2025 BMW X3 vs 2026 BMW X5

The 2025 BMW X3 was a striking SUV with its seductive design, characterized by a long and tall hood, a captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and a tapering greenhouse and roofline that gave it an athletic appearance. The test model, adorned in Arctic Race Blue paint, featured expressive 21-inch wheels and gloss black M Sport details, which complemented the Calm Beige upholstery. Inside, the cabin offered quality materials in expected areas, though some plastic elements revealed its price point. Despite this, the X3 was considered a good value, especially with its competitive pricing against rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

In contrast, the 2026 BMW X5 retained design elements reminiscent of the original model, with wide kidney grilles and sculpted bodywork. The X5 M60i test vehicle, with its Manhattan Green paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded a sense of luxury. Inside, the cabin was adorned with carbon fiber inlays and metallic accents, creating a sophisticated atmosphere. The X5's interior was praised for its quality, with features like glass controls and ambient lighting enhancing its appeal. The X5's design and interior quality made it feel worth its price, especially with the added luxury of the Bowers & Wilkins audio system and panoramic Sky Lounge LED sunroof.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. The engine's power curve, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD, provided a responsive driving experience. The X3 also included a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing off-the-line responsiveness and improving fuel economy. For those seeking more power, the X3 M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires contributed to a dynamic driving experience, though the ride could be firm on imperfect roads.

The 2026 BMW X5 M60i, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 532 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. The xDrive AWD system and performance tires ensured power was effectively transferred to the ground. While the X5 M60i offered exhilarating performance, it consumed more fuel, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg. The X5's dynamic M Adaptive suspension provided a firm ride, and its M Sport brakes and performance tires enhanced confidence. The X5 was not designed for off-roading, but it boasted a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with a power-adjustable driver's seat providing a sports car-like view of the hood. The cabin felt wider and larger than most compact crossovers, with a simple dashboard featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustment and ventilation, while the rear seats were less comfortable for taller passengers. The cargo area provided 31.5 cubic feet of space, with a lightweight cargo cover and additional storage under the load floor.

The 2026 BMW X5 accommodated five passengers in two rows, with front seats offering extensive adjustments and comfort features like heating, ventilation, and massage. The rear seats provided acceptable comfort, though taller adults might find the seat cushions too low. The X5 offered ample storage, with hidden compartments and secure liners to prevent noise. The split-opening power liftgate provided convenience, and the cargo area offered 33.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 BMW X3 featured the BMW Curved Display with iDrive 9 software, offering a user-friendly interface with Quick Select. However, the test vehicle experienced issues with profile creation and accessing BMW Digital Services. The infotainment system occasionally froze, and the default Guest profile lacked access to certain features. Despite these challenges, the wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity worked flawlessly, providing a reliable alternative to the native infotainment features.

The 2026 BMW X5's BMW Curved Display housed a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen, powered by iDrive 8.5. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a range of connected services. The digital assistant worked well, except when Apple CarPlay was active. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system delivered exceptional sound quality. While the infotainment menus were extensive, they were easy to navigate when stationary.

The 2025 BMW X3 came with the Active Driving Assistant suite, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Steering Assistant technology. The optional Driving Assistant Professional Package offered advanced features like hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2026 BMW X5 included standard safety features like high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. The X5 received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.