BMW X3 vs BMW X5
BMW X3
BMW’s mid-size premium SUV.
VS
BMW X5
BMW’s large luxury SUV.
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
|
| Width |
1,89 m
|
2,00 m
|
| Height |
1,68 m
|
1,75 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW X3 | BMW X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the 5 Series) | CLAR (longitudinal engine, rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | B58 petrol · B57 diesel · PHEV |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 8-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
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 needs checking
- EGR on diesels
Pros
BMW X3
- Rear-drive base gives sharp handling
- Big boot (550 l) & 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 suspension (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
BMW X5
- High running costs
- Air suspension & xDrive upkeep
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers
BMW X3
44 for sale · from € 6.950
BMW X5
46 for sale · from € 14.990
BMW X5 xDrive45e · M-Sport · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · Ca…
€ 40.980
Simplici Car Liège
Simplici Car Liège
BMW X5 xDrive · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 39.995
DR Motors
DR Motors
BMW X5 xDrive · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 39.995
DR Motors
DR Motors
BMW X5 xDrive50e · electric · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · C…
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Garage Carrera Cars
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