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BMW 3 Series Touring vs BMW 5 Series Touring comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 727 HP), boot space and price (41,100 £ vs 52,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Touring or BMW 5 Series Touring?

BMW 3 Series Touring vs BMW 5 Series Touring: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Touring

4.3 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • slightly lighter

BMW 5 Series Touring

  • clearly more power
  • barely more efficient
  • barely more electric range
  • moderately more trunk space
3 Series Touring

When it comes to the world of luxury wagons, BMW's 3er Touring and 5er Touring stand out as two impressive options, each offering a blend of performance, technology, and practicality. Both models cater to a similar target audience, yet they serve distinctly different purposes and preferences. This article aims to highlight the key differences and innovations found in these two models, helping you make an informed decision.

5 Series Touring

Design and Dimensions

First, let's take a closer look at the design and sizing of both vehicles. The 3er Touring measures 4,713 mm in length, while the slightly larger 5er Touring stretches to 5,096 mm. The width also varies, with the 3er offering a width of 1,827 mm compared to the broader 1,970 mm of the 5er. Height-wise, the 3er ranges between 1,440 mm and 1,445 mm, while the 5er's height is slightly higher at 1,516 mm. This increased size in the 5er not only contributes to a more commanding on-road presence but also translates to additional interior space.

3 Series Touring

Engine Options and Performance

Under the hood, both models offer a variety of engine types, yet they target different performance figures. The 3er Touring caters to a range of power outputs, with options spanning from 150 HP to a powerful 374 HP in its top variant. On the other hand, the 5er Touring takes the lead in power, offering a staggering 727 HP in its most potent setup, underlining its role as a performance wagon. For the enthusiasts, the acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achingly quick in both models, with the 3er capable of hitting that mark in as little as 4.6 seconds, while the 5er can do it in just 3.6 seconds.

5 Series Touring

Fuel Efficiency and Environment

When considering fuel efficiency, the 3er Touring impresses with figures between 5.1 to 10.4 L/100 km. In contrast, the 5er Touring showcases even greater efficiency, with some variants boasting just 0.7 L/100 km consumption figures in conjunction with a plugin hybrid system. The electric range also differs, with the 3er achieving up to 96 km compared to the 5er’s maximum of 93 km. Both models now come equipped with cutting-edge hybrid technologies, emphasizing BMW's commitment to sustainability.

3 Series Touring

Interior Comfort and Technology

Both vehicles comfortably seat five passengers, but the 5er Touring’s superior dimensions provide a bit more legroom and cargo space. The trunk capacity for the 3er is pegged at 500 liters, whereas the 5er offers an impressive 570 liters. Inside, both models showcase high-quality materials and the latest in infotainment systems. BMW's iDrive system enhances connectivity with features like smartphone integration and advanced navigation systems. Notably, the 5er Touring integrates a more innovative driver assistance system, including features such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, providing an overall more refined driving experience.

5 Series Touring

Innovations and Driving Experience

Both models embrace BMW's latest driving innovations. The 3er Touring incorporates MHEV technology to enhance its sporty driving feel while maintaining efficiency. Conversely, the 5er Touring introduces the new BMW Operating System 8, featuring a curved display that merges digital instruments and infotainment for a futuristic feel. On the road, the 5er Touring provides a more luxurious ride, thanks to its air suspension options that offer improved comfort over varied terrains. The rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive systems in both models ensure excellent handling and stability, keeping drivers engaged.

3 Series Touring

Conclusion

In summary, the BMW 3er Touring and 5er Touring appeal to different segments of the luxury market. The 3er offers a sportier, agile driving experience without compromising on practicality, making it ideal for city dwellers who also crave performance. In contrast, the 5er Touring is more of a grand tourer, providing superior power, technology, and comfort for those who value a more refined and spacious ride.

Ultimately, both models uphold BMW's reputation for luxury, performance, and innovation, so the choice comes down to personal preference and lifestyle needs. Whether you choose the nimble 3er or the sophisticated 5er, you are assured of an unforgettable driving experience.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Touring

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 3 Series Touring is visibly cheaper – starting at 41,100 £ , while the BMW 5 Series Touring costs 52,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,485 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 5 Series Touring uses 2.3 L/100km and is barely more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Touring with 2.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.2 L/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW 5 Series Touring offers barely more range – reaching up to 98 km, about 1 km more than the BMW 3 Series Touring.

5 Series Touring

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 5 Series Touring offers clearly more power – delivering 727 HP compared to 530 HP. That’s roughly 197 HP more horsepower.

Both models accelerate almost equally fast – 3.6 s from 0 to 100 km/h.

There’s no difference in top speed – both reach 250 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 5 Series Touring delivers noticeably more torque with 1,000 Nm compared to 700 Nm. That’s about 300 Nm more.

3 Series Touring

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Touring is slightly lighter – 1,650 kg compared to 1,850 kg. The difference is around 200 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 5 Series Touring offers moderately more boot space – 570 L compared to 500 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.

For maximum load capacity, the BMW 5 Series Touring offers moderately more capacity – up to 1,700 L, about 190 L more than the BMW 3 Series Touring.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 5 Series Touring carries moderately more – 620 kg compared to 520 kg. That’s a difference of about 100 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 5 Series Touring stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £52,500
5 Series Touring

BMW 5 Series Touring

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 197 - 727 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.3 - 6.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 65 - 98 km
BMW 3 Series Touring
BMW 5 Series Touring

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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BMW 3 Series Touring

The BMW 3 Series Touring blends sporting poise with everyday practicality, wrapping sharp handling and a premium cabin into a wagon that actually makes errands feel enjoyable. It’s the kind of car that hides a family-hauler’s sense of duty beneath a driver's-car attitude — useful, classy, and just cheeky enough to make you smile on the open road.

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BMW 5 Series Touring

The BMW 5 Series Touring takes executive elegance and stretches it into a practical estate, marrying refined interior comfort with everyday usability. It drives with reassuring poise, offers plenty of space for luggage or a small life's worth of gear, and somehow manages to look sharper than most saloons in the car park — a compelling choice if you want luxury without surrendering practicality.

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BMW 3 Series Touring
BMW 5 Series Touring

Costs and Consumption

Price
41,100 - 91,900 £
Price
52,500 - 126,200 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 10.3 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
91 - 97 km
Electric Range
65 - 98 km
Battery Capacity
19.5 kWh
Battery Capacity
19 - 19.4 kWh
co2
57 - 233 g/km
co2
53 - 157 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L
Fuel tank capacity
60 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Estate
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,650 - 2,025 kg
Curb weight
1,850 - 2,550 kg
Trunk capacity
410 - 500 L
Trunk capacity
500 - 570 L
Length
4,713 mm
Length
5,060 mm
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,900 - 1,970 mm
Height
1,440 - 1,448 mm
Height
1,515 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,420 - 1,510 L
Max trunk capacity
1,700 L
Payload
430 - 520 kg
Payload
500 - 620 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
197 - 727 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 8.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 7.5 s
Max Speed
213 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
218 - 250 km/h
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
330 - 1,000 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
145 - 535 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 - 4,395 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, C
Brand
BMW
Brand
BMW
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.