BMW 3 Series vs. BMW 5 Series: which is better?
It's tricky to decide whether the BMW 3 Series or 5 Series is better suited to you, but hopefully our in-depth comparison will help you come to a conclusion
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When it comes to executive saloons for work and leisure purposes, very few people opt for anything else than the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series.
These two cars have been in BMW’s arsenal for decades, and there’s a reason for that.
Both have been selling well to businesses and individuals for a long time.
Mostly because of their luxury and reliability, but also for their status and dependability.
The 3 Series is to BMW what the iPhone is to Apple – it’s its bread and butter, whereas the 5 Series can be thought of as more the iPad in that it’s more of a luxury... and it’s larger.
Both of these saloons (also available as estates) are great cars in their own right, and you can find used BMW models at great prices, but which is better for you?
Styling
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Upon first glance, you may be mistaken for thinking these two cars look the same, but in truth, they are wildly different.
There are three different body styles available across the BMW 3 Series range: saloon, estate (Touring), and hatchback (GT).
All these models have pretty much the same face at the front but look quite a bit different at the rear.
The saloon has a compact-looking rear and appears like pretty much any other car of that shape.
The estate has a much larger rear to incorporate the oblong car boot, and the GT is often described as looking ‘squashed’ but in actual fact, it has a larger boot than the saloon.
When it comes to the BMW 5 Series, this is a much more grown-up car in that it looks more executive and less juvenile than its smaller sibling.
Whether you opt for the saloon or estate, you’ll be getting sophisticated looks and large amounts of bootspace.
There’s a reason these are used by airlines as Business and First Class chauffeur cars.
What are they like to drive?
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The driving experience of the 3 Series is one that can do it all. Whether you’re on a long motorway slog or a short country road blast, you will not be disappointed.
It’s not necessarily a dedicated sports car (unless you go for the top-spec M3 model) but it has sharp handling and great throttle response for an ‘ordinary’ saloon.
Most engines are either 2.0-litre or 3.0-litre units with different power ratings, all of which are more than capable of pootling around town or keeping up with the flow on the motorway.
It’s also worth mentioning that the automatic gearboxes are superb, and some models come with BMW’s xDrive 4x4 system, which is great for slippery road conditions or loose surfaces.
While the 5 Series may not be as nimble as its smaller sibling, it’s still mighty quick and a proper autobahn hero (it’s very good at cruising in a straight line for hours on end).
We say this because even in the lightest model, you’re looking at an overall weight of 1.5 tonnes – but then again, all that added luxury has to weigh something.
Interior and technology
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Speaking of luxury, this is a category in which the 5 Series really shines. It’s taken a leaf out of the 7 Series’ book, and BMW has filled it with the latest and greatest technology.
It possesses some of the most user-friendly car tech available – including its superb iDrive infotainment system (something that the 3 Series is also fitted with).
The cabin is really well laid-out, and it doesn’t matter if you can’t be bothered to figure out yet another infotainment system because both the 3 Series and 5 Series come as standard with Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, while just the 5 Series offers Android Auto.
But don’t think it’s just the 5 Series that gets all this, because the 3 Series is its own little tech fest.
All models get sat-nav as standard, along with climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and a DAB radio.
Higher trims get sports seats, auto wipers and lights, parking sensors and dual-zone climate.
Additional extras available in most BMWs include wireless smartphone charging, a Harman Kardon sound system and even a Wi-Fi hotspot.
You can get the high-spec trim levels and extra features for a lower price than purchasing brand-new if you choose a used BMW 3 Series or 5 Series. Choosing a preowned model often means you get more for less.
Bootspace and practicality
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If you’re looking for better bootspace, then you needn't look any further than the 5 Series Touring – this estate is one of the most practical cars money can buy.
Whether you’re using it for your family trip away or as an airport taxi, you will never struggle for space.
With up to 570 litres of bootspace (1,700 litres with the rear seats folded flat) on offer, you'll be just dandy.
Despite having a large boot, there’s also lots of passenger seat room in the rear, so longer journeys will be just fine.
As for the 3 Series, this is a car that isn’t designed to be a great haulier of goods, but it stacks up just fine against its opposition.
In saloon form, you get a 480-litre boot, but if you’re after more room, you’d be better off opting for the GT (520 litres) or Touring (500 litres) variant.
There’s also plenty of available space for rear-seat passengers. Not as much as in the longer 5 Series, but plenty for two adults to sit comfortably on a longer journey.
Read our in-depth car reviews:
Safety and reliability
Being BMWs, you’re never going to be disappointed when it comes to reliability because it has been making cars for the best part of 100 years, so you’d like to hope it knows a thing or two about making a solid vehicle.
When it comes to safety, both the 3 Series and 5 Series scored full marks following their Euro NCAP crash tests – offering high levels of protection for adult and child occupants.
You might find that parts for repairs are more expensive with BMW models, especially if you want work carried out by a BMW specialist. This does mean that you're investing in high-quality parts and these should last longer with the right care and upkeep.
Dimensions:
BMW 3 Series
Length: 4624mm
Width: 1811mm
Height: 1429mm
Boot space: 480 litres
BMW 5 Series
Length: 4936mm
Width: 2126mm
Height: 1479mm
Boot space: 570 litres
Verdict: BMW 3 Series vs BMW 5 Series: which should you buy?
We’re sure you’ve come to your own conclusions after reading this comparison article, but if not, here’s our verdict to help you along.
If you’re someone who likes to drive yet needs a practical car in your life, then we couldn’t recommend the 3 Series enough – whether that’s in Touring, saloon or GT spec.
The handling is great on a country road but it’s also happy to sit on the motorway for the entirety of its life.
However, if you’re someone who needs lots of space for luggage and appreciates the finer things in life, then the 5 Series is the one for you.
Not only does it offer an incredibly smooth ride, but it also has a massive boot and really comfortable seats. It feels slightly more practical than the glamorous 3 Series.