Compare the BMW X5 vs BMW X3
AI generated from our expert reviews
Choosing between these two BMW SUVs comes down to scale, practicality and how much you value driving thrills. Both cars make relaxed, quiet motorway companions with very little wind or road noise, and each offers ample seat and steering wheel adjustment to help drivers of all shapes and sizes get comfortable. Step inside the BMW X5 and you will find absolutely huge door bins alongside a strong second row where three adults can settle in without too much complaint. By contrast, the BMW X3 has door bins that are not very big, while its rear passenger space is only average, with a floor hump that restricts foot space for middle-seat occupants. The X5 can also tow more and offers an optional third row of seats, whereas the X3 cannot have seven seats. Out on winding country roads, regular X3 models are no longer very enjoyable, but the X5 proves to be one of the most satisfying large SUVs you can buy.
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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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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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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Parking Sensors
Beeps that get faster as you get closer to something while parking.
Key information
| Body type SUVs | Body type SUVs |
| Available fuel types Diesel | Available fuel types Petrol |
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Boot space, seats up 550 litres (4 suitcases) | Boot space, seats up 570 litres (4 suitcases) Best |
| Boot space, seats down 1,770 litres Best | Boot space, seats down 1,700 litres |
| External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,935 mm x 2,004 mm x 1,765 mm | External dimensions (L x W x H) 4,755 mm x 1,920 mm x 1,660 mm |
| Towing capacity 2,700 kg Best | Towing capacity 2,400 kg |
| First year tax rate £2,270 | First year tax rate £1,410 Best |
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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 Four wheel drive | Drive type Four 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 xDrive30d MHT Auto | Engine name 20 xDrive Step Auto |
| Engine size 3.0 L Diesel • 298 BHP | Engine size 2.0 L Petrol • 208 BHP |
| Body type SUVs | Body type SUVs |
| Fuel type Diesel | Fuel type Petrol |
| Transmission Automatic | Transmission Automatic |
| Drive type Four wheel drive | Drive type Four wheel drive |
| Forward gears 8 | Forward gears 8 |
| Acceleration 6.1 s (0-60 mph) Best | Acceleration 7.8 s (0-60 mph) |
Dimensions & space
| Number of seats 5 | Number of seats 5 |
| Number of doors 5 | Number of doors 5 |
| Boot (seats up) 550 litres | Boot (seats up) 570 litres Best |
| Boot (seats down) 1,770 litres Best | Boot (seats down) 1,700 litres |
| Length 4,935 mm | Length 4,755 mm |
| Width 2,004 mm | Width 1,920 mm |
| Height 1,765 mm | Height 1,660 mm |
| Wheelbase 2.98 m | Wheelbase 2.87 m |
| Turning circle 12.6 m | Turning circle 12.2 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.