X5 2019 vs X3 2019 - Help please

[DiamondLights]

Seriously need some help, what do i go for?

The X5 looks a bit meatier of course, but I am struggling to see additional benefits for X5 over X3. Internal tech now pretty much standard in both M Sport versions, i read somewhere the interior spacing is within an INCH in height and length between X5 and X3.

The X5 obviously bigger in size and a fraction more spacious but given the additional couple of grand to purchase and the increase on insurance and running costs... is it really worth it?

[Smuler]

I actually thought the X5 had newer tech as the X3 arrived in late 2017.
But whichever , space and the fact the X5s tailgate splits for easy access seem to me the only advantage of the X5.
But consider the ride comfort on your test drive/s.

[sak83]

X5 has the split tailgate and has a no transmission tunnel protruding in the cabin so the rear has a flat floor. The twin axel air suspension on the new x5 rides really well.

[DiamondLights]

thanks both. The tech on 2019 onwards is basically the same, previous versions definitely had big tech differentials between X3 and X5 but now the differences are minor, all the main packs on X5 are available for X3.

The X5 will obvs be more comfortable given the edge on extra space and floor, but usage wise, it is more of a handy option rather than a necessity.

I guess my point is, given the X5 is slightly more to buy, more thirsty and more to insure, it needs to be worth those additions for me to make that jump and right now, i'm not seeing a big enough differnetial to make me go "yep, definitely X5".

[jjr1]

Purely from an aesthetic point of view I would go X5 every time. If you are going to have a big SUV, you need a big one! I couldn't drive a mid size SUV as they don't look manly enough for me. My wife has a Cayenne and previous to that an X5 and I enjoy driving both. Had she a Macan and an X3 I wouldn't have bothered.

[sak83]

I would get a test drive of both to see what you prefer.

Earlier this year i had a current gen base model 30d X5 as a courtesy car and i was hugely impressed by the ride. I havent driven a X3

[DiamondLights]

cheers for the responses. Part of my thinking is the one time i try to put lots in an X3 and find it doesn't fit, i'll kick myself for not going bigger. "Go hard or go home" so to speak.

However part of me feels it's a bit ego driven too, like, an X5 just feels and sounds and looks more special than the X3, and that's my ego telling me that.

[jjr1]

Go with your ego. It looks better in the window reflections as you drive past.

[DiamondLights]

the cost differential isn't massive but insurance will be more, as is running costs.

But i am feeling like if it aint the X5 i'll regret it, so trying to find one for a test drive now.

[Wills2]

Get the X5 if that's what you want otherwise you'll always be hankering after one when you see them.

I looked at them when I got the X3M but as I was coming from a 7 series I didn't want a car that wide again so went for the smaller turbo nutter M.

[london_v]

I considered both. Decided on an X3M40i in the end. It’s the perfect size and when specced with the 21” wheels, has presence. There hasn’t been a time when I’ve needed more space, and we go on loads of trips (hiking/camping/driving holidays) with our GSD in tow.

Oh and the M40i is a great balance between comfort and all out animal when you need it to be.

Edited by london_v on Friday 12th June 00:56

[DiamondLights]

The X3 is very close in size but yes given it's lighter can expect it to be nippier.

I think the fact you can cramp in up to 7 seats could be useful every now and then so may be the swing factor seeing as not much difference in cost.

[london_v]

It sounds like you want the X5. Get one!

[DiamondLights]

I somewhat randomly starting looking at Tesla's buuuuuuuuuuuut... too costly, no space.

X5 it is.

[DiamondLights]

thoughts on the xDrive40i vs xDrive 30d please? Mainly town driving (motorway when necessary) so obvious thought would be Petrol but seems to be around £3-5K premium for the pleasure of going for a thirstier petrol engine... is it worth it?

[Wills2]

The diesel will suit the car more with its low end shove but I think the 40i has decent torque low down as well but not like the 3.0d, round town neither will be great on MPG and if you're only doing a few miles I'd probably go for the petrol.

[DiamondLights]

Wills2 said:

The diesel will suit the car more with its low end shove but I think the 40i has decent torque low down as well but not like the 3.0d, round town neither will be great on MPG and if you're only doing a few miles I'd probably go for the petrol.

cheers, any worries on the DPF?

[Wills2]

DiamondLights said:

Wills2 said:

The diesel will suit the car more with its low end shove but I think the 40i has decent torque low down as well but not like the 3.0d, round town neither will be great on MPG and if you're only doing a few miles I'd probably go for the petrol.

cheers, any worries on the DPF?

Both have those filters these days, for me if you're doing lower miles and short runs petrol is better or maybe the 45e has an EV range of 50 odd miles so that might be perfect.

[DiamondLights]

Yes I saw the EV but it's just out of our price range. Plus we thought going for the X5 we may as well go for a 7 seat option which we would lose going EV.

So guys, it's DEFINITELY the X5 and thanks for your help in getting to that point.

Reading up a lot on the Petrol vs Diesel option which is now the most difficult decision to make, both engines sound good (Petrol edges it) but there seems to be a £3K premium for it which i can't make sense of.

[Wills2]

The 40i is equal to the 40d, if you're looking at the 30d then yes it'll be cheaper than the more powerful 40i as the 30d is the entry model engine wise.