[BMdoubleyou]

Hey guys, just joined the forum and I'm glad I stumbled on this section. I just turned in the lease on my 340i and was hoping to jump in to a 21 X3M. After seeing some of the banter here though, it looks like the LCI might be bringing on some major changes, which gives me much hesitation.

Normally, I would just wait it out, but I literally don't have a car right now, lol. So do you guys think it would be wise to jump in a 21 or would I end up having some major envy once the LCI comes out? The other option I was thinking about is the X5M50i, but the residuals kind of stink on those, which makes it a bit more difficult.

Thanks in advance

[Kozumasbullitt]

I jumped into a 21 X3MC without hesitation because it fit all my wants and needs. The LCI could bring additional things that are "nice to haves" but don't currently exist on my wants list. The only thing that worries me is a power output change but I figure that to be highly unlikely with the recent release of the M3/M4.

[allinon72]

They really aren't that comparable. If you value space and luxury, X5 all the way. If you want a sports car with a bit more space, X3M. But be warned, the rumors flying around about major changes to the LCI don't really match up with history. The LCI is a minor refresh.

[blinkme323]

Also keep in mind that not all LCIs are created equal. It's entirely possible that there could be new revisions that you deem worse than their predecessors.

[GmanJeff]

Speculation on Internet forums about future changes to products are just that, speculation. Nobody who is actually in a position to know is revealing anything, and if history is a guide any changes may be small and incremental. FOMO can keep you from ever taking action, because something newer is always come to come along eventually.

If you like the X3M as it is, there's no reason to wait for features or styling you may not care about or even like.

And, you're really comparing apples and oranges here. The X5 is bigger, harder to park, and is focused on a more comfortable, softer driving experience while still retaining a good measure of BMW handling and performance. The X3M is a M vehicle with added utility as compared to sedan and coupe M cars. It is strongly biased towards high performance and driving fun while providing useful cargo carrying capacity typical of SUVs in that size category.

[justmill]

Originally Posted by GmanJeff

If you like the X3M as it is, there's no reason to wait for features or styling you may not care about or even like.

And, you're really comparing apples and oranges here. The X5 is bigger, harder to park, and is focused on a more comfortable, softer driving experience while still retaining a good measure of BMW handling and performance. The X3M is a M vehicle with added utility as compared to sedan and coupe M cars. It is strongly biased towards high performance and driving fun while providing useful cargo carrying capacity typical of SUVs in that size category.

This. Those sum up the reasons I picked the X3M. I like that it's a bit smaller, but still has utility of an SUV, combined with a sport car feel while driving. I didn't want to own two cars (a sports car and a utility vehicle). The X3M blends those perfectly, and for what you get I think is pretty well priced.

[Young04]

Isn't the X5 getting an LCI update soon? From what I have seen (on the X6), that update may bring significant changes to the interior. If you wait for the X3M LCI, then you're not that far away from the X5 LCI. Point is - can't sit around waiting for the next thing because there will always be a next thing.

[Steadyhand]

We have both, and like and appreciate them equally for entirely different reasons. The X3M is only a month old now and.....WOW.....it totally makes me not miss the M3 I always wanted and never got.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by Young04

Isn't the X5 getting an LCI update soon? From what I have seen (on the X6), that update may bring significant changes to the interior. If you wait for the X3M LCI, then you're not that far away from the X5 LCI. Point is - can't sit around waiting for the next thing because there will always be a next thing.

Since the G01 X3 came out a year earlier than the G05 X5, the X3 should get an LCI first.

[dds007]

Get both.

[2020X3MCDG]

Originally Posted by BMdoubleyou

Hey guys, just joined the forum and I'm glad I stumbled on this section. I just turned in the lease on my 340i and was hoping to jump in to a 21 X3M. After seeing some of the banter here though, it looks like the LCI might be bringing on some major changes, which gives me much hesitation.

Normally, I would just wait it out, but I literally don't have a car right now, lol. So do you guys think it would be wise to jump in a 21 or would I end up having some major envy once the LCI comes out? The other option I was thinking about is the X5M50i, but the residuals kind of stink on those, which makes it a bit more difficult.

Thanks in advance

What do you need and want out of the vehicle???

These are two different vehicles..

I drove an X6 M50i on a demo and it felt slow, big and comfy compared to the X3MC.

I think you have to get to the true X5M to be closer but specs are nearly the same just one is larger and less rigid..

I could not justify the 40K premium.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

I'd rather have a more nimble and agile X3 M Comp. A machine that can easily scare the piss out of passengers while making me grin on a daily basis. And save almost $40k in the process.

[richard in NC]

I test drove a $66k X3 M40i, the $78k X3M non-comp and an $88k X5 M50i.

I really liked the M50i and it was in the unique Ametrin Metallic. But it was a much bigger driving car and more numb compared to the X3M.

An X5M would be way more at $120k+...
But the X3M is the perfect choice for me, big enough but still very sporty. I do miss the active cruise and full leather, but its still very well equipped. Plus I preferred the 2020 X3M analog look gauges and iDrive 6 interface.

[sittingmongoose]

Just an FYI, if you're reading up on the x3m reviews. 2021 got a more compliant suspension. So it's more comfortable along with a few other tweaks. Then in March Bmw released a software update that greatly improved suspension(more comfortable), jerkiness, and adaptive cruise functions. That update isn't automatic, you need the dealer to update you so no car you drive will have it.

So that all being said. A 2021 is a far more livable and comfortable car after the update compared to what all the reviews were based on.

[justmill]

Originally Posted by sittingmongoose

Just an FYI, if you're reading up on the x3m reviews. 2021 got a more compliant suspension. So it's more comfortable along with a few other tweaks. Then in March Bmw released a software update that greatly improved suspension(more comfortable), jerkiness, and adaptive cruise functions. That update isn't automatic, you need the dealer to update you so no car you drive will have it.

So that all being said. A 2021 is a far more livable and comfortable car after the update compared to what all the reviews were based on.

I hope the handling wasn't affected trying to make it more comfortable.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by sittingmongoose

Just an FYI, if you're reading up on the x3m reviews. 2021 got a more compliant suspension. So it's more comfortable along with a few other tweaks. Then in March Bmw released a software update that greatly improved suspension(more comfortable), jerkiness, and adaptive cruise functions. That update isn't automatic, you need the dealer to update you so no car you drive will have it.

So that all being said. A 2021 is a far more livable and comfortable car after the update compared to what all the reviews were based on.

This same software update can be applied to 2020 models too...

[sittingmongoose]

Originally Posted by justmill

I hope the handling wasn't affected trying to make it more comfortable.

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

This same software update can be applied to 2020 models too...

Yes I know 2020 can get that update. But he won't be shopping for a 2020.

And no, handling hasn't been touched. It's just a lot less busy when going over bumps. I would say it's a lot better at handling poor roads now. It's not any less stiff.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by dds007

Get both.

What's the color on the vehicle to the right? Hard to tell but is San Marino Blue a good guess? Gorgeous.

[spta97]

For what it's worth, I drove the X5 (regular model) as a loaner and the X5M at a BMW track event.

Both left me wanting for my X3M. The X5s are big and bulky and not nearly as responsive as the X3M.

Most of the people looking at both were advised to consider space needs where the X5 certainly wins.

I have a hard time believing my X3M is an SUV (SAV) when driving as it feels planted like a car. I did not get that feeling in either of the X5 variants I tried.

Also, I'm not positive on the speed of the X5M but it "felt" slower in comparison to my X3M (keep in mind this was at a BMW event in a parking lot but drove both back to back).

I always lusted after the X5M but after that experience I'm much happier in my X3M.

Granted, it is not as soft as an X5 but that goes against what I was looking for.

[BMWsully]

I did extensive test drives in both and I'm going with the X3M. Don't get me wrong, the 5 is a great machine, but it just feels big and clumsy, even with the handling package. The only way I'd consider the 5 is if you truly needed the space that it provides.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by spta97

Also, I'm not positive on the speed of the X5M but it "felt" slower in comparison to my X3M (keep in mind this was at a BMW event in a parking lot but drove both back to back).

I've also driven both the X3M and X5M on the street. Both are fast, it's just that the X5M is faster but doesn't really feel like it because it's quieter inside the cabin and it is much better insulated. 100mph in the X5M felt like 70mph in the X3M. The extra weight masks its speed real well.
Even though the S58 sounds good, there is no mistaking the sound of the S63 V8. Pure heaven.
But, I'm a bit biased because I chose the X5MC.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

I've also driven both the X3M and X5M on the street. Both are fast, it's just that the X5M is faster but doesn't really feel like it because it's quieter inside the cabin and it is much better insulated. 100mph in the X5M felt like 70mph in the X3M. The extra weight masks its speed real well.
Even though the S58 sounds good, there is no mistaking the sound of the S63 V8. Pure heaven.
But, I'm a bit biased because I chose the X5MC.

How do you find the handling of the 5 vs the 3? At the XxM event it felt like a boat in comparison (sharp maneuvers at -45ish MPH).

The X5M was out of my budget so didn’t consider it seriously but the event it just felt too big. I have a Nissan Armada so I like big, but from a performance perspective the 5 didn’t feel nearly as nimble as the 3.

I personally like the looks of the X5M better though.

I have not driven the 50i variant but I suspect it would be even less nimble than the X5M.