Two sizes compared
2027 BMW X5 vs BMW X3 in Northern California
The X5 and the X3 side by side: size, power, towing, cargo and price.
European model shown.
Quick Answer
- The 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive starts at $72,100 MSRP with 394 hp; the BMW X3 30 xDrive starts at $51,300 MSRP with 255 hp, a $20,800 difference.
- The X5 is 197.2 inches long and tows up to 7,710 lbs when properly equipped; the X3 is 187.2 inches long and tows up to 4,001 lbs with the factory-installed trailer hitch.
- The EPA estimates the X3 30 xDrive at 29 mpg combined and the X5 40 xDrive at 26 mpg combined; both come standard with xDrive all-wheel drive and seat five.
- BMW of Napa Valley has both in stock, and the plug-in X5 50e xDrive adds an estimated 44 miles of electric driving.
- Both carry one price, nobody on the team earns commission, and you can buy online, in person or both.
The 2027 BMW X5 and the BMW X3 share a factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, all-wheel drive and five seats, and they differ in the way that matters most when you shop: size, power and price. BMW of Napa Valley sells both, so this page lays them side by side for drivers across Northern California, Solano County and the North Bay who are choosing between the compact SUV and the midsize one.
The X3 here is the current BMW X3 30 xDrive, the X3 BMW of Napa Valley has in stock. If you are leaning toward one of them, the numbers below show what the extra $20,800 of the X5 buys and what the X3 delivers for less.
2027 BMW X5 vs BMW X3: The Short Answer
Choose the BMW X5 for more power, more space and up to 7,710 lbs of towing; choose the BMW X3 for a lower price, a smaller footprint and 29 mpg combined.
Most drivers who tow, carry a full household or want the extra performance are happier in the X5. Most drivers who want a premium SUV that parks easily and costs less to buy and fuel are happier in the X3. Because nobody at BMW of Napa Valley earns commission, you get the same answer either way: the one that fits your week.
2027 BMW X5 Overview
The 2027 BMW X5 is the fifth-generation midsize BMW SUV, available as the 394-hp X5 40 xDrive from $72,100 and the 483-hp X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid from $77,500.
It carries BMW Panoramic iDrive with a 17.9-inch Central Display, a panoramic glass sunroof of about 28 square feet, standard xDrive all-wheel drive and Driving Assistant Plus. The 2027 X5 overview covers it in full.
BMW X3 Overview
The BMW X3 30 xDrive is BMW's compact luxury SUV, starting at $51,300 with a 2.0-liter inline-4 TwinPower Turbo engine, 48V mild-hybrid technology and 255 hp.
It includes standard xDrive all-wheel drive and a standard safety suite of Active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Active Protection and Active Driving Assistant. See the BMW X3 research hub for more, or browse the X3 inventory.
Powertrain Comparison
The X5 40 xDrive makes 394 hp against the X3 30 xDrive's 255 hp, a difference of 139 hp, and reaches 60 mph in an estimated 5.1 seconds against 6.0.
| 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive | BMW X3 30 xDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0-liter turbo inline-6, 48V mild hybrid | 2.0-liter turbo inline-4, 48V mild hybrid |
| Horsepower | 394 hp | 255 hp |
| 0-60 mph (BMW estimate) | 5.1 seconds | 6.0 seconds |
| Drivetrain | xDrive all-wheel drive, standard | xDrive all-wheel drive, standard |
| EPA fuel economy | 24 city / 28 highway / 26 combined mpg | 27 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg |
| Towing, as rated | Up to 7,710 lbs when properly equipped | Up to 4,001 lbs with the factory-installed trailer hitch |
| Plug-in option | BMW X5 50e xDrive: 483 hp, up to 44 miles of electric range | X3 30 xDrive: gasoline engine with 48V mild hybrid |
0-60 times are BMW AG preliminary test results. Fuel economy from fueleconomy.gov. Towing ratings are the manufacturer's maximums for the configuration stated; use appropriately rated equipment.
The X5 tows 3,709 lbs more than the X3, which is the difference between a small utility trailer and a boat or a loaded camper trailer. The X3 returns 3 mpg more on the combined cycle, which is the difference most noticeable on a daily I-80 commute.
Interior, Size and Technology Comparison
The X5 is 10.0 inches longer than the X3 at 197.2 inches against 187.2, and both seat five in two rows.
| 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive | BMW X3 30 xDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 197.2 in | 187.2 in |
| Width without mirrors | 78.7 in | 75.6 in |
| Height | 68.9 in | 65.4 in |
| Seating | Five | Five |
| Cargo, seats folded | 67.7 cu ft | 67.1 cu ft |
| Assembly | Spartanburg, South Carolina | Spartanburg, South Carolina |
European model shown.
With the seats folded the two carry almost the same load. The X5's extra length shows in the cabin: its wheelbase grew by 2.4 inches this generation, which adds rear knee room, and the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat opens a pass-through for long items. Technology is where the X5 shows its newest side, with BMW Panoramic iDrive, the 17.9-inch Central Display, BMW Panoramic Vision, a standard BMW 3D Head-Up Display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on every X5.
Pricing and Value
The BMW X3 30 xDrive starts at $51,300 MSRP and the 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive at $72,100 MSRP, a difference of $20,800.
| 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive | BMW X3 30 xDrive | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $72,100 | $51,300 |
| Difference | $20,800 more than the X3 | Baseline |
| What the difference buys | 139 more hp, 10.0 inches more length, 3,709 more lbs of towing | The lower price of entry into a BMW SUV |
MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, license and fees; the dealer sets the final price. Confirm current pricing with BMW of Napa Valley.
Both are priced the same way at BMW of Napa Valley: one negotiation-free price under the Premier Pure Promise, with your trade's Kelley Blue Book value and every available rate, rebate, residual and incentive open to you at any hour, so you can compare the monthly cost of each before you visit.
Where the BMW X5 Wins for Many Drivers
The X5 wins on power, towing, size and the newest technology.
- Power: 394 hp against 255 hp, with an estimated 5.1-second 0-60 time against 6.0.
- Towing: up to 7,710 lbs when properly equipped, against up to 4,001 lbs.
- Size: 10.0 inches more length and 3.1 inches more width, with a wheelbase that grew 2.4 inches this generation.
- Plug-in choice: the X5 50e xDrive adds 483 hp and an estimated 44 miles of electric range on the same body.
- Newest technology: BMW Panoramic iDrive, a panoramic glass sunroof of about 28 square feet and wireless smartphone integration, all standard on the X5.
Where the BMW X3 Wins for Many Drivers
The X3 wins on price, fuel economy and a compact footprint.
- Price: $51,300 MSRP, $20,800 less than the X5 40 xDrive.
- Fuel economy: the EPA estimates 29 mpg combined, 3 mpg more than the X5 40 xDrive.
- Parking and tight spaces: at 187.2 inches long and 65.4 inches tall, it is the easier fit for a tight garage or a downtown space.
- Standard all-wheel drive and a full safety suite at a lower entry price.
Which Should You Choose: BMW X5 or BMW X3?
Pick the X5 if you tow, carry a full household or want the performance; pick the X3 if price, mileage and easy parking come first.
| If this sounds like you | The better fit |
|---|---|
| You tow a trailer or boat | BMW X5 40 xDrive, up to 7,710 lbs when properly equipped |
| You want the quickest build | BMW X5 50e xDrive, an estimated 4.6 seconds 0-60 mph |
| You want electric miles for short trips | BMW X5 50e xDrive, up to 44 miles of electric range |
| You commute on I-80 and want the lowest running cost | BMW X3 30 xDrive, 29 mpg combined |
| You park in a tight garage | BMW X3 30 xDrive, 187.2 inches long |
| You need seven seats | Neither; see the 2027 BMW X7 vs BMW X5 comparison |
Some drivers move up from an X3 to an X5, and some choose an X3 for less vehicle at a lower price. The Premier People Promise means the advice does not change with the price tag: nobody earns commission, so the recommendation is the one that suits you.
Test Drive the BMW X5 and BMW X3 at BMW of Napa Valley
Drive both in one visit at 2399 Auto Mall Pkwy in Fairfield, just off I-80, and feel the difference in size and power yourself. Both come with BMW's 4-year or 50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty and BMW Ultimate Care for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
You can also start online: browse X5 inventory, browse X3 inventory, value your trade and apply for credit from home, then finish in person or buy 100% online with a remote purchase and delivery to your door. Drivers from Vacaville, Vallejo, American Canyon and near Napa visit often, and we deliver anywhere, coast to coast. Call (707) 402-1500 or schedule a test drive.
European model shown.
2027 BMW X5 vs BMW X3 FAQs
How much more does the 2027 BMW X5 cost than the BMW X3?
The 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive starts at $72,100 MSRP and the BMW X3 30 xDrive at $51,300 MSRP, a difference of $20,800. MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, license and fees.
Is the BMW X5 bigger than the BMW X3?
Yes. The X5 is 197.2 inches long, 78.7 inches wide without mirrors and 68.9 inches tall, against 187.2, 75.6 and 65.4 inches for the X3 30 xDrive. Both seat five.
Which has more power, the BMW X5 or the BMW X3?
The X5 40 xDrive makes 394 hp and the X3 30 xDrive makes 255 hp, a difference of 139 hp. The X5 50e xDrive plug-in hybrid makes 483 hp.
Which tows more, the BMW X5 or the BMW X3?
The X5 40 xDrive is rated to tow up to 7,710 lbs when properly equipped, and the X3 30 xDrive up to 4,001 lbs with the factory-installed trailer hitch.
Which gets better gas mileage, the X5 or the X3?
The EPA estimates the X3 30 xDrive at 27 city, 33 highway and 29 combined mpg, and the X5 40 xDrive at 24, 28 and 26. The X5 50e xDrive adds up to 44 miles of electric range.
Do the BMW X5 and BMW X3 both come with all-wheel drive?
Yes. xDrive all-wheel drive is standard on the 2027 BMW X5 40 xDrive and X5 50e xDrive and on the BMW X3 30 xDrive.
Is the BMW X3 or the BMW X5 better for a family of four?
Both seat five. The X3 suits a family that wants a smaller footprint and lower price, and the X5 suits one that wants more power, towing and technology. Drive both to compare the rear seat.
Can I test drive both the X5 and the X3 in one visit?
Yes. BMW of Napa Valley sells both, so you can drive them back to back. Schedule a visit or call (707) 402-1500.
Explore the X5
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Tell us how you will use it and we will point you at the right configuration on the lot.