2024 BMW X5 or X3 M40i?
Discussion
Anyone owned or driven both?
Contemplating changing to one of these two cars later next year. Was originally considering the X5 30d to tow my caravan but I only tow a few times a year and do low miles so the right petrol engine might be better.
I hear the X5 gives a luxurious comfortable drive but I've recently learnt that the X3 has similar cabin space and the X3 M40i is a fun sporty powerful car, which appeals, and would tow my 1,500kg caravan. There's just the two of us so don't need the bigger boot of the X5
The B58 engine in the M40i is supposed to be reliable and proven, and they sound good.
Any reason not to go X3 M40i?
Contemplating changing to one of these two cars later next year. Was originally considering the X5 30d to tow my caravan but I only tow a few times a year and do low miles so the right petrol engine might be better.
I hear the X5 gives a luxurious comfortable drive but I've recently learnt that the X3 has similar cabin space and the X3 M40i is a fun sporty powerful car, which appeals, and would tow my 1,500kg caravan. There's just the two of us so don't need the bigger boot of the X5
The B58 engine in the M40i is supposed to be reliable and proven, and they sound good.
Any reason not to go X3 M40i?
I had a X3 for 2 years and honestly i loved it. Bar being paranoid it would get stolen it was a fantastic all rounder. I would get early 40's somehow on the motorway, low 20's in and around town as i have a heavy right foot.
The tech is good on it if you get the right packs for it. The gearbox is responsive too. The only thing to consider is the servicing & tyres can be expensive and a pain to get hold of tyres too.
My friend has a X5 50e and its just more of a cruiser and wafter rather than sporty.
Obviously bias but i did really love the X3 and only sold it as we needed the extra cash for a house renovation.
The tech is good on it if you get the right packs for it. The gearbox is responsive too. The only thing to consider is the servicing & tyres can be expensive and a pain to get hold of tyres too.
My friend has a X5 50e and its just more of a cruiser and wafter rather than sporty.
Obviously bias but i did really love the X3 and only sold it as we needed the extra cash for a house renovation.
The Gauge said:
richatnort said:
I had a X3 for 2 years and honestly i loved it. Bar being paranoid it would get stolen
I don't hear of BMW's getting stolen here in South Yorks, it's mainly Jaguars and LR's/RR's. Is it a thing elsewhere in the UK?but that shouldn't really sway your decision.
I found the X3 M40 a bit meh. Though I’ve never found any SUV a sporty drive if you know what I mean. I actually ended up in a 530d touring as I found it much more comfortable day to day. X3 was quite hard riding, though probably didn’t have adaptive damping. I would think for sporty SUVs the Porsche Macan is the better option at that size or why not a 340i touring?
neil-c said:
I would think for sporty SUVs the Porsche Macan is the better option at that size or why not a 340i touring?
I'm particularly considering a BMW SUV, the Macan would be lovely but having bought my first ever BMW earlier earlier this year (730d) I really like them. Was initially considering an X5 but then discovered that an X3 has same front seat cabin space, and then learnt of the X3 M40i which tickles my fancy 
GJB73 said:
I ve now owned our(2020) X3M40i for exactly 1 year and it s been absolutely faultless.
It s basically a fast, family,reliable, useable SUV which gives relatively good mpg! 30+
It s not a sports car but it s still fun to drive.
Thanks, that's good to know It s basically a fast, family,reliable, useable SUV which gives relatively good mpg! 30+
It s not a sports car but it s still fun to drive.
How do you find seat comfort in the M40i?
Edited by The Gauge on Thursday 11th December 20:15
The X3 is more likely to be the right answer for most people in this situation, faster, more fun to drive, easier to park, but go for the X5 if:
- the X3 seats aren't comfortable enough for you (and if you find an X5 with comfort seats)
- you value the even lower NVH of the X5
- you value the even more premium feel of the X5 interior.
- the X3 seats aren't comfortable enough for you (and if you find an X5 with comfort seats)
- you value the even lower NVH of the X5
- you value the even more premium feel of the X5 interior.
Don't get an SUV and instead buy an estate / something that sits lower to the ground would be my advice. Had a fast SUV....no bigger than a contemporary equivalent estate, just wrapped in a larger body that's not as good to drive. Comment aimed more at an X3 than the X5. They just really aren't worth it IMO. As for a higher driving position, yes that's true, but in my current car I don't miss it at all.
We just have delivered a 2025 X5 50e to replace our 2018 X3 M40i so can give an insight into both! In summary the X5 is the better do it all car, although if you do much parking in city centres it can be quite big fiting into spaces, the standard seats are unbelievably comfortable as well. The X3 is better to drive, easy to park and they sound really good especially pre OPF.
We live just outside of Liverpool, never had any concerns of the X3 being stolen, most people don't even know that it's a performance model until it's started up or you put your foot down! Fuel is terrible though, long term average of 23mpg over the 30,000 miles we've had it for. Only slightly better than my M4 Comp.
We live just outside of Liverpool, never had any concerns of the X3 being stolen, most people don't even know that it's a performance model until it's started up or you put your foot down! Fuel is terrible though, long term average of 23mpg over the 30,000 miles we've had it for. Only slightly better than my M4 Comp.
AlexL94 said:
We just have delivered a 2025 X5 50e to replace our 2018 X3 M40i so can give an insight into both! In summary the X5 is the better do it all car, although if you do much parking in city centres it can be quite big fiting into spaces, the standard seats are unbelievably comfortable as well. The X3 is better to drive, easy to park and they sound really good especially pre OPF.
We live just outside of Liverpool, never had any concerns of the X3 being stolen, most people don't even know that it's a performance model until it's started up or you put your foot down! Fuel is terrible though, long term average of 23mpg over the 30,000 miles we've had it for. Only slightly better than my M4 Comp.
Interesting, thank you.We live just outside of Liverpool, never had any concerns of the X3 being stolen, most people don't even know that it's a performance model until it's started up or you put your foot down! Fuel is terrible though, long term average of 23mpg over the 30,000 miles we've had it for. Only slightly better than my M4 Comp.
I'm coming from a 2014 F01 BMW 7 Series, which I love and was planning on getting the newer G11 model to replace it. But I've always had an eye for the X5 which would probably give me similar comfort/luxury, but with also the same parking issues, but then I'm fussy where I park anyway. As I'll be retired and doing low mileage then going for a petrol X5 will make sense.
But then I learnt that the X3 has similar interior drivers cabin space as the X5 (I'm a big bloke), and that then offers up the M40i which is in a way going in a different direction, and i'll be sacrificing the seating comfort of the 730 & X5 for the sporty engine of the M40i.
I guess it will come down which I want the most - the comfortable seats and drive of the X5, or the performance of the M40i
The Gauge said:
AlexL94 said:
We just have delivered a 2025 X5 50e to replace our 2018 X3 M40i so can give an insight into both! In summary the X5 is the better do it all car, although if you do much parking in city centres it can be quite big fiting into spaces, the standard seats are unbelievably comfortable as well. The X3 is better to drive, easy to park and they sound really good especially pre OPF.
We live just outside of Liverpool, never had any concerns of the X3 being stolen, most people don't even know that it's a performance model until it's started up or you put your foot down! Fuel is terrible though, long term average of 23mpg over the 30,000 miles we've had it for. Only slightly better than my M4 Comp.
Interesting, thank you.We live just outside of Liverpool, never had any concerns of the X3 being stolen, most people don't even know that it's a performance model until it's started up or you put your foot down! Fuel is terrible though, long term average of 23mpg over the 30,000 miles we've had it for. Only slightly better than my M4 Comp.
I'm coming from a 2014 F01 BMW 7 Series, which I love and was planning on getting the newer G11 model to replace it. But I've always had an eye for the X5 which would probably give me similar comfort/luxury, but with also the same parking issues, but then I'm fussy where I park anyway. As I'll be retired and doing low mileage then going for a petrol X5 will make sense.
But then I learnt that the X3 has similar interior drivers cabin space as the X5 (I'm a big bloke), and that then offers up the M40i which is in a way going in a different direction, and i'll be sacrificing the seating comfort of the 730 & X5 for the sporty engine of the M40i.
I guess it will come down which I want the most - the comfortable seats and drive of the X5, or the performance of the M40i
The Gauge said:
Interesting, thank you.
I'm coming from a 2014 F01 BMW 7 Series, which I love and was planning on getting the newer G11 model to replace it. But I've always had an eye for the X5 which would probably give me similar comfort/luxury, but with also the same parking issues, but then I'm fussy where I park anyway. As I'll be retired and doing low mileage then going for a petrol X5 will make sense.
X3 doesn't have the feel of the X5 or 7 series and certainly feels a step down from those two, I had quite a few X5 loaners when my 7 series were in for work and servicing and although they were nice one thought always stood out to me, "wouldn't this be so much better if it was lower to the ground, like my 7 series" as they do feel like a posh van. I'm coming from a 2014 F01 BMW 7 Series, which I love and was planning on getting the newer G11 model to replace it. But I've always had an eye for the X5 which would probably give me similar comfort/luxury, but with also the same parking issues, but then I'm fussy where I park anyway. As I'll be retired and doing low mileage then going for a petrol X5 will make sense.
Unless you need the practicality and if you like your F chassis 7 series then the G11 would be my choice, it's a big step on from the F01 and doesn't feel like a big van to drive.
2022 X5 45e here - B58 plus the hybrid. Best of both worlds if BIK is involved.
Works well, supercomfy, quick and quiet and definitely not sporty in any way - it actively encourages you to drive like a 90 year old despite the engine having quite a good sound. Mines got Comfort Plus and it’s mega to sit in for long journeys - massage and cooled seats plus heated seats and heated armrests which I thought would be a gimmick but they are worthwhile and I think I now miss warm elbows when in other cars.
The 2019-2023 models still have physical heating controls which could be a bit of a bonus and I have read the quality of the earlier cars is better where owners have changed up to the newer generation (LCI?).
I do struggle with placing it - but it is our first SUV apart from boxy old Landcruisers - and I’m not keen on the cartoonish camera views as for example the rear view changes viewing angle just when you don’t want it to.
Check the sunroof seals haven’t shrunk either side (yes really - welcome to cost cutting) and I’ve also had a hose wear through in the wheelarch causing the washer bottle to drain - utterly ridiculous that something like that can happen on a modern car. Transfer boxes go regularly - I had the oil done on ours as part of the deal but it seems to be a case of when not if - check for noises when hot and on full lock.
Works well, supercomfy, quick and quiet and definitely not sporty in any way - it actively encourages you to drive like a 90 year old despite the engine having quite a good sound. Mines got Comfort Plus and it’s mega to sit in for long journeys - massage and cooled seats plus heated seats and heated armrests which I thought would be a gimmick but they are worthwhile and I think I now miss warm elbows when in other cars.
The 2019-2023 models still have physical heating controls which could be a bit of a bonus and I have read the quality of the earlier cars is better where owners have changed up to the newer generation (LCI?).
I do struggle with placing it - but it is our first SUV apart from boxy old Landcruisers - and I’m not keen on the cartoonish camera views as for example the rear view changes viewing angle just when you don’t want it to.
Check the sunroof seals haven’t shrunk either side (yes really - welcome to cost cutting) and I’ve also had a hose wear through in the wheelarch causing the washer bottle to drain - utterly ridiculous that something like that can happen on a modern car. Transfer boxes go regularly - I had the oil done on ours as part of the deal but it seems to be a case of when not if - check for noises when hot and on full lock.
andy43 said:
2022 X5 45e here - B58 plus the hybrid. Best of both worlds if BIK is involved.
Works well, supercomfy, quick and quiet and definitely not sporty in any way - it actively encourages you to drive like a 90 year old despite the engine having quite a good sound. Mines got Comfort Plus and it s mega to sit in for long journeys - massage and cooled seats plus heated seats and heated armrests which I thought would be a gimmick but they are worthwhile and I think I now miss warm elbows when in other cars.
The 2019-2023 models still have physical heating controls which could be a bit of a bonus and I have read the quality of the earlier cars is better where owners have changed up to the newer generation (LCI?).
I do struggle with placing it - but it is our first SUV apart from boxy old Landcruisers - and I m not keen on the cartoonish camera views as for example the rear view changes viewing angle just when you don t want it to.
Check the sunroof seals haven t shrunk either side (yes really - welcome to cost cutting) and I ve also had a hose wear through in the wheelarch causing the washer bottle to drain - utterly ridiculous that something like that can happen on a modern car. Transfer boxes go regularly - I had the oil done on ours as part of the deal but it seems to be a case of when not if - check for noises when hot and on full lock.
I love all that in ours too(especially the heated armrests in winter). Works well, supercomfy, quick and quiet and definitely not sporty in any way - it actively encourages you to drive like a 90 year old despite the engine having quite a good sound. Mines got Comfort Plus and it s mega to sit in for long journeys - massage and cooled seats plus heated seats and heated armrests which I thought would be a gimmick but they are worthwhile and I think I now miss warm elbows when in other cars.
The 2019-2023 models still have physical heating controls which could be a bit of a bonus and I have read the quality of the earlier cars is better where owners have changed up to the newer generation (LCI?).
I do struggle with placing it - but it is our first SUV apart from boxy old Landcruisers - and I m not keen on the cartoonish camera views as for example the rear view changes viewing angle just when you don t want it to.
Check the sunroof seals haven t shrunk either side (yes really - welcome to cost cutting) and I ve also had a hose wear through in the wheelarch causing the washer bottle to drain - utterly ridiculous that something like that can happen on a modern car. Transfer boxes go regularly - I had the oil done on ours as part of the deal but it seems to be a case of when not if - check for noises when hot and on full lock.
I tend to drive in a more relaxed way in ours, however the X5 definitely does sporty far better than the previous GLE400d we had though, and that had only one lane in comparison(boring and comfort), but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing though in fairness.
andy43 said:
2022 X5 45e here - B58 plus the hybrid. Best of both worlds if BIK is involved.
Works well, supercomfy, quick and quiet and definitely not sporty in any way - it actively encourages you to drive like a 90 year old despite the engine having quite a good sound. Mines got Comfort Plus and it s mega to sit in for long journeys - massage and cooled seats plus heated seats and heated armrests which I thought would be a gimmick but they are worthwhile and I think I now miss warm elbows when in other cars.
The 2019-2023 models still have physical heating controls which could be a bit of a bonus and I have read the quality of the earlier cars is better where owners have changed up to the newer generation (LCI?).
I do struggle with placing it - but it is our first SUV apart from boxy old Landcruisers - and I m not keen on the cartoonish camera views as for example the rear view changes viewing angle just when you don t want it to.
Check the sunroof seals haven t shrunk either side (yes really - welcome to cost cutting) and I ve also had a hose wear through in the wheelarch causing the washer bottle to drain - utterly ridiculous that something like that can happen on a modern car. Transfer boxes go regularly - I had the oil done on ours as part of the deal but it seems to be a case of when not if - check for noises when hot and on full lock.
I'm looking at X5s - 30d, 45e, 40i all considered Works well, supercomfy, quick and quiet and definitely not sporty in any way - it actively encourages you to drive like a 90 year old despite the engine having quite a good sound. Mines got Comfort Plus and it s mega to sit in for long journeys - massage and cooled seats plus heated seats and heated armrests which I thought would be a gimmick but they are worthwhile and I think I now miss warm elbows when in other cars.
The 2019-2023 models still have physical heating controls which could be a bit of a bonus and I have read the quality of the earlier cars is better where owners have changed up to the newer generation (LCI?).
I do struggle with placing it - but it is our first SUV apart from boxy old Landcruisers - and I m not keen on the cartoonish camera views as for example the rear view changes viewing angle just when you don t want it to.
Check the sunroof seals haven t shrunk either side (yes really - welcome to cost cutting) and I ve also had a hose wear through in the wheelarch causing the washer bottle to drain - utterly ridiculous that something like that can happen on a modern car. Transfer boxes go regularly - I had the oil done on ours as part of the deal but it seems to be a case of when not if - check for noises when hot and on full lock.
I do either 10 mile each way journeys or 200 mile each way journeys regularly.
Would you choose a 45e if it was your own money buying it?
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