[SROC3]

The more I look at the X3 on the road it really seems so darn close to the size of the 1st/2nd Gen X5. The X3 used to be a "girls" car for me - but BMW did such a darn good job on it this 2018 Gen. Everything about it is so polished and nice (and also more masculine). I was supposed to get the 2018 X5 when my M4 lease is up - but I'm practically convinced that I'm getting an X3.

[teaston]

Yep it’s larger than the original X5. Some say the X3 has got expensive, but really it’s a cut price X5!

[Amsterdave]

We have a 2018 X3 and a 2015 X5 in a fairly small 2-car garage. The size difference when parked side by side is really very very small.
The difference in interior room and seat width is still noticeable when inside though.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by SROC3

The more I look at the X3 on the road it really seems so darn close to the size of the 1st/2nd Gen X5. The X3 used to be a "girls" car for me - but BMW did such a darn good job on it this 2018 Gen. Everything about it is so polished and nice (and also more masculine). I was supposed to get the 2018 X5 when my M4 lease is up - but I'm practically convinced that I'm getting an X3.

I've also always looked at the previous 2 generations of the X3 as a female vehicle. As soon as I saw the 2018 X3 M40i in person along with a nice test drive, I was sold.

[Lux700]

I actually still like the look of the outgoing X5 and it’s still pretty good to drive. I also like the size of them for practical reasons. For an outgoing car it’s still reasonably fairly current - probably only until you park a new one one alongside it!

Anyway, I personally thought that the X3 drove better and I can’t imagine that you’d be able to chuck an X5 around like you could an X3. Surely an X3 M40i/d would handle better than an X5 M50d, for example?!

I’ve never been a fan of previous X3’s but the G01, for me, is now a good size and by having the M performance variants available in the line-up tempted me enough to buy one.

[HollyM]

All,

I sold my 2006 X5 4.4i in preparation to receive my M40i. I obtained dimensions of each and according to what I obtained, the X3 was same width and height, but 2" longer than the X5.

Well, once home, I soon realized the height dimension was not correct; it IS shorter. I know because, being 5'10" tall, I could never dry the entire width of the X5's roof, but I can on the X3.

It is shorter in height, for sure. But the interior room resembles that of my previous X5, which I dearly miss, to be honest. As much as I like my M40i, there was nothing as good as hearing the throaty, deep growl of the X5's V8 upon start-up...

[SROC3]

Thanks for the feedback thus far I initially wanted an X3 after driving it as a loaner for 3 days. Couldn't wait to get back into it each time. Then had the older 2018 X5 as a loaner for 10 days. Then wanted an X5 all over again. But, after weighing all the new tech in the X3 against the X5 I was slowly convinced that the X3 would be the way to go. I'm not getting an M40i primarily because I'm coming from an M4 and wanted to "take a break from speed" for a while and just have an enjoyable relaxing drive. I think after I put some spacers on it (I'm getting the 19 rims) it will look more beefy then black out my grills and tada!!!! Eyeing a sapphire black one with black interior right now. MSport pkg as well to keep it looking sharp too. My lease is up end of January so hopefully Nov. brings a pull-ahead program or enough rebates to get me into my X3!!!!

[HollyM]

SROC3,

My M40i is Sapphire Black with Black Vernasca, with Fineline Cove Wood trim; I'm very happy with my choice.

After reading the "Rainy Days with the M40i" thread, I am seriously considering wrapping kidney, side vents and side view mirror caps like he did. Loving that look!

[RichM50d]

Originally Posted by Lux700

I actually still like the look of the outgoing X5 and it’s still pretty good to drive. I also like the size of them for practical reasons. For an outgoing car it’s still reasonably fairly current - probably only until you park a new one one alongside it!

Anyway, I personally thought that the X3 drove better and I can’t imagine that you’d be able to chuck an X5 around like you could an X3. Surely an X3 M40i/d would handle better than an X5 M50d, for example?!

I’ve never been a fan of previous X3’s but the G01, for me, is now a good size and by having the M performance variants available in the line-up tempted me enough to buy one.

I went from a 2017 X5 M50d to the X3 M40i, and the X3 handles loads better, and is much more fun & involving to drive.

[Lux700]

Originally Posted by RichM50d

I went from a 2017 X5 M50d to the X3 M40i, and the X3 handles loads better, and is much more fun & involving to drive.

There we are, a man who is in a perfect position to give proper opinion on the comparison. Thanks for confirming. Convinced me even more that I’ve done the right thing.

[freitz]

There is a you tube channel that did a size comparison and the only conclusion it came up with is the X5 is wider. Rear room seating was about the same. Trunk space was a little bit more.

I found the X3 M40i more fun to drive then the X5 2018. The new X5 was not out yet.

[SROC3]

I actually don't even want the M40i.....after careful consideration I'm really going to be happy with the 30i. I had it for 3 days as a loaner (base model too) and I just couldn't stop finding excuses to do errands so I could drive it. It's just that when I stepped out of it - the wheels and color needed to be different My future build should be good for me - black sapphire, black leather, MSport Pkg and my Apple Carplay Then black out the grills, reflectors, 15mm spacers all around to beef up the look - BAM!

[MechX3M40i]

Originally Posted by freitz

There is a you tube channel that did a size comparison and the only conclusion it came up with is the X5 is wider. Rear room seating was about the same. Trunk space was a little bit more.

I found the X3 M40i more fun to drive then the X5 2018. The new X5 was not out yet.

When I did my car shopping, I wanted a 6-cylinder engine so I tested drove a loaded X3 M40i back to back with a very nicely equipped 540i xDrive. Even though the spec says otherwise, I found the X3 feels roomier probably because of the huge head room and the awesome panoramic roof that's not found in the 540. Also, I suspect that when I sat in the X3, I did not need to push the driver seat back as much as I did in the 540 (I had my wife tested out the knee room behind me after I finished making seat adjustment in the front). Also, sadly, the M40i drove more like a true BMW than the 540 so I was completely sold...

I would say the new G01 X3 should be more of a mid-size SUV (oops, SAV) and not a compact SUV...