BMW is a popular brand among Cartelligent clients and their line of crossover SUVs are always top choices. A number of clients have asked for help comparing the series. To that end, we’ve compiled the details of the X1, X3 and X5, so that you can weigh the benefits of each and decide which option is right for you.
X1 vs. X3 vs. X5?
In this article, we’ve configured a sample vehicle for each car and then examined some of the key differentiating factors. We’ve based our sample models on popular choices among Cartelligent clients.
- 2016 BMW X1: Our sample X1 is the xDrive28i equipped with leather seats and intelligent all-wheel drive. Added features include heated front seats, rear view camera, head-up display and harmon/kardon speakers. MSRP as configured is $43,820.
- 2016 BMW X3: We’ve chosen a 2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i with leather seats and intelligent all-wheel drive. Features include a panoramic moonroof, heated front seats, rear view camera, head-up display and harmon/kardon speakers. MSRP as configured is $52,270.
- 2016 BMW X5: We’ve equipped a sample 2016 BMW X5 xDrive35i with leather seats, intelligent all-wheel drive and a third row. Features include heated front seats, rear view camera, head-up display and harmon/kardon speakers. MSRP as configured is $65,645.
Vehicle Comparison
We’ll look at the features of each vehicle side-by-side.
| X1 | X3 | X5 | |
| Model Type | 2016 X1 xDrive28i | 2016 X3 xDrive28i | 2016 X5 xDrive35i |
| MSRP | $43,820 | $52,270 | $65,645 |
Engine and Fuel Economy
| X1 | X3 | X5 | |
| Engine | 2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 4-Cylinder | 2.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 4-Cylinder | 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 6-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 228 | 240 | 300 |
| City mpg | 22 | 21 | 18 |
| Highway mpg | 32 | 28 | 24 |
The X1 provides the highest fuel economy—especially for those who spend a good portion of their commutes on freeways. The X5 offers the most powerful engine of the three with a 3.0L 6-cylinder instead of a 2.0L 4-cylinder.
Capacities
| X1 | X3 | X5 | |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5/7 |
| Cargo volume (behind seats) | 17.8 ft3 | 27.6 ft3 | 22.9 ft3 |
| Cargo volume (rear seats folded) | 54.7 ft3 | 63.3 ft3 | 66.0 ft3 |
The X1 provides about 86% of the X3’s cargo volume when the rear seats are folded down. The X5 offers 4% more cargo space than the X3 with both rows of seats folded.
Safety
| X1 | X3 | X5 | |
| Head-up display | Available | Available | Available |
| Rearview camera | Available | Available | Available |
| Crash prevention | Available | Available | Available |
All three vehicles offer a variety of cutting-edge safety technologies among their options.
Cost to purchase: X1 vs. X3 vs. X5
First we’ll examine the cost of each when purchased. We’ve assumed a 60 month term and an interest rate of 2.9%. All payments represent pricing based on market conditions at the time of writing.
| X1 | X3 | X5 | |
| MSRP | $43,820 | $52,270 | $62,645 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $775 | $915 | $1,150 |
| Total of payments over five years | $48,225 | $56,485 | $70,350 |
The X1 is around $140/month less than the X3 and saves about $8,000 in payments over the course of five years. The X5 is about $235 more per month than the X3 and costs about $14,000 more over the course of the loan.
Cost to lease: X1 vs. X3 vs. X5
Next we’ll compare the three vehicles on a three year, 12,000 mile/year lease.
| X1 | X3 | X5 | |
| MSRP | $43,820 | $52,270 | $62,645 |
| Down payment | $2,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Monthly payment (inc. tax) | $540 | $640 | $840 |
| Lease disposition fee | $350 | $350 | $350 |
| Total of payments over three years | $21,750 | $25,250 | $32,250 |
The X1 is again the lowest cost option, saving about $100/month and $3,550 over the course of the lease vs. the X3. The X5 is a little higher than the X3, leasing for $200 more per month, or $7,000 over the three year lease.
Which to buy: X1, X3 or X5
All three of these vehicles can be a fantastic options depending on your personal circumstances. Your Cartelligent agent can talk you through the pros and cons of each vehicle (as well as any other brands) to help you make an educated decision.
Whether you want a new BMW SUV or any other new car, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.