV with X3 lease deals and H5 lease deals right here at United BMW. If you’d like to know more about what you can expect from both SUVs, read on! Next, we’ll take a closer look at the X3 vs X5 dimensions and engine options.

2023 BMW X3 vs. X5 Engine Specs

Our breakdown of key BMW X5 vs. X3 performance specs and engine options will make it easier for Marietta buyers to compare BMW models — and find the one that has precisely the right kind of capability. Take a look:

2023 BMW X3 Engine Options

• X3 sDrive30i / xDrive30i Trims: 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder –248 hp
• X3 M40i Trim: 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder – 382 hp
• X3 M Trim: 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder – 473 hp

2023 BMW X5 Engine Options

• X5 sDrive40i / xDrive40i Trims: 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder – 335 hp
• X5 xDrive45e PHEV Trim: 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder with integrated electric motor – 389 hp
• X5 M50i Trim: 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine – 523 hp
• X5 M Trim: 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine – 600 hp

2023 BMW X3 vs. X5 Dimensions

You’ll definitely want to compare BMW models carefully if space comes at a premium in the areas where you live and work. So, which SUV is right for you? The compact X3 is a great fit for solo commuters and small families in Johns Creek, while larger families who need more space for passengers and gear may prefer the larger cargo hold and optional third row of the X5. Compare the X3 vs. X5 dimensions here:

2023 BMW X3 Interior Dimensions

• Passenger Capacity: 5
• 1st/2nd Headroom: 41.1 inches each
• 1st/2nd Legroom: 40.3/36.4 inches
• 1st/2nd Shoulder Room: 57.6/56 inches
• Cargo Volume: 27.7–62.7 cubic feet

2023 BMW X5 Interior Dimensions

• Passenger Capacity: 5–7
• 1st/2nd Headroom: 40.8 inches each
• 1st/2nd Legroom: 39.8/37.4 inches
• 1st/2nd Shoulder Room: 60/58.1 inches
• Cargo Volume: 33.9–72.3 cubic feet

Compare BMW Models at United BMW

If you’d like, you can continue to compare BMW models by exploring our recent blog posts. Once you’re ready to move forward, contact us for details about how to trade in your car — we’ll make you a competitive offer even if it’s not yet paid off!

BMW SUV models like the X3 and the X5 impress Roswell-area drivers year after year–and it shouldn’t be hard to see why. Each delivers a very impressive performance, and offers a suite of luxury features that most rivals just can’t match. Each is capable of towing, and offers plenty of room for cargo in the interior. But which is right for you? Our 2021 BMW X3 vs. X5 matchup can help you make a decision today.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Interior Capacities

First things first: the X3 is a compact SUV, while the X5 is a midsize SUV. Although both models seat up to five passengers as standard, only the X5 offers an optional third row that expands your seating capacity to seven.

The larger interior of the X5 also offers a greater amount of cargo space. Here’s a closer look at how their baseline configurations compare:

• BMW X3: 28.7 cubic feet (Seats Upright), 62.7 cubic feet (Seats Flat)
• BMW X5: 33.9 cubic feet (Seats Upright), 72.3 cubic feet (Seats Flat)

Ready to take a closer look? Our in-depth guides to the X3 interior and the X5 interior can help you get a better idea of what to expect from either model. If you’re still narrowing down your options, compare the 2021 BMW X1 vs. X3 before you get behind the wheel. If you’d like to see how the X3 measures up against an in-class competitor, start by comparing it to the Audi Q5.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Performance

Both models are potent and fun to drive, and both the X3 and the X5 offer a plug-in hybrid configuration. However, there’s no way around the fact that the X5 offers more power for Marietta and Johns Creek enthusiasts:

2021 BMW X3 Powertrains

• 2.0L I-4 engine – 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
• 2.0L I-4 engine with eDrive Electric Motor – 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
• 3.0L M Performance I-6 engine – 382 hp and 382 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 Powertrains

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

Neither option is going to disappoint when you head out on the highway, but if you plan on towing any heavy cargo, you’ll probably be more satisfied with the X5.

The X5 can tow up to 7,200 pounds with the right equipment, while the X3 can tow up to 4,400 pounds. That’s great for the compact class, but it may not be enough for your needs.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Notable Features

Both of these BMW Sport Activity Vehicles® offer a wide range of impressive features as standard, including but not limited to voice-activated navigation, leatherette upholstery, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats.

With that said, there are several important differences between the feature suites of these two models. Compare the BMW X3 vs. X5 on standard features here:

• Heated Front Seats come standard in the BMW X5. They’re available as an optional upgrade in the BMW X3.
• A 12-speaker audio system comes standard in the BMW X3, and Apple CarPlay™ does too. The X5 only offers 10 speakers as standard, but it includes both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.
• Comfort Access keyless entry is standard on the BMW X5, so you’ll also enjoy hands-free access to the cargo area. The X3 has a power liftgate that you can open with your key fob, and it offers hands-free capability as an optional upgrade.

Compare BMW Models at United BMW

When you compare BMW models, you put yourself in a position to get more enjoyment out of every drive. If you’re ready to take the next steps now, don’t wait to explore our virtual showroom. Our exciting lease and finance offers can help you drive home from Alpharetta with a price that leaves you smiling.

BMW created the Sport Activity Vehicle® for Roswell and other U.S. drivers, and the lineup now includes a model for every driving style. How do you know which one is right for you? Take a look with United BMW as we compare BMW SUV models: the BMW X3 vs. X5>.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Performance Specs

The X3 price is significantly lower than that assigned to the X5, but it’s a given that any BMW is going to be a high-performance vehicle. These BMW SUV models both have standard rear-wheel drive or the available BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. However, each model has its own starting engine, along with unique upgrades:

Standard BMW X3 Engine:

• 248 hp 2.0L I-4 engine with 258 lb-ft of torque

Available BMW X3 Engine: 

• 382 hp 3.0L M Performance I-6 engine with 382 lb-ft of torque

Standard BMW X5 Engine:

• 335 hp 3.0L I-6 engine with 330 lb-ft of torque

Available BMW X5 Engine:

• 456 hp 4.4L V8 engine with 479 lb-ft of torque

Available BMW X5 Engine: 

• 523 hp 4.4L M Performance engine V8 engine with 553 lb-ft of torque

With more power under the hood, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that the BMW X5 towing capacity is much higher than the X3 SUV’s own tow rating. The X5 engines also give it an edge over the Audi Q7.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Interior Space

When you compare BMW models, especially SUVs, it’s important to take a look at how much space you’ll have for passengers and cargo as you travel through Marietta. Here are the interior dimensions of the BMW X3 vs. X5:

• The BMW X3 boasts seating for five with 28.7 to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space. It’s smaller size places it into the compact category of SUVs.
• The BMW X5 mid-size SUV also seats five, but you’ll have the option to seat seven if you add the available third row of seats. You’ll also enjoy between 33.9 and 72.3 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on how you configure the seats in the X5 interior.

Trying to stay organized? Find out what you can do with the right set of BMW X5 accessories. Think you might need even more space? Explore the BMW X7 price and configurations today. Wondering how these SUVs compare to a BMW sedan? Check out the 3 Series interior too.

Compare BMW SUV Models at United BMW

Whichever BMW SUV model you prefer for Johns Creek driving, you can find out more by comparing them in person. Pay us a visit at United BMW and see for yourself how the BMW X3 vs. X5 match-up pans out, While you’re here, be sure to explore the BMW brand’s entire line of SUVs, our BMW X5 lease offers, and our BMW X3 lease offers, too!