Are you tempted by the new X3?

[sygazelle]

I'm shopping in the next couple of months for an X5 for my wife. She loves it but this new X3 has some appeal. I'm leaning toward the X5 anyway (larger, more substantial).

Now that the new X3 is out and you've read the reviews, watched the videos, and/or seen one in person, are any of you X5 owners tempted to switch to an X3 M40i or 3.0?

[MrT-Man]

No.

I mean, it seems nice and all, but I’ve sat in one. It’s a considerably smaller vehicle. Personally, I need the size/space of the X5.

[Frank_NJ]

Even though it's a nice vehicle, it felt tight inside to me (I am 6' and 200#) and I went with the X5. If you like and need the room X5 and the performance of the 50i is under rated by BMW.

[Florida-X3]

When we looked the X3 just seems inferior in interior quality. While I understand that the X3 should take a back seat to the X5 but at the price point the "quality feel" should be better.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by Frank_NJ

Even though it's a nice vehicle, it felt tight inside to me (I am 6' and 200#) and I went with the X5. If you like and need the room X5 and the performance of the 50i is under rated by BMW.

I'm the same size (pre-holiday weight and I found the new X3 tight too. I think X5 is the direction we are going. Thanks for the input.

[Frank_NJ]

Mine should be here at end of January or first week of February.

[sbinshihon]

No really. Something looks off with that childish face in the front/headlight. Plus I always hate the Hofmeister kink on all x3s regardless of the year model.

[Habs11]

X3 is certainly a great vehicle but as others mention the size for many is a drawback.

[spike5150]

I might look at the X3M. My wife had an F25 X3 before her X5. Not as nice inside, and sat too low for my taste. But it was sporty with the N55 engine. Still no competition for my 50i, though.

[YXEM5]

Having both an F15 X5 and an F25 X3 right now, there is no way I would make the switch. Going from the X5 to the X3 is something I hate and I always make sure the wife takes the X3 when possible. Don't get me wrong, the X3 is a great vehicle but if you are used to an X5 I could never switch down.

I was able to take a G01 X3 for a drive the other day when my X3 was in for service. I admit it is quite a bit nicer then the outgoing F25 but I still preferred my F15 X5. With the new G03 X5 so close to being released I wouldn't pull the trigger on a new X3 until I saw that first.

No matter how you look at it, it is a first world problem and comes down to your own preference. Best of luck, car shopping is the best!

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by YXEM5

Having both an F15 X5 and an F25 X3 right now, there is no way I would make the switch. Going from the X5 to the X3 is something I hate and I always make sure the wife takes the X3 when possible. Don't get me wrong, the X3 is a great vehicle but if you are used to an X5 I could never switch down.

I was able to take a G01 X3 for a drive the other day when my X3 was in for service. I admit it is quite a bit nicer then the outgoing F25 but I still preferred my F15 X5. With the new G03 X5 so close to being released I wouldn't pull the trigger on a new X3 until I saw that first.

No matter how you look at it, it is a first world problem and comes down to your own preference. Best of luck, car shopping is the best!

Thanks for the first-hand comparison.

[MN2///M]

I attended a kick-off event for the G01 X3. I would recommend you actually look at it. When I did my write-up of the event, I compared the actual specifications of the new G01 X3 with the current F15 X5 and confirmed that the only real size difference is in the rear cargo area and a bit in width, but the seating areas are nearly identical.

I agree that available interiors of the X5 are nicer than the X3, but base level interiors are comparable.

Here is the link to the thread of the G01 X3 Kick-off event:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1432572

Post #44 I provide my overall impression of the new X3.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by MN2///M

I attended a kick-off event for the G01 X3. I would recommend you actually look at it. When I did my write-up of the event, I compared the actual specifications of the new G01 X3 with the current F15 X5 and confirmed that the only real size difference is in the rear cargo area and a bit in width, but the seating areas are nearly identical.

I agree that available interiors of the X5 are nicer than the X3, but base level interiors are comparable.

Here is the link to the thread of the G01 X3 Kick-off event:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1432572

Post #44 I provide my overall impression of the new X3.

Thank you. That's awesome. I'll check it out.

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

Thank you. That's awesome. I'll check it out.

I have quite a loaded 2017 X5 and yes if i was buying NOW I would def go for the new X3 m40i. What i dont like about the x3 is no comfort seats, no "double" sunroof (but big glass surface), and no nappa dash and no b&o. Tech is way better on the x3 and m40i is a very nice ride and looks awesome. X3 is a big car and am sure the 2019 model X5 will be awesome but right now I would go for the new X3 over current X5

[MN2///M]

For anyone interested; here are the specs of the current F15 X5 and the G01 X3 M40i.

F15 X5:
https://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/x-mo...fications.html



G01 X3 M40i:
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...fications.aspx

[Raypep]

This is where I'm currently at. I have a 2014 328xi, as one might say it's kinda fun. Not incredibly fast, but 'tossable'.

I'm 26 and a cyclist. I need something bigger where I can put my bikes and crap inside. I am VERY tempted by the new X3 M40i. It's fast on paper (not sure how it handles etc). The other option I was looking at was a an X5 50i as depreciation as caused havoc on the 50i.

The negative to the X3 is that I'd have to wait longer to purchase as I would not like to purchase new (and I drive to much to lease).

The other models that seem very tempting to me: Porsche Macan & Jaguar F-Pace S.

[Frank_NJ]

Originally Posted by Raypep

This is where I'm currently at. I have a 2014 328xi, as one might say it's kinda fun. Not incredibly fast, but 'tossable'.

I'm 26 and a cyclist. I need something bigger where I can put my bikes and crap inside. I am VERY tempted by the new X3 M40i. It's fast on paper (not sure how it handles etc). The other option I was looking at was a an X5 50i as depreciation as caused havoc on the 50i.

The negative to the X3 is that I'd have to wait longer to purchase as I would not like to purchase new (and I drive to much to lease).

The other models that seem very tempting to me: Porsche Macan & Jaguar F-Pace S.

Drove both the X3M40i and the X5 50i back to back and even though the X5 is only a few inches wider inside just felt more roomier. At the end of the day I went with the X5 and 50i is a blast.

[ronmexico385]

Wouldn’t consider it, too small and ugly

[Raypep]

Originally Posted by Frank_NJ

Drove both the X3M40i and the X5 50i back to back and even though the X5 is only a few inches wider inside just felt more roomier. At the end of the day I went with the X5 and 50i is a blast.

Thanks for your input! When I drove a 2015 50i and floored it. It's got some power for that big of an SUV.

When I had a 35i as a loaner I was displeased on the power and how much I had to put the throttle down to get anything, sport mode livened it up though.

[monkiboy]

I have a 2017 x5 3.5i w/ MPPK & MPE so a bit of a difference in comparison. I am 6'3" and 250lbs - a bigger guy.

I took a m40i out today for a spin and had a blast. If I had to redo things, I would absolutely switch out to the new x3 m40i.

I did not feel the interior felt much if at all any smaller. the extra panorama roof was incredible. the interior trim and new panels are kind of cheesy/plastic like and I much prefer the look of the x5's current trim packages.

I like all the extra features on the current m40i, the extra glass on the sunroof, the "powered" rear seat release, the 360 degree pinch zoom gesture control, the storage for the security rear cargo cover, the reclining rear seat back accessible handle, the power and handling, etc.

the m40i definitely is much faster than my MPPK and MPE f15. the m40i cold start is very reminiscent of my 340xi w/ MPPSK which is just addicting and delightful. all the overrun and burbles were a treat and something I miss a lot on my MPPK f15. the m40i is just at a different level exhaust note wise. the acceleration, torque, handling all very welcome addition.

I really like being able to control so much more in the different drive modes in idrive as well. no longer is it just drivetrain and chassis adjustments. you can adjust the variable sport steering stiffness and one other item I can't recall at this time. so you can be in comfort with a heavier weight steering feel and an exhaust note that pleases the ears.

[alphaod]

No, I wouldn't.

[barcelona]

Originally Posted by monkiboy

I have a 2017 x5 3.5i w/ MPPK & MPE so a bit of a difference in comparison. I am 6'3" and 250lbs - a bigger guy.

I really like being able to control so much more in the different drive modes in idrive as well. no longer is it just drivetrain and chassis adjustments. you can adjust the variable sport steering stiffness and one other item I can't recall at this time. so you can be in comfort with a heavier weight steering feel and an exhaust note that pleases the ears.

I did not know that steering, can now have some weight. Great feeling!