X3 vs X5...

[BiscottiGelato]

I am more in the market for a SUV. Primary reasons:

1. Girlfriend has a Z4... So can't get another 2 seater...
2. My previous 135i was a nightmare going through unpaved roads accessing hiking trails, etc.
3. Better ground clearance for snow over the ski season
4. Once or twice a year, road trip with some friends/family.

We have no kids or anything, and don't think kids are in the picture for at least a few years. Most of the time the vehicle of course is just to commute to work and get groceries amongst other things. So the thought was that the X3 is the perfect vehicle for the job.

However we have came over some really bargain priced used 2014 X5s. They are almost as cheap as 2015 LCI X3s. Considering residual, the X5 will probably have slightly lower cost over 5 years of ownership. Not to mention the nicer interior of the X5 over the X3.

The only thing I can't get past is how the X5 is such a big car, but actually has less cargo volume? If both the X3 and X5 seats 5 and has simlar cargo space, what's the point of such a huge vehicle?

Looking for people to talk some sense into me. Thanks!

[Chem14]

Originally Posted by BiscottiGelato

I am more in the market for a SUV. Primary reasons:

1. Girlfriend has a Z4... So can't get another 2 seater...
2. My previous 135i was a nightmare going through unpaved roads accessing hiking trails, etc.
3. Better ground clearance for snow over the ski season
4. Once or twice a year, road trip with some friends/family.

We have no kids or anything, and don't think kids are in the picture for at least a few years. Most of the time the vehicle of course is just to commute to work and get groceries amongst other things. So the thought was that the X3 is the perfect vehicle for the job.

However we have came over some really bargain priced used 2014 X5s. They are almost as cheap as 2015 LCI X3s. Considering residual, the X5 will probably have slightly lower cost over 5 years of ownership. Not to mention the nicer interior of the X5 over the X3.

The only thing I can't get past is how the X5 is such a big car, but actually has less cargo volume? If both the X3 and X5 seats 5 and has simlar cargo space, what's the point of such a huge vehicle?

Looking for people to talk some sense into me. Thanks!

It is bigger and roomier than the x3. I primarily purchased it for the fit and finish which blows the X3 away. I used it often this past ski season and had zero issues and performed well in the snow.

As far as cargo, I am able to fit two sets of skis, a snowboard and all of the misc goggles, pants jackets, cooler, chains, helmets....etc and a five year old in the back with the center armrest folded down. I don't have a roof rack or carrier and there is plenty of room. You just have to plan. No regrets here.

The stance is aggressive whereas the x3 leaves a lot to be desired. If you go for a staggered setup it looks even better.

[X54TH]

We had a 2007 X5 4.8L loaded and was looking to get a newer vehicle while we were repair free. We actually went down the path of a 2016 X3 which I loaded up thinking I'd get my wife something more compact. Took the kids and wife for the test drive. Everyone "liked" the car. The night before going to the dealership to place the order both my wife and I couldn't sleep! Went to the dealership first thing in the morning and ordered a 2016 X5 M Sport. My wife said just last night, this X5 was the best decision we made, a nice upgrade from the older X5 she was driving. Absolutely love the vehicle. Today I was at the dealership enquiring about the MPPK (tune)...I'm having that done as well. The X5 feels much more substantial, interior is beautiful, comes well equipped versus the X3, I thought it handled far better and I don't think I spent a lot more then the X3 because I had to load up the X3 to compete. You can't go wrong if you order an X5. Good luck.

[bootleg gucci]

We were also considering the X3, but the redesign is happening next year (check autobild.de to see great looking 2017 X3 render pics). The current F15 X5 is less than 3 years into the design cycle. Interior is beautifully designed & 10" screen standard, cargo space with the rear seats up is substantial. Standard seats are softer IMO than the X3.

[Kzang]

Based on your requirements listed above, I think an X3 would be your perfect SUV.

[mdallas]

We just went from a 2013 F25 X3 to 2016 F15 X5. No comparison, do the X5 and you will never look at an X3 again!!

[ixlr8]

We just did the X3 X5 comparison. We went with the X5, we found it roomier, more comfortable and quieter, more room for dogs... now waiting delivery. But for your mission, I suspect the X3 would be fine and easier to park/maneuver.

[Kzang]

The more sensible thing to do is get the X3.. It is much smaller, easier to maneuver and possibly better in off-road conditions, not to mention cheaper on fuel. I think people who own or about to purchase their X5's here are being slightly biased. By the way, if you post this exact thread in the X3 forums you will get biased opinions there as well

[Alan l.]

I find it hard to believe that in real world conditions that the X5 has less cargo room than the X3. The X5 is a much bigger/wider vehicle. If you don't get the spare tire option you have another massive hidden storage compartment under the floor.

If you are comparing a used 2014 X5 vs a new LCI X3 then the choice is a lot harder for me. The main reason is because the 2014 X5 is the first production year and seems to have more issues with it than the 2015/2016 cars. Figure it always takes BMW at least a year to iron out its bugs in each new model.

Now if you are talking old vs old or new vs new then I would say the X3 will suit your needs just fine but the X5 will a step up (except performance) in every other way. Its a much nicer looking vehicle, way more luxurious and offers much more interior space for its passengers. I have two baby car seats in the back and I could still sit back there comfortably. Something nearly impossible to do in my F10 550. Also the X3's interior is on par with the E90 3 series while the X5 is on par (if not exceeds) with the F10 5 series or F07 7 series. Completely different class cars.

Alan

[viperdoc]

I was in a similar position, slightly. Our family car is a 2014 Acura MDX. My commuter car could have been a sedan, honestly. But I like the riding position of an SUV, its utility, and feeling of being in a more substantial car. So I looked at the X3 and X5. I thought the X5 rode like a larger car, but in a good way. Interior was better, seats were significantly more comfortable, and I liked the styling better (even the non-M sport, which is what I got).

Based on my needs alone, a barebones X3 would have sufficed. But I wasn't going to plop down $50K+ (the X3) for a car that just fit my needs....if that was all I was after I could have gone for a $30K Honda CRV or Toyota highlander, or many others. In the end I chose what I LIKED rather than what I needed. And every morning when I start the engine and drive off, I am happy I made the choice I did.

[stewy604]

OP, does the used X5 in question have warranty remaining? Given the MY, it should...but I'm not sure on the miles. Given the issues I've had with mine, I'd be a little uneasy about owning one outside of warranty. But I think thats a common feeling with most BMW drivers.

[BiscottiGelato]

Used 2014 X5 at 50k CAD (ex rental), no damage no accident. 30k km on the Odo. Weirdly all configured with 3rd row seating option which I don't need. Exterior is perfect and interior might need say a good detailing, or a trim or 2 replaced if scuffs bothers me. No Premium Package tho (no Comfort Access, no Homelink, no rear heated seats, no surround view, no headup display, no HK audio...) Still warranty left.

Vs

Used 2015 X3 at around 46k CAD. This is with Premium Package Enhanced (Comfort Access, HK audio, no surround view or headsup display still). Usually around 20k on the Odo. Warranty left also of course.

In terms of cargo, I'm just going by this:
"The 2016 BMW X3 has 27.6 cubic feet of cargo space with its rear seats upright and 63.3 cubic feet with them folded. That's one of the highest overall cargo capacities in the class.Jul 27, 2015
2016 BMW X3 Interior | U.S. News Best Cars
usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/BMW_X3/Interior/"

"The 2015 BMW X5 has 23 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 66 cubic feet of space with them folded. That's on par with many rivals' cargo holds. However, competitors like the Lexus RX 350 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class have much more cargo room.Aug 28, 2015
2015 BMW X5 Interior | U.S. News Best Cars
usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/BMW_X5/Interior/"

[Shaw]

let's put aside the obvious: X5 is a better SUV than X3...who didn't know that, right?
However, if you look at most of our folks' crusade (including myself) we may have started off with X3 then went up the ladder...
speaking for myself, at the time I purchased the 2011 (F25) X3, I couldn't afford the X5.
But now that I can, I moved up.
So the only thing I believe should be impacting your decision is the affordability!
If you can easily afford the X5, it is a no-brainer...it is bigger, roomier, better, etc.
If not, start with X3. It is still an exceptional car in its class...certainly beats the crap out of GLE and Q5 IMO.

[Kzang]

No denying the X5 is better in quality, build, comfort, etc. etc.. but for what the OP's needs are, the X3 would do just fine.

[X54TH]

I can tell you that we couldn't go from an X5 to X3. In my particular case I had to load the X3 and that wasn't remotely close to the old X5. Also, 2017 will be a redesign for the X3 which was another negative factor. We've got another 4 years to go before we see the X5 redesigned.