The BMW SAV Lineup: The X3, X5, and X7

The BMW lineup is one of the best in the world, giving you an amazing selection of cars and SUVs to choose from, each exquisitely designed and engineered for world-class performance. That being said, as you start looking at what’s on offer here at BMW of McKinney, your favorite BMW dealer, the stunning selection available can become a bit overwhelming. To keep things simple today, however, we’ll check out three of BMW’s most popular Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs) to see what each has to offer and try to figure out which one is right for you. We’ll take a good look at the X3, the X5, and the X7 to better understand some key differences between them.

To start, the X3 is a compact crossover, the X5 is a midsize model, and the X7 is a three-row option; this can easily guide your decision. If you already know that you need a particular size for your next vehicle, then picking the right one is simple. But if you are open to different size options, then it pays to take a closer look at what each has to offer. As you’d expect from BMW, these all deliver stunning luxury and powerful performance, but there are still some important differences between them. Let’s take a closer look to see what these models bring to the road and how they differ from each other.

The 2024 BMW X3: Compact and Fun

Prior to the release of the subcompact X1 in 2012, the X3 was the smallest SAV in the BMW lineup. This compact crossover model still delivers stunning performance to go along with its gorgeous design. Every BMW is incredibly fun to drive, but one of the best ways to compare them is to look at the engines and driving experience each delivers. The 2024 BMW X3 has a few models available, starting with the standard sDrive30i and xDrive30i (sDrive designates a rear-wheel drive model, while xDrive denotes an all-wheel drive option) powered by a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo I-4 engine that delivers 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. You can also choose the X3 M40i, featuring a 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo I-6 engine that provides 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, or the X3 M with a similar engine tuned for up to 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque; this last one can go from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

That’s incredible performance from a compact crossover and perfectly illustrates why so many people love the vehicles that BMW makes. As a compact option, the X3 is smaller than the other two vehicles we’ll look at, measuring about 186 inches long and standing 66 inches tall. Inside the BMW X3, you’ll find two rows of luxurious, comfortable seating designed to ensure everyone has a great ride. This includes 28.7 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and 62.7 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the front seats. You get 40.3 inches of legroom up front and 36.4 inches of rear legroom, so everyone can stretch out a bit. A 10.3-inch infotainment display is standard in the 2024 X3, with a gorgeous 12.3-inch screen available, pairing beautifully with features like the power-adjustable front seats to create a driving experience you’ll look forward to every day.

The 2024 BMW X5: A Midsize Classic

If you’re interested in a midsize crossover, putting you right in the middle of BMW’s SAV lineup, then the X5 is the one for you. This was the first SAV that BMW brought to the road, and it remains a stunning testament to the gorgeous design and remarkable power that the brand is known for. Much like the X3, the 2024 BMW X5 starts with the sDrive40i and xDrive40i models, depending on what drive type you prefer; both are powered by a 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo I-6 engine that delivers 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.

The xDrive50e model features a plug-in hybrid version of the engine with an integrated electric motor, offering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Or you can choose the X5 M60i with a 4.4L M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. If you want something truly exceptional, then the track-inspired X5 M Competition pushes things to the next level with a 4.4L V8 that delivers a massive 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, letting it go from zero to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds.

The X5 is a larger option than the X3, which you can see from the moment you first approach it—the X5 measures more than 194 inches in length and stands 69 inches tall. You’ll still find two rows of seating inside this model, with 39.8 inches of legroom up front and 37.4 inches of legroom in the back. The larger size gives you more space to utilize when you’re loading up for a big road trip or after a long shopping spree, thanks to 33.9 cu.ft. of rear cargo space and 72.1 cu.ft. of total cargo volume inside. You’ll find a gorgeous 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the wheel and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen in the center of the dashboard, creating a smart, intuitive interior that you’ll love getting to drive.

The 2024 BMW X7: Three Rows of Luxury

Finally, we have the largest SAV in BMW’s lineup: the three-row X7. Things are a bit simpler with the X7 since you have only three options available for performance, starting with the xDrive40i featuring a 3.0L TwinPower Turbo I-6 that offers 375 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. If you want something more powerful, then there’s an M60i model with a 4.4L BMW M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that delivers 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. This option can go from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which is exceptional for a three-row SUV. BMW doesn’t make a full M model, but there is the hyper luxurious Alpina XB7 variant with a 4.4L Bi-Turbo V8 engine that delivers a stunning 631 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, letting it go from zero to 60 in just 3.9 seconds.

As a three-row SUV, the X7 is as large as you would expect, measuring more than 203 inches in length—almost a foot and a half longer than the X3—and standing about 72 inches tall. There is room inside for up to seven passengers, with 39.8 inches of legroom up front for you to enjoy. You’ll find 48.6 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the second row, giving you a lot of room for luggage or anything else you need to bring with you, or 90.4 cu.ft. of total cargo volume behind the front seats. The X7 has the same massive and gorgeous displays as the X5 and a full-color head-up display projected onto the windshield, giving you advanced technology for a stunning, modern driving experience.

Which BMW Sav Has What You Need?

You can see that there are some significant differences between each of these BMW SAVs, particularly in terms of the power they have packed under their hoods. That being said, you can get an incredible drive from any of them, particularly if you choose one of the available M models with powerful engines and boosted performance. The bigger distinction between them, no pun intended, is their size, which makes it easy to decide which is right for you. If you need something small to easily fit into a downsized lifestyle, then the X3 is perfect. For a larger option with two rows of seating, the X5 is a great pick. Finally, if you need something large and powerful, the X7 gives you three rows of seats and lots of room inside. You can’t go wrong with any of these, but if you’re still unsure which is right for you, visit us at BMW of McKinney, and we’ll help you figure out which BMW SAV has everything you’ve been looking for.