BMW X3 G01 vs BMW X5 G05

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

The third-generation X3 (G01), on the CLAR platform.

BMW X5

G05 · 2018 – 2023

The fourth-generation X5 (G05), on the CLAR platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X3

Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

BMW X5

Pick the X5 for a luxurious cabin, strong engines and generous space in a large premium SUV.

Best engine: The xDrive30d (diesel) or xDrive40i (petrol).

Read the full guide

Performance

B48 20i · Petrol vs B58 40i · Petrol

	BMW X3	BMW X5
Power	184 hp	340 hp Winner
Torque	290 Nm	450 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,3 s	5,5 s Winner
Top speed	215 km/h	243 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	105,4 hp/t	159,3 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	154 g/km Winner	198 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,8 L/100km Winner	8,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X3	BMW X5
Boot	550 L	650 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L	1.870 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,71 m	4,92 m
Ground clearance	20,4 cm	21,4 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m Winner	12,6 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	3.500 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X3	BMW X5
Platform	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)	CLAR (longitudinal)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 30e PHEV	B58 3.0 petrol · B57 3.0 diesel · 45e PHEV
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed Steptronic
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 X3

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

BMW X5

Transfer case (xDrive) needs maintenance
Air suspension (if fitted)
Cooling system/EGR on diesels

Pros

BMW X3

Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
Big boot & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

BMW X5

Luxurious, premium interior
Strong B57/B58 engines
Light, stiff CLAR body

Cons

BMW X3

Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

BMW X5

High running costs
Air suspension & xDrive upkeep

Driving experience

BMW X3

Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.

BMW X5

Luxurious, composed and surprisingly agile for its size. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control excellent, and the X5 hides its bulk through bends with real composure. xDrive delivers tenacious all-weather grip and a reassuringly planted feel. Air suspension, where fitted, spans cushioned to firmly controlled and irons out rough roads. The B58 petrols are smooth and muscular, the B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive45e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, capable luxury SUV that feels smaller and sharper than it is.