BMW 3-Series vs. 5-Series

BMW may not be the driver-focused performance brand that it once was, but the automaker’s cars continue to offer sporty performance in multiple sizes. Shoppers looking for a small, but usable sedan from BMW will find that the brand has two great options with the 3-Series and 5-Series.

In this comparison, we’ll compare the 3-Series and 5-Series when it comes to pricing, engine performance, technology, and interiors. In the end, we’ll name a winner that’s the better option for more drivers.

BMW 3-Series vs. 5-Series Price

The cheapest BMW 3-Series is the 330i which starts at $45,495, while the most expensive BMW 3-Series is the M340i xDrive which starts at $60,595. The BMW 5-Series starts at $58,895 for the 530i trim, while the BMW 5-Series prices top out at $74,795 for the 550e xDrive.

When comparing two entry-level trims to one another, there’s a price difference of $13,400 between the BMW 3-Series and BMW 5-Series. There’s a $14,200 difference in price between the 3-Series and 5-Series when you compare range-topping trims to one another.

As the more affordable of the two, the 3-Series is available with better lease deals than the 5-Series. BMW offers both sedans with similar cash incentives and financing rates.

BMW 3-Series vs. 5-Series Engines

The BMW 3-Series comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque as standard. The M340i trim comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that’s paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The six-cylinder engine is rated at 382 hp and 396 lb-ft of torque. BMW also offers the 3-Series with an electrified powertrain in the 330e. It’s a plug-in hybrid that combines a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for up to 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.

While the 5-Series is bigger than the 3-Series, it starts off with the same turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the 3-Series. Output is also rated at 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 540i and 540i xDrive come with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that’s paired with a mild-hybrid system with an output of 375 hp. Lastly, there’s the 550e PHEV that combines the inline-six-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total of 483 hp.

While the 3-Series and 5-Series share similar engines, the smaller 3-Series, surprisingly, has more powerful engines than the 5-Series, except when you compare plug-in hybrids to one another.

BMW 3-Series vs. 5-Series Technology

On the tech front, the BMW 3-Series comes with a standard 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features also include navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports, satellite radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and 10 audio speakers. A wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a head-up display are optional.

The larger 5-Series comes with similar tech features as the 3-Series. The midsize sedan has a 14.9-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, and satellite radio. Unlike the 3-Series, the 5-Series comes with a Harman Kardon audio system and a wireless charging pad as standard.

The 5-Series is available with a Bowers and Wilkins audio system, a head-up display, an interior camera, and natural voice recognition.

BMW 3-Series vs. 5-Series Interiors

Both the BMW 3-Series and 5-Series have an upscale, tech-forward design. The 3-Series still belongs to the seventh generation that came out in 2019 and it shows on the inside.

The cabin has BMW’s modern infotainment system that includes a large curved piece of glass that houses the central touchscreen and instrument cluster but looks recognizable on the inside. Beyond the displays, the center console layout, thin air vents, slim row of physical controls, and bright trim pieces stop it from looking as modern as the 5-Series.

The 5-Series was fully redesigned for the 2024 model year and it shows on the inside. The midsize sedan’s interior looks downright luxurious and similar to a modern art gallery. The 5-Series features a minimal number of physical controls, a two-spoke steering wheel design, and trim pieces that connect the dashboard to the door panel.

Compared to the 3-Series, the 5-Series looks like it’s leading the way forward for future BMW designs, while the 3-Series has the automaker’s old interior design.

BMW 3-Series vs. 5-Series: Which Is Better?

The BMW 3-Series may not win this comparison, but it’s still a great option for drivers who are in the market for a compact luxury sedan. It has powerful engines, high-tech features, and an upscale interior. Compared to the 5-Series, it has a lot of similar features and more power but has a dated design that puts it on the back foot.

The 5-Series is a hefty bit more than the 3-Series, but it has some extras that make it worth the price. As the larger sedan, the 5-Series has a roomier cabin and a far more modern interior design than the 3-Series. It also comes with more upscale features as standard over the 3-Series. It’s a pricey upgrade, but for shoppers who can swallow the higher price tag, the 5-Series stands out as the better choice.

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