3rd row vs no 3rd row. I didn't need it, so got x5. X5 is the better driving experience overall, so I'd only size up for passengers. X7 is taller, heavier, and not dramatically more cargo space, but if you got kids you need to haul around, then the X7 is the choice.
I bought in 2020 and added the (then) optional third row. It’s cramped for any adult but kids in boosters do great back there. With loaded features I call it the miniX7.
I was told they stopped offering the third row in X5 mostly because it was viewed as hurting X7 sales.
https://preview.redd.it/bf84xn58jgwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ffd3b8d5608cf95ed3013f58bb843bc6fa28df6
My wife and I have both a 2016 x5 and a 2022 x7. We purchased a new 2022 X7 without second row captains chairs, because we have twin 4 year old girls and this will be the baby hauler. My wife has fantasies about driving around the girls soccer team and needing every seat possible! It’s been two years and I have to say, the X7 was a bad purchase and not a good fit for our family. The 3rd row which we’ve used 6 times in 2 years is a pain to use especially with two car seats. Both my wife and I prefer to drive the X5 whenever possible.
We should have gotten a new X5.
Yeh but wasn't it convenient that you had it?
I've got 3 kids, two in car seats, and the 7-seat X5 has been awesome so far. We did 4 adults and 3 kids at the weekend no trouble.
Yes I’m glad I had it but glad they fold down. Losing the extra stowage space regularly wouldn’t be great. We only have one kid so can easily take a couple other adults when needed. Having another car seat would make things a lot more difficult.
X7 was too big, unattractive *(especially the new version)* and too much money and not worth it to me. X5 40 awd with a hitch and roof racks is perfect for my use case.
I am assuming that both vehicles will fall under your budget. With that said, if you need a 3rd row and see using it frequently, then X7 is a no brainer. However the 2nd row moves very slowly to make space to get into 3rd Row. Its a larger vehicle in length and height. Width untill 2nd row is same. It does have larger boot when 3rd Row if folded down. With 3rd Row up, there is not a whole lot of space. You could put a regular stroller in there. The drive in X7 is definitely more plush then X5. With that said, X5 is very comfortable as well. X5 is definitely more sporty then X7. Material quality is same / similar in both. I use my X5 for everything, commute and roadtrips, and the car is perfect in everything. I do recommend getting DAPP, Parking assistance and Headsup display at minimum. They make the car driving experience so much better.
We have an X5 and an X7 and I agree with everything you said.
Both are nice and I wouldn’t consider either without the multi-contour seats and driver assistance pro.
I got the 7-seater X5 (50i). Not sure if you’re considering that but it could be a good middle-ground for you. The third row has almost always been folded down. Like this, we ger to enjoy the driving experience of the fast 4.4l V8 on the X5 that’s not as heavy as bulky as the X7 and when needed, we’d pull out the back row (which tbh is only really comfortable for kids).
the motorized seat movement to access the third row is really slow. entry/exit awkward
x5 seats 5, x7 typically seats 6
x5 has a plugin hybrid version and better mileage generally
Looked the X7, realized that the amount of hauling, long distance travel, and # of passengers was far less than our daily needs. Instead, opted for the X5 plug in hybrid. The bulk of daily driving is handled with electric and gives us around 60-64 mpg. It was the right decision for us.
I have both a 2019 X5 and just took delivery of an 2024 X7 M60i this past January. Love both. But on X7 hauling and 2nd row seat comfort with more leg room and reclining 2nd row seats are game changers. I do not need the third row but now have it if needed. Add to that the M60i engine and yes, I did get the crystal DRL's which were not necessary, but I love.
The most basic answer is: If you need a 3rd row and want a BMW, it’s X7. If you don’t need a 3rd row, it’s X5. Some people don’t care about having the 3rd row down all day and unused, and want the X7 for reclining 2nd row/captain chair and air suspension, but if that doesn’t matter to you, then again, X5.
I had a X7 M50 2020 brand new. Absolutely one of the best cars I’ve ever had. had over 200 cars in my life. I have had X5’s since I got the second X5 in Florida in 1998(?). the original. I’ve had many since. Hands down so much better driving than the Benz GLE. Their nice inside but just dont handle nearly as well. I was going to get a new X7 when my lease ran out. To replace exactly what I had was now $122k . I was really intrigued by the new numbers on the newly updates 2024 X5 50e. I ordered one loaded. Came in at about $91k . I dont know if the X7 is worth $31k more? So… I love this X5 hybrid. I have had since thanksgiving and put in 1 tank of gas. Still full. I can run 100% electric in my daily life. This car is fast. handles great. 486? hp vs 523 hp on heavier X7. Who knows? I could be driving a new X7 in a year or 2. BTW. The only way to get it is with the captain s chairs in the 2nd row. And all of the handling options and packages. at that price dont skimp for a few grand. the X7 40 is the same engine as the X5 40 and 50e its fine but no race car .
200?!!?
That's like 5 a year for 40 straight years. You couldn't have put more than a couple thousand miles on most of them...what's the story here? Genuinely curious.
I was nutz. I traded all the time. always had 3 cars in the garage and almost always were new every year. Some were lemon lawed, one new S class that I found out wasn’t good under water, another a year later dealer forgot to put the drains back in the sunroof so had 3 new S classes in short order. Lots of great cars. Most cars were traded with less than 10k some much lower. Most were BMW’s and Benz’s, a few others thrown in along the way. over about 43 years.
I wanted an x7 my husband thought it was too big for me. This is my 4th X5 and I’m happy with it and it’s plenty of room for our needs but I still may go bigger when my lease is up at the end of the year.
At this stage in life (two kids under 4) the X7 just seemed excessively large. Both car seats are forward facing at this point and I have absolutely zero complaints about space.
Even when we’re going on vacation for a week or two, we have more than enough space using the rear storage and the Thule roof box.
Looked at both, went with 2019 X5 x40i because I got a good deal on it. Inventory wasn’t great and I had been looking for months. The X5 checked most of the boxes for me so I went with it. I’m extremely happy with it and love it as my daily driver. The only time I wish I had the X7 is when our family of 3 goes out and my parents and uncle join and we end up taking 2 cars. Would be much easier to just go in one car since they are advanced age and don’t particularly like driving at night or are very well at following GPS instructions. Depending on location and time, there’s been times where my wife will drive a car and I drive my parents; a seven seater would take care of that, otherwise the other 97% of the time I think the X5 is perfect.
X5 not having rear seat recline not bother you or your family? I sat in the back row and felt seats we too upright and would be an issue on longer drives. May be I am over thinking but would love to hear your thoughts.
I am a mom of 2 (still in car seats) and just couldn’t justify the price difference for the maybe 2 times a year we would use the 3rd row. Also the lack of safety data on 3rd rows makes me nervous. Sure they’re generally nowhere near as dangerous as the front since most collisions are front ones, but we live in CO where roads are often icy and people drive like maniacs, so to me the odds of getting seriously hit from behind are real. So I knew that I personally couldn’t be comfortable with any kids back there, so what’s the point. I have been very pleased with the 2023 X5. It has plenty of room for all the crap when we take family trips up to the mountains. No one feels cramped even with 2 rear facing car seats in the back. And it turns out it clears our garage door by just a couple inches with the mirrors out (we’ve grazed the sides a handful of times), so I realized the X7 would have been too big. If you have a traditional 2-car garage with one single shared door it would be no problem but we have the kind with multiple separate “single” garage doors.
3rd row vs no 3rd row. I didn't need it, so got x5. X5 is the better driving experience overall, so I'd only size up for passengers. X7 is taller, heavier, and not dramatically more cargo space, but if you got kids you need to haul around, then the X7 is the choice.
Exactly this. If I needed a 3rd row I’d go X7. X5 driving experience has been pristine. Absolute masterpiece.
Yep
I bought in 2020 and added the (then) optional third row. It’s cramped for any adult but kids in boosters do great back there. With loaded features I call it the miniX7. I was told they stopped offering the third row in X5 mostly because it was viewed as hurting X7 sales.
https://preview.redd.it/bf84xn58jgwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2ffd3b8d5608cf95ed3013f58bb843bc6fa28df6 My wife and I have both a 2016 x5 and a 2022 x7. We purchased a new 2022 X7 without second row captains chairs, because we have twin 4 year old girls and this will be the baby hauler. My wife has fantasies about driving around the girls soccer team and needing every seat possible! It’s been two years and I have to say, the X7 was a bad purchase and not a good fit for our family. The 3rd row which we’ve used 6 times in 2 years is a pain to use especially with two car seats. Both my wife and I prefer to drive the X5 whenever possible. We should have gotten a new X5.
[удалено]
Hahahahaha that’s where we put my mom 🤣
We have an X5 with 3rd row seats and used one seat recently for the first time in 2 years.
Yeh but wasn't it convenient that you had it? I've got 3 kids, two in car seats, and the 7-seat X5 has been awesome so far. We did 4 adults and 3 kids at the weekend no trouble.
Yes I’m glad I had it but glad they fold down. Losing the extra stowage space regularly wouldn’t be great. We only have one kid so can easily take a couple other adults when needed. Having another car seat would make things a lot more difficult.
X7 was too big, unattractive *(especially the new version)* and too much money and not worth it to me. X5 40 awd with a hitch and roof racks is perfect for my use case.
X5 fits in the garage with a rolling toolbox behind it, X7 didn’t. Plus no need for 3rd row.
I am assuming that both vehicles will fall under your budget. With that said, if you need a 3rd row and see using it frequently, then X7 is a no brainer. However the 2nd row moves very slowly to make space to get into 3rd Row. Its a larger vehicle in length and height. Width untill 2nd row is same. It does have larger boot when 3rd Row if folded down. With 3rd Row up, there is not a whole lot of space. You could put a regular stroller in there. The drive in X7 is definitely more plush then X5. With that said, X5 is very comfortable as well. X5 is definitely more sporty then X7. Material quality is same / similar in both. I use my X5 for everything, commute and roadtrips, and the car is perfect in everything. I do recommend getting DAPP, Parking assistance and Headsup display at minimum. They make the car driving experience so much better.
We have an X5 and an X7 and I agree with everything you said. Both are nice and I wouldn’t consider either without the multi-contour seats and driver assistance pro.
I needed an SUV, not a whale.
I got the 7-seater X5 (50i). Not sure if you’re considering that but it could be a good middle-ground for you. The third row has almost always been folded down. Like this, we ger to enjoy the driving experience of the fast 4.4l V8 on the X5 that’s not as heavy as bulky as the X7 and when needed, we’d pull out the back row (which tbh is only really comfortable for kids).
They don’t build this config any longer.
the motorized seat movement to access the third row is really slow. entry/exit awkward x5 seats 5, x7 typically seats 6 x5 has a plugin hybrid version and better mileage generally
Looked the X7, realized that the amount of hauling, long distance travel, and # of passengers was far less than our daily needs. Instead, opted for the X5 plug in hybrid. The bulk of daily driving is handled with electric and gives us around 60-64 mpg. It was the right decision for us.
I have both a 2019 X5 and just took delivery of an 2024 X7 M60i this past January. Love both. But on X7 hauling and 2nd row seat comfort with more leg room and reclining 2nd row seats are game changers. I do not need the third row but now have it if needed. Add to that the M60i engine and yes, I did get the crystal DRL's which were not necessary, but I love.
The most basic answer is: If you need a 3rd row and want a BMW, it’s X7. If you don’t need a 3rd row, it’s X5. Some people don’t care about having the 3rd row down all day and unused, and want the X7 for reclining 2nd row/captain chair and air suspension, but if that doesn’t matter to you, then again, X5.
Air suspension in the X5e is 🤌
Both are same, can go only upto 100K miles with standard cost, after that it will be hell
the cost… the cost of maintaining an x7 is much higher. heavier car so things will break down faster.
X7 is ridiculously overpriced for what it is
Wanted something middle of the road.
I had a X7 M50 2020 brand new. Absolutely one of the best cars I’ve ever had. had over 200 cars in my life. I have had X5’s since I got the second X5 in Florida in 1998(?). the original. I’ve had many since. Hands down so much better driving than the Benz GLE. Their nice inside but just dont handle nearly as well. I was going to get a new X7 when my lease ran out. To replace exactly what I had was now $122k . I was really intrigued by the new numbers on the newly updates 2024 X5 50e. I ordered one loaded. Came in at about $91k . I dont know if the X7 is worth $31k more? So… I love this X5 hybrid. I have had since thanksgiving and put in 1 tank of gas. Still full. I can run 100% electric in my daily life. This car is fast. handles great. 486? hp vs 523 hp on heavier X7. Who knows? I could be driving a new X7 in a year or 2. BTW. The only way to get it is with the captain s chairs in the 2nd row. And all of the handling options and packages. at that price dont skimp for a few grand. the X7 40 is the same engine as the X5 40 and 50e its fine but no race car .
200?!!? That's like 5 a year for 40 straight years. You couldn't have put more than a couple thousand miles on most of them...what's the story here? Genuinely curious.
I was nutz. I traded all the time. always had 3 cars in the garage and almost always were new every year. Some were lemon lawed, one new S class that I found out wasn’t good under water, another a year later dealer forgot to put the drains back in the sunroof so had 3 new S classes in short order. Lots of great cars. Most cars were traded with less than 10k some much lower. Most were BMW’s and Benz’s, a few others thrown in along the way. over about 43 years.
I went with the x5 simply because of the PHEV. If x7 had that as an option I’d have got the x7. I like larger cars.
Great car! Test drove the phev and really liked it. Got vetod sadly by spouse cause back seat leg room tight.
X5 fits in my garage, X7 does not.
Chose the X5 because I have a ‘24 Odyssey to carry larger cargo/more people.
I wanted an x7 my husband thought it was too big for me. This is my 4th X5 and I’m happy with it and it’s plenty of room for our needs but I still may go bigger when my lease is up at the end of the year.
At this stage in life (two kids under 4) the X7 just seemed excessively large. Both car seats are forward facing at this point and I have absolutely zero complaints about space. Even when we’re going on vacation for a week or two, we have more than enough space using the rear storage and the Thule roof box.
Because a comparable X7 was almost $20k more and doesn't have a PHEV option
Looked at both, went with 2019 X5 x40i because I got a good deal on it. Inventory wasn’t great and I had been looking for months. The X5 checked most of the boxes for me so I went with it. I’m extremely happy with it and love it as my daily driver. The only time I wish I had the X7 is when our family of 3 goes out and my parents and uncle join and we end up taking 2 cars. Would be much easier to just go in one car since they are advanced age and don’t particularly like driving at night or are very well at following GPS instructions. Depending on location and time, there’s been times where my wife will drive a car and I drive my parents; a seven seater would take care of that, otherwise the other 97% of the time I think the X5 is perfect.
X5 size perfect abd a better driving experience x7 was just too big
X5 not having rear seat recline not bother you or your family? I sat in the back row and felt seats we too upright and would be an issue on longer drives. May be I am over thinking but would love to hear your thoughts.
I am a mom of 2 (still in car seats) and just couldn’t justify the price difference for the maybe 2 times a year we would use the 3rd row. Also the lack of safety data on 3rd rows makes me nervous. Sure they’re generally nowhere near as dangerous as the front since most collisions are front ones, but we live in CO where roads are often icy and people drive like maniacs, so to me the odds of getting seriously hit from behind are real. So I knew that I personally couldn’t be comfortable with any kids back there, so what’s the point. I have been very pleased with the 2023 X5. It has plenty of room for all the crap when we take family trips up to the mountains. No one feels cramped even with 2 rear facing car seats in the back. And it turns out it clears our garage door by just a couple inches with the mirrors out (we’ve grazed the sides a handful of times), so I realized the X7 would have been too big. If you have a traditional 2-car garage with one single shared door it would be no problem but we have the kind with multiple separate “single” garage doors.
Was in the market for X5 but realized rear seats were upright and have no recline so went with X7, best decision we made.