2025 BMW X3 vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless style, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, a turbocharged V8 engine, and a high-performance turbo V8 variant. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, with an MSRP of $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 BMW X3, with its redesigned seductive appearance, featured a long hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline, giving it an athletic look. The test model, in Arctic Race Blue paint, paired with machined surface wheels and Calm Beige upholstery, showcased the Veganza artificial leather, which mimicked real leather. The cabin, while not fancy, offered quality materials in expected areas, though some plastic elements revealed its price point. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models, with base prices ranging from $51,125 to $65,875. The test vehicle, priced at $60,875, included extra-cost paint, wheels, ventilated front seats, and four option packages, making it a good value compared to rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to its electric range and power output. It boasted a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The PHEV offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving, with a total output of 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The adaptive damping air suspension masked its weight, and the 21-inch wheels provided a natural BMW road feel. The X5 excelled in Sport mode, delivering excellent acceleration, grip, and steering, with brakes that withstood hard use. During evaluation, it achieved 38.8 mpg over 95.5 miles, making the xDrive50e a preferred choice unless the X5 M was a necessity.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, produced 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds. The engine's power curve, aided by an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD, provided peak torque from 1,600 rpm to near redline. The 48-volt mild-hybrid system improved responsiveness and start-stop system smoothness. The M50 xDrive variant offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The test vehicle, equipped with the M Sport package, sport-tuned suspension, and 21-inch wheels, delivered a go-kart-like ride on imperfect roads but excelled on twisty backroads. Despite achieving only 24.2 mpg, the turbo-four engine impressed with its robust power band and driving enjoyment.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e, a midsize luxury SUV, accommodated five people in two rows, with a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area expandable to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather, standard sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, offering 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. Rear passengers enjoyed supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with a view of the hood framed by sharply creased fenders, providing a sports car-like feel. 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, with power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather, were comfortable, though rear seats were less so, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover, netted storage, and a temporary spare tire. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for carrying longer items and passengers simultaneously.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running BMW Operating System 8.5. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, providing inaccurate directions and failing to find specific locations. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was useful, though reliant on accurate directions from the assistant.

The 2025 BMW X3 introduced iDrive 9, an evolution of iDrive 8.5, with a Quick Select user experience for easier navigation. Despite attempts to create profiles and access BMW Digital Services, the system was unresponsive, with screen freezes and media preference resets. The navigation system, with augmented video, provided accurate directions, but wireless Apple CarPlay was more reliable. The test vehicle's infotainment issues may have been unique, but iDrive 8.5 and previous versions did not exhibit such behavior.

The 2024 BMW X5 added Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance, requiring deliberate activation. It worked well in dense or light traffic but could behave unexpectedly in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, though hard braking occurred when detecting obstacles. The X5's driver aids operated subtly, encouraging use. The IIHS rated the X5 highly, but lower headlight ratings prevented an award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more rewarding than its infotainment system. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Steering Assistant, while the Parking Assistant Professional Package offered semi-automated parking. The Driving Assistant Professional Package included Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with four-star frontal-impact ratings for the driver and front passenger.