2020 BMW X3 vs. 2020 BMW X5

The St Paul region’s most adventurous drivers know how easy it is to fall in love with a BMW Sport Activity Vehicle®, but which of our new models is the right fit for your lifestyle? Should you choose the compact 2020 BMW X3 or the mid-size 2020 BMW X5 for your St Paul and Minneapolis adventures? We’ve put together a guide with everything you need to know.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Seating and Cargo Space

Do you need a vehicle with room for up to seven passengers? Although both of these SAVs® offer five-passenger seating as standard, only the X5 is available with an optional third row. Cargo space is another important consideration for the Minneapolis area’s busiest families. Compare the BMW X3 vs. X5 on these important metrics, here:

• 2020 BMW X3 Cargo Space
  • 28.7 cubic feet behind the rear row
  • 62.7 cubic feet behind the first row

• 2020 BMW X5 Cargo Space
  • 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear row
  • 72.3 cubic feet behind the first row

Wondering how the larger model compares to an in-class rival? Pit the Acura MDX vs. BMW X5 today.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Engine Options and Capabilities

Both models handle the Richfield and Edina roads in a way that only our Sport Activity Vehicles® can! Each comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but can be optioned with xDrive AWD in any configuration. What’s more, each is offered with it’s own high-performance M configuration. However, if you’re comparing the BMW X3 vs. X5 on performance, there are certainly a few differences that you’ll want to be aware of. Chief among these is the variation in their engine lineups: 2020 BMW X3 Engine Options

• Standard: 2.0L I-4 engine with 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque
• Available: 3.0L M Performance I-6 with 382 hp and 382 lb-ft of torque

2020 BMW X5 Engine Options

• Standard: 3.0L I-6 engine with 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque
• Available: 4.4L V8 engine with 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque
• Available: 4.4L M Performance V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque

If you’ve done much research on these vehicles’ respective segments, you may have already guessed that the BMW X5 can tow more than the BMW X3. You’ll be able to access a maximum capacity of 7,200 pounds with the former, compared to just 4,400 with the latter.

BMW X3 vs. X5: Standard Features and Amenities

Both of these BMW SUV models offer standard Bluetooth® connectivity, leatherette-trimmed seats, and even voice-activated Navigation. However, when you compare these BMW models in terms of standard features, you will notice a few differences!

• The BMW X3 comes standard with a 12-speaker audio system. Although the BMW X5 interior only offers ten speakers as standard, it comes standard with speed-sensitive volume control.
• Heated front seatbacks and seat cushions come standard on the BMW X5. You’ll have to pay extra to get the same features on the X3.
• Both models offer Parking Assist as standard, but only the X5 also comes standard with Blind Spot Monitoring and a Lane Departure Warning.

Despite these differences, both models are excellent buying options for drivers near Richfield and Edina. After all, the X3 starts with a much lower price than its larger cousin, and it’s available with almost all of the features that you can get in an X5.

Get Behind the Wheel at Motorwerks BMW

If you like what you’ve seen in either of these models, don’t wait to take the next steps! Explore our new X3 inventory or our new X5 inventory today, compare buying vs. leasing, and pay us a visit in Bloomington.

Interested in other BMW comparisons? Start by pitting the BMW 3 Series vs. 5 Series or move into the new year with our 2021 BMW X3 vs. X5 match-up.