Finally Answered! Which DRIVES BETTER: 2024 BMW X5 40i or X3 M40i. Video #1

I have had a ‘23 X5 40i for a year now and I absolutely love it.. But, i recently had an X3 M40I for a loaner and had it a few days… I can tell you I was totally blown away! It was SOOO much fun to drive… was not really that noticeably smaller and wasn’t much of a difference in ride comfort etc.. i am definitely eyeing the x3 M40i for the next purchase.

Thank you for the comparison, it definitely helped settle the questions I had between the two automobiles

Good info, thanks

Nice video. Thanks. What about the version with X Drive?

Thanks for your review. I’m in the middle of getting one. You cleared my doubts which I have.

Interesting review, I have an X5 40i now but picking up an X3 M40i on Monday, so thanks for the comparison, I think as a keen driver I have made the right move.

Great video! Advantage of the X5 is the optional air suspension vs steel adaptive suspension on the X3. Think of it this way X5 and 5er a well tailored suit with perfect fit and material, X3 and 3er aggressive sporty mischievous little brother

This is the 4:30 classic trade-off between size/weight, and handling/acceleration. Both of these vehicles are performance-oriented, but with the same engine of course the X3 will be quicker and sportier. I chose the X5 40i for the extra size, and the luxury that came with it. I test drove the M60i which is super quick, but just didn’t want the extra cost and mileage penalty, and the B58 is a fantastic and reliable engine. I suspect your X3 M is more fun to drive than the X5 M60, too. Smaller, lighter = more fun to drive.

I bought a low mileage 2021 X3 M40I fully equipped. I love having the AWD with the Sport Touring it offers. My favorite BMW.

Great timing for the drive. For those who don't know it's not uncommon for it to take 45 minutes to drive 15 miles in that area, so it's interesting to hear you wanting the adaptive cruise control. Is it useful in typical LA traffic? I'm considering this car but worried about it being too lackluster after awhile and the lack of physical buttons might be a deal breaker for me. I'll take a few well placed buttons over a touch screen any day.

This video was great and exactly what I'm looking for. I have an x4 m40i and I was thinking about getting an X6 40i, but after watching this I think I'll stick with the x4 (at least until I can afford the X6 m60i).

What PSI do you run your non-runflat tires at? Thanks for the videos, great content!

I love my LCI x3 but we’re waiting on the G45 2025 redesign X3 coming in spring before we make a decision on moving to an X5.

I was concerned about the difference between the X5 xDrive vs the X3 M40i. I ended up purchasing a X3 M40i because of a killer deal I got. The amount of room in the X3 was sufficient enough and I thought the X3 M40i would be more fun to drive and boy was I right. This M40i is so much fun to drive. I think the only thing I am missing out on is a little bit more comfort and slightly more room, which for me isn't really necessary. I am coming from a 4Runner so the biggest thing I notice is the overall footprint of the vehicle which I am still adapting to. But, this has been a great purchase so far. I might eventually trade this in and get a X5 xDrive later once I don't feel the need to rip up the roads as much.

Thanks for a detailed comparative summary. X5 appears to have been made to lose some of its road aggressiveness by design, that has given way to a more quieter ride quality, to keep pace with its rivals.

I have an X3 M40i with run flats (just like my Corvette and Mini did) and my trunk floor is flat. Also I opted for leather which means my dash doesn’t feel cheap. When you come to a complete stop it’s suppose to shift its weight, this is also what your local law enforcement officer will tell you, and that way they know you didn’t do a California roll.

One concern is leg room. I’m 5”11 and you look close enough to my height. I’m not a fan of my knee area hitting the oversized center consoles. Plus the smaller seats don’t look like there is very much thigh support. This is true of especially cars and why I’m ready to jump to SUV. Enjoyed your video. I’ll have to check out more videos.

I want a m440i, but I occasionally have to transport ageing family members and dogs, and they don't do well in the low/small coupe. So X3 m40i it is. I wish the 540i was available in the UK.

I can't remember the price exactly because it was a trade in for my Acura TLX A-SPEC SH-AWD. The BMW has 21,000 miles.

"We merge in style" yes you do my friend. :) I just wish X3 m40i had X5's seats. X5's new seats are a huge upgrade last year's X5. They really should have left some of those buttons under the new screen. They really invested in that new dash since they have it in every single new model, doesn't look like there is room for reversion back to buttons anywhere.