Compare the BMW 5 Series Touring vs BMW 3 Series Touring
AI generated from our expert reviews
Choosing between these two estate cars comes down to how much space you need and what you want from behind the wheel. The BMW 5 Series Touring is longer than the BMW 3 Series Touring, and it provides a bigger boot both with the rear seats up and when they are folded flat. Both models share a modern dashboard layout with a handy central scroll wheel that is better for use on the move, though both also leave climate controls buried in the screen. You must also pay extra for adaptive cruise control on either car, and neither range offers a diesel engine. When the road gets twisty, the composed 5 Series Touring will not put a smile on your face, whereas the 3 Series Touring is properly fun to drive.
AI results may contain inaccuracies. Please check the details before making any financial decisions.
'From' prices stated are for the lowest priced version of the car. Price may vary based on the selected version.
Compare the specs
Standard kit
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Cruise control
Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
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Heated seats
Warms the seat itself on cold mornings.
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Leather seats
Leather (or leather-look) seat upholstery instead of cloth.
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Navigation
Built-in sat nav on the car's own screen, no phone needed.
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Parking Camera
A rear (sometimes 360°) camera that shows what's behind you while parking.
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Parking Sensors
Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
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Touchscreen infotainment
A touch-operated screen for media, settings and (often) navigation.
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Android Auto
Mirrors your Android phone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Apple CarPlay
Mirrors your iPhone's apps, like maps, music and messages, onto the car's touchscreen.
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Cruise control
Holds a steady speed on the motorway without keeping your foot on the accelerator.
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Heated seats
Warms the seat itself on cold mornings.
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Navigation
Built-in sat nav on the car's own screen, no phone needed.
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Parking Camera
A rear (sometimes 360°) camera that shows what's behind you while parking.
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Parking Sensors
Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
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Tow hitch
A fitted towbar for pulling a trailer, caravan or bike rack.
Key information
| Body type Estate cars | Body type Estate cars |
| Available fuel types Petrol | Available fuel types Petrol |
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Boot space, seats up 570 litres (4 suitcases) Best | Boot space, seats up 500 litres (4 suitcases) |
| Boot space, seats down 1,700 litres Best | Boot space, seats down 1,510 litres |
| External dimensions (L x W x H) 5,060 mm x 1,900 mm x 1,515 mm | External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,714 mm x 1,827 mm x 1,448 mm |
| Towing capacity 2,000 kg Best | Towing capacity 1,600 kg |
| First year tax rate £560 Best | First year tax rate £1,410 |
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Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
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Fuel economy
This measures how much fuel a car uses, according to official tests. It's measured in miles per gallon (MPG) and a higher number means the car is more fuel efficient.
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| Drive type Rear wheel drive | Drive type Rear wheel drive |
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Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
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Insurance
The insurance group the car sits in, from 1 to 50. The lower the group, the cheaper it usually is to insure.
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Drivetrain & power
| Engine name 520i Auto | Engine name 320i Step Auto |
| Engine size 2.0 L Petrol • 208 BHP | Engine size 2.0 L Petrol • 184 BHP |
| Body type Estate cars | Body type Estate cars |
| Fuel type Petrol | Fuel type Petrol |
| Transmission Automatic | Transmission Automatic |
| Drive type Rear wheel drive | Drive type Rear wheel drive |
| Forward gears 8 | Forward gears 8 |
| Acceleration 7.8 s (0-60 mph) | Acceleration 7.6 s (0-60 mph) Best |
Dimensions & space
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Number of doors 5 | Number of doors 5 |
| Boot (seats up) 570 litres Best | Boot (seats up) 500 litres |
| Boot (seats down) 1,700 litres Best | Boot (seats down) 1,510 litres |
| Length 5,060 mm | Length 4,714 mm |
| Width 1,900 mm | Width 1,827 mm |
| Height 1,515 mm | Height 1,448 mm |
| Wheelbase 3.0 m | Wheelbase 2.85 m |
| Turning circle 11.8 m | Turning circle 12.0 m |
Full features list
*Please contact the dealer for a personalised quote, including terms and conditions. Quote is subject to dealer requirements, including status and availability. Illustrations are based on personal contract hire, 9 month upfront fee, 48 month term and 8000 miles annually, VAT included.