[stpfarms]

I have narrowed down my selection between the X3M or the X5M. It is essentially 83k vs 120k with the addons/packages. What are the major differences between the two? From reading other forum posts, the pre LCI X3M seemed to be lacking a lot of features that I believe are now filled in? I am also seeing that the X3M is a bit slower off the start because of the Turbos and that the X5M will give you a better acceleration feel? I prefer the X5 size and look but its not that big of a difference for the 40k increase in price. There are no X5M or X3Ms anywhere for me to try/test drive so going to lean on your help.

[strohw]

Assuming you drive the GLE 53 you have listed, the first question I would ask is if you're OK with stepping down a tier in interior quality and space. The X5M is going to be very similar in interior quality and size to your current vehicle. The X3M is going to be more similar to the GLC line up.

[stpfarms]

Originally Posted by strohw

Assuming you drive the GLE 53 you have listed, the first question I would ask is if you're OK with stepping down a tier in interior quality and space. The X5M is going to be very similar in interior quality and size to your current vehicle. The X3M is going to be more similar to the GLC line up.

I am trading in a 2019 Tiguan for it, the GLE would stay. The Tiguan seems to be in the middle between the X5 and X3.

[zer0cool]

Have you driven both? If your existing cars are Tiguan and GLE, I think you ll find X3M to be extremely uncomfortable. Although one of the best driving SUVs, it's unfortunately extremely uncomfortable. The X5M is still firm but better in terms of comfort. It is however a lot heavier, so won't handle as well... It really depends on if you are looking for more of a sporty car feel SUV or a really fast luxury SUV.

Don't know what features you are talking about, but other than slightly bigger screens, BMWs haven't really had any real new tech features in the past few years... I ve never really used BMW's own OS since Carplay came about... so to me, pre LCI vs. 2022, really no feature differences.

[stpfarms]

Originally Posted by zer0cool

Have you driven both? If your existing cars are Tiguan and GLE, I think you ll find X3M to be extremely uncomfortable. Although one of the best driving SUVs, it's unfortunately extremely uncomfortable. The X5M is still firm but better in terms of comfort. It is however a lot heavier, so won't handle as well... It really depends on if you are looking for more of a sporty car feel SUV or a really fast luxury SUV.

Don't know what features you are talking about, but other than slightly bigger screens, BMWs haven't really had any real new tech features in the past few years... I ve never really used BMW's own OS since Carplay came about... so to me, pre LCI vs. 2022, really no feature differences.

I saw a list consisting of no iDrive 7, no remote start, and other features on the pre LCI which is why it was not reccomended. I think the 2022 has those now.

I have not drove either, but I do want a fast and fun/sporty SUV. I had a Golf before the AMG GLE and loved it, not sure if that really helps with the decision though. It handled great and was really tight etc. When you say very uncomfortable, I presume you mean the drive is rough and seats are hard? I suppose there is also an SQ5 as an option but I prefer the BMW look and driving reviews.

[Kozumasbullitt]

Apples and oranges. The X3M is much more "sporty" and engaging than an X5M. The X5M is a huge upgrade in the comfort and luxury department as well as the feel of the power. The X3M has to be spun to really get its potential where the X5M has power everywhere. The two are very similar in 0-60 and 1/4 mile with maybe a sliver in the X3M favor but the X5M has better daily-driver power. It's hard to explain but the TT V8 is a different animal.

At this point in my life, I would swap from my X3M to an X5M if cost where not a tremendous factor.

[spta97]

Although perhaps not possible, I would not dump either amount never having driven them.

That said, my only input was from a BMW M event where I drove both the X3M and X5M back to back. In the looks department, the X5M won hands down for me. The X3M (which I also own) was far better driving.

The X5M felt like a boat in comparison and seemed a lot more "sloshy" in cornering maneuvers.

I can say this - when I drive my X3M I forget it is an SUV (SAV). Very car like feel when driving.

[stpfarms]

Originally Posted by Kozumasbullitt

Apples and oranges. The X3M is much more "sporty" and engaging than an X5M. The X5M is a huge upgrade in the comfort and luxury department as well as the feel of the power. The X3M has to be spun to really get its potential where the X5M has power everywhere. The two are very similar in 0-60 and 1/4 mile with maybe a sliver in the X3M favor but the X5M has better daily-driver power. It's hard to explain but the TT V8 is a different animal.

At this point in my life, I would swap from my X3M to an X5M if cost where not a tremendous factor.

Does that mean the X3M needs to be revved high before getting that power but the X5M always has the power? Which has a better acceleration feel?

I can put a $1000 refundable deposit on an incoming model to test drive it otherwise they are sold by the time they get to the dealership.

[spta97]

Can you put the money down on both and test drive them both?

You really need to feel for yourself.

[Kozumasbullitt]

Originally Posted by stpfarms

Does that mean the X3M needs to be revved high before getting that power but the X5M always has the power? Which has a better acceleration feel?

I can put a $1000 refundable deposit on an incoming model to test drive it otherwise they are sold by the time they get to the dealership.

Yes, the X3M needs to be revved to tap into its potential. The X5M has the better acceleration feel due to it's torque curve but at the same time, the luxury of the X5M insulates the acceleration feel.

Like mentioned above, if you want an SUV that feels like a performance car, that's the X3M. The X5M looks, feels and drives like a performance luxury SUV, no mistaking.

[JamRWS6]

Originally Posted by stpfarms

Does that mean the X3M needs to be revved high before getting that power but the X5M always has the power? Which has a better acceleration feel?

I can put a $1000 refundable deposit on an incoming model to test drive it otherwise they are sold by the time they get to the dealership.

The S58 in the X3M LCI has a lot of power down low. That's definitely not an issue.

[Kozumasbullitt]

Originally Posted by JamRWS6

The S58 in the X3M LCI has a lot of power down low. That's definitely not an issue.

Nothing compared to the S63. The S58 is pretty weak under 3K RPM.

[stpfarms]

Originally Posted by Kozumasbullitt

Yes, the X3M needs to be revved to tap into its potential. The X5M has the better acceleration feel due to it's torque curve but at the same time, the luxury of the X5M insulates the acceleration feel.

Like mentioned above, if you want an SUV that feels like a performance car, that's the X3M. The X5M looks, feels and drives like a performance luxury SUV, no mistaking.

Presuming the AMG GLE 53 rides closer to the x5m? It's prob more in line with just a regular X5.

[Kozumasbullitt]

Originally Posted by stpfarms

Presuming the AMG GLE 53 rides closer to the x5m? It's prob more in line with just a regular X5.

Between the standard X5 and M50i.

[allinon72]

Biggest pros of the X5M
- V8 power, which means more low end torque, so it will feel faster in normal driving
- X5 is upmarket and there's a pretty significant difference in material quality
- X5M will ride better, although will feel less raw than the X3M

[grizzy727]

I have a X3m - and after driving a X5MC at bmw track days - theres no comparison
The X5MC is the KING and X3M is the younger brother
As stated above - quality of materials and feel are better and you can feel the 600hp under your right foot

[Bimmersandmopars]

X5MC 100% no questions asked.

Throw a racechips on it and you have a 750hp daily.

[Bimmersandmopars]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Biggest pros of the X5M
- V8 power, which means more low end torque, so it will feel faster in normal driving
- X5 is upmarket and there's a pretty significant difference in material quality
- X5M will ride better, although will feel less raw than the X3M

The X3M feeling raw is both in handling..... and how your jaw, ass, and hands will feel after all the jarring.

[Gsavarese]

The all out performance difference between the 2, if there is any, won’t be noticed on the street. If you can afford either, it has to be the X5M. How much longer is BMW going to put money in a V8 engine. I’d get it for the V8 bark. It won’t be around much longer.

[stpfarms]

Whats the gas mileage difference on these 2?

[2020X3MCDG]

I wanted the x5M. It could not justify the 40K price increase.

Most has been said already…but the X3M is much sportier and still very fast but does not have that raw down low torque that you will get from the X5M.

If you’re keeping the GLE you probably don’t need the size of the X5. The X3M is going to feel much closer to your golf driving experience than the X5 will.

I have no regrets with my purchase 20K+ miles later and the rough ride, harshness critics are overblown. It drives great and I find it very comfortable. If it was any softer I’d be pissed and whining it was to soft. It’s an M car it should push the limits…

[chassis]

I’m renting an X3M this week in Germany, and I would not want to daily drive this car. Bouncy suspension, hard-ish seats and exhaust that moans and drones, and not very large for long distance vacation traveling. But fast.