Hey all, currently have a 2020 X3 and have been thinking about making a change. How does it compare to the X5? I had an X5 in 2008 but it has changed drastically.
Was thinking about the X3 M40I, maybe an X5 M50I?

Thoughts from those who have had or looked at both?

Harley Larz wrote

Hey all, currently have a 2020 X3 and have been thinking about making a change. How does it compare to the X5? I had an X5 in 2008 but it has changed drastically.
Was thinking about the X3 M40I, maybe an X5 M50I?

Thoughts from those who have had or looked at both?

X5 is bigger, heavier, and sits higher, so centre of gravity and weight make it more of a boat to drive compared to X3. The X3 is more nimble, quicker, and corners better.

X5 has an interior space advantage, although not a great as you might expect, and interior uses higher quality material, and there are more seat options and options in general.

In my mind, long distance more luxurious cruiser = X5, more nimble sportier drivers car (considering it’s an SUV) = X3.

Seat options are then sometimes disqualified by combinations - M Sport seats, heating, passive/active ventilation etc. The function is a priority for me, but for that money, I expect at least leather and a colour I wish. Not always possible to combine, I am amused by the strange "connections". Anyway, do not expect big cargo space in X3, X5 will be (finally) equal to mid size saloon cars. My (still considered as lower-mid class car) has much more space in the cargo, but leg room as well (front, rear, seat width) than the X3. If the price is no big deal, go X5 40i, M50i (diesel is I presume not an option).
As said, X3 is a bit more cosy, all good for 4 people plus baggage. I have to oppose, the quality of interior seems the same to me, of course, wider options in X5.

We have both. As stated the X5 is more comfortable and great for long distance driving including more space. We got ours (40i) in 2020 before the chip shortages so ours is fully loaded with, heated and cooled cup holders, acoustic glass, massaging / heated seats, 3rd row, air suspension, soft closing doors, automatic steering wheel adjustment that moves out of the way when opening the door, etc. The quality and quietness is definitely above my M40i, but I bought my M40i to have fun driving!

M40i4me Btw, is anyone informed that his specification will not include some extra parts, when there is a chip shortage? I mean things included in packs, or "default" setup? I can understand that e.g. electric sunroof won't be available in extra equpment checkboxes...

bouchy wrote

M40i4me Btw, is anyone informed that his specification will not include some extra parts, when there is a chip shortage? I mean things included in packs, or "default" setup? I can understand that e.g. electric sunroof won't be available in extra equpment checkboxes...

Well on my M40i I was not informed that the passenger side side bolster and lumbar was deleted until it came in at my dealership. I got the discount on the window sticker, but I got my SA to throw in a complete set of all weather floor mats including the hatch mat. My M40i is a 2021 so that was when all these missing options started. I got everything on my 2020 X5.

Depending on comparably equipped, isn't the X5 around $10k more expensive?

I drove a 2019 X5 i40 for a couple years. It was fairly loaded and I didn't know how much I liked it until I let it go. I drove a Mercedes for the next two years and recently picked up a loaded 2018 X3 i30.

To me the differences are stark. The X5 has much more power and felt always more ready for action than the X3. Maybe it's the turbos vs a 6 cylinder. I also appreciated the small extras that the X5 brought such as walk up/walk away locking and unlocking, better in-dash options like music track list, and a few other things that aren't breaking the deal for me, but if I could swap the 3 for the 5 I would. I'm sure the options are different for the newer models, but surely BMW is putting some nicer options in the 5 vs the 3. Oh, the folding tailgate was also cool for hanging out when at the beach.

I also feel like the X5 handled better. That said, I was driving a relatively new 2019 vs the 50k mile X3 I'm driving now so age may play a part.

Lastly, since recently flashing a stage 1 from BM3 the X3 finally puts a smile on my face. I can't recommend that upgrade more
Now if I could just get the anti-dazzle lights working...

Is size an issue? X5 is TOO BIG for me.

cohibafan wrote

I drove a 2019 X5 i40 for a couple years. It was fairly loaded and I didn't know how much I liked it until I let it go. I drove a Mercedes for the next two years and recently picked up a loaded 2018 X3 i30.

To me the differences are stark. The X5 has much more power and felt always more ready for action than the X3. Maybe it's the turbos vs a 6 cylinder. I also appreciated the small extras that the X5 brought such as walk up/walk away locking and unlocking, better in-dash options like music track list, and a few other things that aren't breaking the deal for me, but if I could swap the 3 for the 5 I would. I'm sure the options are different for the newer models, but surely BMW is putting some nicer options in the 5 vs the 3. Oh, the folding tailgate was also cool for hanging out when at the beach.

I also feel like the X5 handled better. That said, I was driving a relatively new 2019 vs the 50k mile X3 I'm driving now so age may play a part.

Lastly, since recently flashing a stage 1 from BM3 the X3 finally puts a smile on my face. I can't recommend that upgrade more
Now if I could just get the anti-dazzle lights working...

Apples with Apples.

Try comparing an X3 M40 with an X5 M40. The X3 is noticeably quicker and better handling. You can’t really compare a 30i in terms of performance.

I just traded my '21 X5 M50i and replaced it with a '23 X3 M40i. We went from a 3.5+ car garage to a super small 2 car garage while downsizing. My wife also wanted something smaller so she could drive it when needed and the X5 was too large.

I personally loved my X5 and was sad to let it go. Now that I have my X3 though, that pain has lessened quite a bit.

I think the X5 is probably BMW's best looking car in terms of proportions and styling. Some may not agree, just my opinion. The X3 with the LCI is a pretty darn close 2nd.

The V8 in the X5 was astounding but the handling was floaty. Much more luxury feel than handling prowess. Not to say it was bad for that size vehicle but the X3 feels much more like a car than an SUV when it comes to the handling. The M40i engine in the X3 is no slouch but I can only speak to test drives as I'm still in my break in period. I did not feel too much of a difference in low end power. Above 60 mph you can feel a slight lessening of power from the V6 but if I didn't have it to compare to the X5 I don't think I would even mention it - there's plenty of power!

The X5 definitely has more luxury touches and feels more substantial. I think it really comes down to comfort with size, cost (fully loaded X3 vs X5 was about $25k+ but you obviously get more in the X5).

Seat comfort in the X5 with the Merino comfort, massaging seats was head and shoulders better than the X3 - the struggle is real when trying to find a comfortable seating position with the Vernasca ventilated seats. The Bowers system crushes the HK by miles in every way but it's multiples more expensive.

So if you are good with the larger size, more luxury feel and higher $$ the X5 is a fantastic option and the V8 is incredible in the M50i.

I've been super happy with my X3 M40i with comparable engine performance, better handling and it's also easier to get in and out of .

The interior size is not much greater on the X5 for passengers but it is bigger in the trunk area for sure.

For now, the X5 has idrive 8/8.5 so no hard buttons for hvac or presets. That was a big deal for me and others but may not matter to you. You should definitely make sure you’re comfortable with the full touchscreen control in the X5 - it’s gotten some mixed/negative vibes in reviews and on these boards.
Can't go wrong either way, I would suggest driving both exactly the way you would equip them and see where your heart lies.

Good luck!

Thank you everyone...Some great information and well thought out replies. I do appreciate you taking the time to send me some input...

I looked at moving from my 2020 X3 30e to what we call in the UK BMW Approved used.
Just looking for more battery range.
2023 X5 45e's with very low mileages.
Unfortunately all the cars available I looked at had very basic specifications.
Base sound system, no accoustic glass, no HUD, touchscreen deleted etc.
Test drove a couple and decided I could not justify the price premium to change with less options I currently enjoy.
So stayed with my X3 which has been excellent.

glennbk wrote

Depending on comparably equipped, isn't the X5 around $10k more expensive?

$10k ?

Owning X3, being very interested in X5, and living in Finland, I need to say:

- X3 30e, from 63400 € without any extra equipment
- X5 50e, from 96600 € without any extra equipment

So, difference is more than 33 000 €, almost 36 000 USD.

Hybrids are only option here that make sense, because taxes. X5 30d almost 112 000 €, even if without tax it's remarkably cheaper than 50e.

X5 M60i is 168000 € without any options.

I'm sorry of shocking again (done it earlier on this forum) with these insane Finnish car prices.

glennbk wrote

Depending on comparably equipped, isn't the X5 around $10k more expensive?

Solaris wrote

$10k ?

Owning X3, being very interested in X5, and living in Finland, I need to say:

- X3 30e, from 63400 € without any extra equipment
- X5 50e, from 96600 € without any extra equipment

So, difference is more than 33 000 €, almost 36 000 USD.

Hybrids are only option here that make sense, because taxes. X5 30d almost 112 000 €, even if without tax it's remarkably cheaper than 50e.

X5 M60i is 168000 € without any options.

I'm sorry of shocking again (done it earlier on this forum) with these insane Finnish car prices.

It comes out to approximately between $28,300-$33,625 difference based on options.

24 X5 M60i

• Base $89,300, loaded $107,695

23 X3 M40i

• Base $61,000, loaded $74,070

avi66 wrote

Apples with Apples.

Try comparing an X3 M40 with an X5 M40. The X3 is noticeably quicker and better handling. You can’t really compare a 30i in terms of performance.

I wouldn’t exactly say we’re at apples to apples yet…. Pre-lci x5 40i (no m40 in x5) is about 330 HP vs x3 m40 ~385HP. So of course the x3m40 will blow the doors off an x5 40i. Throw a good tune on a 30i and your power to weight ratio on the x3 gets kinda close to that of the x5 40i, which feels sufficient to me when I’ve had loaners.
Of course most people on this forum have m40’s, it is an enthusiast site after all, and the majority of us lowly 30i guys would have bought the m40 if our wives let us, weren’t paying for kids college, or had excessive 401k’s.
Apples to Apples? I’d like to see your m40 line up with a x5 m60. Top of the line to top of the line.

arRod1981 wrote

It comes out to approximately between $28,300-$33,625 difference based on options.

24 X5 M60i

• Base $89,300, loaded $107,695

23 X3 M40i

• Base $61,000, loaded $74,070

What about engine to engine match?

brettl wrote

Apples to Apples? I’d like to see your m40 line up with a x5 m60. Top of the line to top of the line.

My "Apples with Apples" comment is simply it's not really a fair comparison between an X5 40 with an X3 30i and then be surprised that the 40 engine seemed better. Hence, compare stock 40i with 40i (or closest equiv 6 pot engine), and I don't understand why you think this is knocking the 30i ??

The laws of physics apply to mass and center of gravity, so try an X5 M60 on fast sharp switchback roads.

At the end of the day, the X3 and X5 are family SUV's and neither handles like a sports car, but the X3 generally handles better due to lower weight and lower center of gravity. If you want sports car handling avoid the X3 and X5.

avi66 wrote

My "Apples with Apples" comment is simply it's not really a fair comparison between an X5 40 with an X3 30i and then be surprised that the 40 engine seemed better. Hence, compare stock 40i with 40i (or closest equiv 6 pot engine), and I don't understand why you think this is knocking the 30i ??

The laws of physics apply to mass and center of gravity, so try an X5 M60 on fast sharp switchback roads.

At the end of the day, the X3 and X5 are family SUV's and neither handles like a sports car, but the X3 generally handles better due to lower weight and lower center of gravity. If you want sports car handling avoid the X3 and X5.

...well an X3M comp is close ... i drove one on the track and that car almost cheats the laws of physics... granted it wont be an M2... but in an SUV package, it can seriously impress

at the Sachenring circuit in Germany, the x3m comp lapped the track as fast as an m4 lol

avi66 wrote

My "Apples with Apples" comment is simply it's not really a fair comparison between an X5 40 with an X3 30i and then be surprised that the 40 engine seemed better. Hence, compare stock 40i with 40i (or closest equiv 6 pot engine), and I don't understand why you think this is knocking the 30i ??

The laws of physics apply to mass and center of gravity, so try an X5 M60 on fast sharp switchback roads.

At the end of the day, the X3 and X5 are family SUV's and neither handles like a sports car, but the X3 generally handles better due to lower weight and lower center of gravity. If you want sports car handling avoid the X3 and X5.

And shorter wheelbase for the X3....approximately 5"

ASAP wrote

...well an X3M comp is close ... i drove one on the track and that car almost cheats the laws of physics... granted it wont be an M2... but in an SUV package, it can seriously impress

at the Sachenring circuit in Germany, the x3m comp lapped the track as fast as an m4 lol

I guess it depends what you want to spend your money on and for what purpose. Over here an optioned X3M Comp is £100k plus and the insurance is eye watering.

Kinda reminds me of this lol

glennbk wrote

What about engine to engine match?

24 X5 M60i

• Base $89,300, loaded $107,695

24 X5 xDrive50e

• Base $72,500, loaded $91,335

24 X5 xDrive40i

• Base $67,500, loaded $85,995

23 X3 M40i

• Base $61,000, loaded $74,070

Between those two, yes it's only an $11,925 difference, but OP mentioned about an M50i (which is now the M60i since April) so that's why I used that model.