Compare 2020 BMW X3 vs 2020 BMW X5

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BMW x3
BMW x5
2020 BMW X3VS2020 BMW X5
$41,950MSRP$58,900
248 HPHorsepower335 HP
25 city / 29 hwyFuel Economy21 city / 26 hwy

2020 BMW X3 vs 2020 BMW X5: What’s the Difference?

The BMW X3 and the BMW X5 are crossovers that share excellent safety features and driving performance. Choosing between these SUVs can be difficult, but there are a number of factors that set these luxury vehicles apart from each other. Check out our guide below to see which of these BMWs best suits your lifestyle.

Powertrain Options, Performance, and Specs

The 2020 BMW X3 sports a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder on its standard variant, the X3 sDrive30i. This powertrain option is a sophisticated solution that balances performance and fuel economy in a way that’s rare for other vehicles of this size. This option yields 25 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, making it the more fuel-efficient option of these two vehicles. If you’re interested in a Powertrain upgrade, the X3 M40i features a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder that puts out an impressive 382 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine that’s standard in the BMW X5, which puts out 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque in that configuration (as it lacks the standard M-series performance upgrades). The X5 has an increased performance M variant that sports a 4.4-liter BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo V-8 engine that boosts your horsepower to a massive 523 in total, and torque to 553 pound-feet. If you’re maximizing power, the X5 is a clear pick here. The X3 still has a trick up its sleeve, however, offering a hybrid model, the X3 xDrive30e, which offers an astounding 60 combined miles-per-gallon. At a price point of only $48,550, the hybrid X3 is a phenomenal option for those looking to maximize the value of their luxury vehicle. When it comes to Powertrain options, the X3 wins across the board when fuel efficiency is concerned. If you’re looking to maximize power, however, the X5 is the victor.

Size Differences Between the BMW X3 and BMW X5

One of the most noticeable differences between these SUVs is their general size. The X3 is the smaller crossover of the two, which is one of the reasons why it offers such phenomenal fuel economy. In terms of length, the X3 is 8.4-inches shorter than the X3, at 185.9-inches total, an amount that’s noticeable for most drivers looking to store their cars inside. Width is also a significant factor, with the X3 being 4.5-inches slimmer than the X5 at its widest point. Size does work in the X5’s favor in some capacities, however. The fuel tank in the X5 is larger, being capable of carrying 21.9 gallons of fuel compared to the X3’s 17.2 available gallons. Interior space is affected by the size of these cars as well. Expect the X5 to feel a little roomier on average. While both of these SUVs seat 5 people quite comfortably, the X5 is a bigger vehicle and offers better legroom and shoulder room in both the front and rear seats. When it comes to cargo space, the X5 has an enormous leg up, however, offering 72.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down compared to the X3’s 62.7 available cubic feet of cargo space in the same configuration. If you’ve got things to move, the size of the X5 is more than justified, but overall you won’t notice the difference in passenger space too much if the X3 is your preference— it’s only short a couple of inches when it comes to legroom and shoulder room, and it actually offers even more headroom in the front seats than the BMW X5 does.

BMW Safety Features

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has reviewed both of these mid-size SUVs, and given them excellent scores. Both of these SUVs are an IIHS 2020 Top Safety Pick + for 2020, indicating that they lead the class in overall safety capability and crashworthiness. Both of these vehicles received the highest possible scores when it comes to collision tests. The only area that these vehicles did not receive perfect scores are headlight capability. While both of these cars can achieve the highest scores available for headlight visibility, the standard headlight options don’t meet those scores. If you’re interested in maximizing your overall safety, the headlight upgrade package might be something to consider. When it comes to safety features these SUVs are once again evenly matched, offering the Active Driving Assistant feature which includes Daytime Pedestrian Protection, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Both of these cars have phenomenal safety features, and you shouldn’t have any safety concerns of any kind if you prefer either of these cars.

Which Luxury SUV Should You Choose?

Size is the determining factor here. If you can get away with a smaller vehicle, the BMW X3 offers unparalleled value for a luxury vehicle. Even better if you can choose the electric variant of the X3, you’ll find this car outperforms most other smaller SUVs that it shares the segment with. The X5 is for drivers that want extra power and extra space to get things done. If your car needs to fit a lot of roles— family mover, and light work vehicle, the X5 is a clear choice.

x3 interior
x5 interior

Your Questions, Answered:

What Upgrade Packages Are Available on the X3 and X5?

All BMW’s are differentiated by Powertrain options. You can choose between two engine sizes and an AWD variant on the X5, and finally the M series option that provides an additional boost of power. The BMW X3 is available with all of those options, with the addition of an electric variant.

Where are these BMW SUVs Manufactured?

BMW has a manufacturing plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, as well as plants in China and South Africa.

How Much Does a Full-Spec BMW X5 Cost??

The BMW M50i is the most powerful SUV on this list, offering all-wheel drive and a chart-topping 523 horsepower. It starts at $82,150.

Why Choose BMW of Florence?

We offer home delivery of our used and new BMWs. At BMW of Florence we carry used, new, and certified pre-owned BMW vehicles with a wide variety of trims, colors, and features always on the lot. We sell cars, but we’re in the business of customer service first and foremost. We have a top-of-the-line service center on the premises and great additional features like Nitrogen Tire Packages that can make the difference when it comes to sourcing your BMW. We serve our customers by providing luxury vehicles at competitive prices and great follow-up services for years after you drive your new BMW off the lot. Shop online to compare the BMW X3 and the BMW X5, and you’ll see why we’re top-rated in customer service for BMW Dealerships.

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