2021 BMW X3 vs. X5

Posh Styling in a Pair of Sports Activity Vehicles

The 2021 lineup of BMW vehicles is filled with luxurious style and impressive performance. The 2021 BMW X3 and BMW X5 have attractive exterior and interior features as well as German engineering that make them fun to drive. The X3 sDrive30i is an attractive and sporty compact SAV with aggressive curves, while the X5 sDrive40i is a slightly larger mid-size luxury SAV with traditional styling and notable performance.

At Capital BMW, we proudly offer the full BMW group of sedans, SAVs, and sportscars. Our expert sales professionals can show you all of the features of the BMW that best suits your needs.

German-engineered Power and Performance

The BMW X3 comes with a 2.0-liter inline-four with twin-turbo power that delivers 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The BMW X5 comes with a 3.0-liter inline-six with twin-turbo power that delivers 335 lb-ft of torque. Each of the BMW SUV models comes standard with rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission with several driving modes for added fun on the road.

The X3 delivers an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25/29, while the X5 has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21/16. The fuel economies drop when all-wheel drive is added. BMW also offers an available plug-in hybrid model on both the X3 and X5.

In typical BMW style, the X3 handles like a sports sedan. Rather than lumbering around corners, the X3 handles them with willing competence. The X5 also delivers on the road with refined and stable handling on the tightest corners. Both models are truly fun to drive.

Attractive Exterior Styling with Luxurious Interiors

Both models have attractive exterior design features. The X3 comes with 18-inch wheels, while the X5 comes with 19-inch wheels. Both have power, folding heated side mirrors, a roof spoiler with brake light, and satin-finish roof rails.

On the inside, the two vehicles have spacious cabins and luxurious features. The X5 comes standard with two rows that seat five adults, while an optional third row adds two more seats that are better fit for children than fully-grown adults. The X3 has seating for five. Both models have a 40/20/40 rear folding seat. The front seats in both models have power adjustability and heat. Both BMWs have dual-zone climate control, power rear liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, micro-filter ventilation, and ambient lighting. They also come with a standard panoramic power sunroof.

Optional interior features on the X3 and X5 include massaging seats, remote start, heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and other high-end details.

BMW Standard Safety Features

Both the X3 and X5 come loaded with standard safety and driver-assistance features. They have LED headlights, taillights, and accessory lights for added visibility on the road. They also come with standard lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

The BMW SUVs also have standard rear-view cameras, an Active Protection System with Fatigue and Focus Alert, as well as BMW Assist eCall for emergency assistance while on the road.

High-Tech Infotainment

Luxurious interiors come with notable technology. The X3 comes with Live Cockpit Plus that includes a 5.7-inch analog cluster with a 10.25-inch infotainment display. Both displays can be controlled by voice, touchscreen, or touchpad controller. The Live Cockpit Plus system includes iDrive 6.0 with navigation, Bluetooth, a pair of USB ports, and over-the-air navigation updates.

The X5 comes standard with Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a coordinating 12.3-inch infotainment display. The digital displays operate via voice, touchscreen, and touchpad. This system uses the iDrive 7.0 system with navigation with Cloud-based updates, Bluetooth, and two USB ports.

Both models come standard with HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, and smartphone streaming. The X3 has twelve speakers while the X5 has ten.

Take Your Favorite BMW SUV for a Test Drive

To decide between the 2021 X3 vs. X5, we invite you to visit us at Capital BMW to take them both for a test drive. The X3 offers performance-based engineering, so it feels more like a sports car than a sports-activity vehicle. The X5 models feature modern styling with sophisticated and adept handling with more space for your cargo and passengers.

Both BMW SUV models come with similar technology, safety, and comfort features, as is typical for the BMW brand. Our experienced sales staff can help you find the perfect BMW model for your needs, and we’re confident you will like what you see.