Matchup
BMW X3 vs BMW X5
The 2026 X3 30 xDrive against the 2027 X5 40 xDrive, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 3, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the X3 costs $20,900 less: $52,650 against $73,550 for the X5, destination included. PublishedBMWPublishedBMW
- The X5 gets to 60 mph 1.4 s sooner: 4.8 s against 6.2 s. TestedCar and DriverPublishedBMW
- The X5 is rated to tow 3,709 lb more: 7,710 lb against 4,001 lb. PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data)PublishedBMW
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the X3 and 4 in the X5. Simulatedfrom BMWSimulatedfrom BMW
At a glance
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $52,650PublishedBMW | $73,550PublishedBMW |
| Powertrain | 2.0 L turbo four (B48B20O2), Miller cycle, port and direct injection, 48-V motor in the transmission, mild hybrid · xDrive (rear-biased, electronically controlled front multi-plate clutch) | 3.0 L turbo inline six (B58), Miller cycle, port and direct injection, 48-V starter-generator in the transmission, mild hybrid · xDrive (rear-biased, electronically controlled front multi-plate clutch) |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 4.8 sPublishedBMW |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 155 ft (47.2 m)TestedCar and Driver | no data |
| EPA combined | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 31.5 cu ft (892 L)PublishedBMW | 27.3 cu ft (773 L)PublishedBMW |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom BMW | 4Simulatedfrom BMW |
| Seats | 5Published | 5Published |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 4★ overall · IIHS Top Safety Pick+ | No safety rating yet · new for 2027 |
Acceleration
The X5 gets to 60 mph 1.4 s sooner: 4.8 s against 6.2 s.
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 255 hp (190 kW)PublishedBMW | 394 hp (294 kW)PublishedBMW |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm)PublishedBMW | 428 lb-ft (580 Nm)PublishedBMW |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.2 sTestedCar and Driver | 4.8 sPublishedBMW |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 6.2 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 4.8 sSimulatedfrom BMW |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 4.4 sTestedCar and Driver | no data |
| Quarter mile | 14.6 sTestedCar and Driver | no data |
Braking and stopping distance
On a wet road from 70 mph, reaction included, the X3 needs 336 ft to stop and the X5 350 ft: 14 ft more road for the X5.
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 155 ft (47.2 m)TestedCar and Driver | no data |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 108 ft (32.9 m)TestedMotorTrend | no data |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 336 ft (102.3 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 350 ft (106.5 m)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 258 ft (78.5 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 269 ft (82.1 m)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 223 ft (67.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 162 ft (49.3 m)Simulated, estimated inputs |
Rollover
It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the X5; the X3 goes over at 11 mph.
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 16.9% riskTestedNHTSA | no data |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 11 mph (18 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.22Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.25Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X3 costs about $267 a year less to run: $2,316/yr against $2,583/yr.
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $2,316/yrDerivedEPA | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 32 mpg (7.3 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs | 27 mpg (8.7 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Drag coefficient | 0.27PublishedBMW | 0.29PublishedBMW |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
On packed snow the X5 can pull away at 0.28 g, against 0.18 g for the X3.
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.91 gTestedCar and Driver | no data |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.91 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.84 gSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.18 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.28 gSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Turning circle | 40.0 ft (12.2 m)PublishedBMW | 42.0 ft (12.8 m)PublishedBMW |
| Ground clearance | 8.5 in (22 cm)PublishedBMW | 8.9 in (23 cm)Estimate |
| Tires | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 ★ 255/40R21 · 285/35R21 · 255/40R21 · 285/35R21TestedCar and Driver | All-season 255/50R21 · 285/45R21 (standard; maker not published) · 255/50R21 · 285/45R21PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) |
Space, luggage and fit
The X5 is rated to tow 3,709 lb more: 7,710 lb against 4,001 lb.
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5Published | 5Published |
| Large suitcases, packed | 6Simulatedfrom BMW | 4Simulatedfrom BMW |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom BMW | 2Simulatedfrom BMW |
| Cargo behind the second row | 31.5 cu ft (892 L)PublishedBMW | 27.3 cu ft (773 L)PublishedBMW |
| Cargo, seats folded | 67.1 cu ft (1,900 L)PublishedBMW | 67.7 cu ft (1,917 L)PublishedBMW |
| Towing | 4,001 lb (1,815 kg)PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data) | 7,710 lb (3,497 kg)PublishedBMW |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | +1.8 in (4 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +3.4 in (9 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +4.1 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +5.8 in (15 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +7.0 in (18 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +9.0 in (23 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.9 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +3.7 in (10 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs | +5.2 in (13 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | +0.3 in head · −2.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs | +1.2 in head · +0.9 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 40.5 in (103 cm)PublishediSeeCars | 40.6 in (103 cm)PublishedBMW |
| Rear head room, published | 38.2 in (97 cm)PublishediSeeCars | 38.1 in (97 cm)PublishedBMW |
| Rear leg room, published | 36.3 in (92 cm)PublishediSeeCars | no data |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the X3’s hood hides the first 24 ft of road; the X5’s hides 34 ft.
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 24 ft (7.3 m)Simulated | 34 ft (10.4 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 33%Simulated | 30%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
No meaningful gap between the X3 and the X5 on what we can measure here.
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | AcceptableTestedIIHS | no data |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 358 ft (109.1 m)TestedIIHS | no data |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 77 mph (124 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | no data |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 369 ft (112.5 m)TestedIIHS | no data |
Crash safety
No meaningful gap between the X3 and the X5 on what we can measure here.
| X3 | X5 | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4★TestedNHTSA | no data |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | no data |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | no data |
| IIHS side (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | no data |
| IIHS award | 2026 Top Safety Pick+PublishedIIHS | no data |
| Curb weight | 4,246 lb (1,926 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 5,216 lb (2,366 kg)PublishedBMW |
Where each one wins
BMW X3
- In the trims shown, the X3 costs $20,900 less: $52,650 against $73,550 for the X5, destination included. PublishedBMWPublishedBMW
- Our packing test fits 6 large suitcases in the X3 and 4 in the X5. Simulatedfrom BMWSimulatedfrom BMW
- From the driver’s seat the X3’s hood hides the first 24 ft of road; the X5’s hides 34 ft. Simulated
- At 15,000 miles a year and national average prices, the X3 costs about $267 a year less to run: $2,316/yr against $2,583/yr. DerivedEPADerivedEPA
- On a wet road from 70 mph, reaction included, the X3 needs 336 ft to stop and the X5 350 ft: 14 ft more road for the X5. Simulatedfrom Car and DriverSimulated, estimated inputs
- The X3 is rated 29 mpg combined by the EPA, 3 mpg better than the X5 (26 mpg). PublishedEPAPublishedEPA
- The X3 has 4.2 cu ft more cargo space behind its second row: 31.5 cu ft against 27.3 cu ft. PublishedBMWPublishedBMW
- In our simulation the X3 corners at up to 0.91 g against 0.84 g for the X5. Simulatedfrom Car and DriverSimulated, estimated inputs
- The X3 turns in a 2.0 ft tighter circle: 40.0 ft against 42.0 ft. PublishedBMWPublishedBMW
BMW X5
- The X5 gets to 60 mph 1.4 s sooner: 4.8 s against 6.2 s. TestedCar and DriverPublishedBMW
- The X5 is rated to tow 3,709 lb more: 7,710 lb against 4,001 lb. PublishedCar and Driver (Chrome Data)PublishedBMW
- Behind a 5-ft-11 driver, a 5-ft-11 passenger gets +5.2 in of knee room in the X5 and +2.1 in in the X3. Simulated, estimated inputs
- The X5 makes 139 hp more: 394 hp against 255 hp. PublishedBMWPublishedBMW
- On packed snow the X5 can pull away at 0.28 g, against 0.18 g for the X3. Simulatedfrom Car and DriverSimulated, estimated inputs
- A 6-ft-4 driver has +3.4 in between head and headliner in the X5 and +1.8 in in the X3. Simulated, estimated inputs
- A 5-ft-11 rear passenger has +3.7 in of head room in the X5 and +2.9 in in the X3. Simulated, estimated inputs
- It takes a 12 mph sideways slide into a curb to roll the X5; the X3 goes over at 11 mph. Simulated, estimated inputs
Other trims
- X3 30 xDrive · on this page
- X3 M50 xDrive
- X5 40 xDrive · on this page
- X5 50e xDrive
Keep comparing
Sources
- BMW of North America: 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive: starting MSRP $51,300, excludes destination (2026-10)
- BMW Group PressClub USA: The New BMW X5 and iX5 (US prices, outputs, 0–60 mph, 50e battery and range; June 30, 2026) (2026-06)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive Rests on Its Laurels but Remains Appealing (2025-07)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2026 BMW X3 30 xDrive features and specs (4,001-lb towing, 3.39 axle, 13.0-in rotors) (2026-10)
- BMW of North America: 2027 BMW X5 overview and FAQ (7,710-lb towing capacity, 40 xDrive) (2026-10)
- BMW Group PressClub USA: The All-New 2025 BMW X3 (US specifications: 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive) (2024-06)
- BMW of North America: 2027 BMW X5 technical data (dimensions, curb weights, cargo, fuel capacity, top speed) (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 BMW X3 xDrive30 ratings (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive ratings (2026-10)
- MotorTrend: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive First Test (M Sport package, 21-in wheels) (2025-04)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 BMW X3 SUV N/A AWD (VehicleId 21368) (2026-10)
- BMW Group PressClub: The new BMW X3: technical specifications (Cd × A, gear ratios, dimension drawings) (2024-06)
- BMW Group PressClub: The new BMW X5: technical specifications (Cd × A, tracks, gear ratios, turning circle; dimension drawing on page 11) (2026-06)
- Car and Driver (Chrome Data): 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive features and specs (255/50R21 · 285/45R21 all-season tires) (2026-10)
- iSeeCars: 2026 BMW X3 dimensions (head, leg and shoulder room) (2026-10)
- IIHS: 2026 BMW X3 ratings (apply to 2025–26 models) (2026-10)
- IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.