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BMW 5 Series G30 vs BMW X1 F48

BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

G30 · 2016 – 2023

The seventh-generation 5 Series on the rear-drive CLAR platform.

VS
BMW X1

BMW X1

F48 · 2015 – 2022

BMW’s first front-wheel-drive-based compact SUV.

First car
Second car

Verdict

Pick this one if…

BMW 5 Series

Pick the 5 Series for a benchmark balance of comfort and handling, a hushed ride and a big boot in a premium executive sedan.

Best engine: The 520d (190 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…

BMW X1

Pick the X1 for sharp BMW handling with a raised driving position and proven engines.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel) — powerful and refined.
Read the full guide

Performance

B48 520i · Petrol vs B48 20i · Petrol

BMW 5 Series BMW X1
Power
184 hp
192 hp Winner
Torque
290 Nm Winner
280 Nm
0–100 km/h
7,8 s
7,7 s Winner
Top speed
235 km/h Winner
226 km/h
Power-to-weight
119,1 hp/t
127,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
140 g/km
134 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)
6,2 L/100km
5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

BMW 5 Series BMW X1
Boot
530 L Winner
505 L
Boot (seats folded)
—
1.550 L
Wheelbase
2,98 m Winner
2,67 m
Length
4,94 m
4,44 m
Ground clearance
14,4 cm
18,3 cm
Turning circle
12,0 m
11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)
2.000 kg
2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

BMW 5 Series BMW X1
Platform CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) UKL2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid B38/B48 petrol · B47 diesel
Transmission 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Euro standard Euro 6d-TEMP Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW 5 Series
  • EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
  • Early iDrive (NBT EVO) software quirks
  • Level sensor of the optional air suspension can fail
BMW X1
  • EGR clogging on diesels
  • Engine mounts can wear early
  • Cooling system needs checking
  • Early timing-chain tensioners (B48/B47)

Pros

BMW 5 Series
  • Benchmark ride/handling balance (CLAR)
  • Efficient, quiet B47/B48 engines
  • Big boot (530 l) & roomy cabin
BMW X1
  • Sharp BMW handling
  • Proven B-series engines
  • Optional xDrive all-wheel drive

Cons

BMW 5 Series
  • Firm ride on M Sport + run-flat
  • Pricey options list
BMW X1
  • Less roomy than the Q3/Tiguan
  • Front-wheel-drive base (the E84 was rear-wheel drive)

For sale at dealers