BMW 3 Series vs. 5 Series | Compare and Decide for Yourself

2025 BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series White Luxury Sedans Face-to-Face with a Skyline Background at BMW of Allentown.

The 2025 BMW 3 Series is Smaller. The 5 Series has More Legroom. But there's more to the story. Compare these Luxury Sedans at BMW of Allentown.

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The 2025 BMW 3 Series and 5 Series have a lot in common. They're popular luxury sedans. They look good, and have the latest safety and technological features you'd expect from a Bimmer.

But they're also different. And depending on your needs and wants, there are enough of them to make one a better choice than the other.

3 Series v 5 Series - Specifications

	2025 BMW 3 Series (Base)	2025 BMW 5 Series (Base)
Price	$45,950* Starting MSRP	$58,700* Starting MSRP
Engine	2.0-liter Turbo I-4	2.0-liter Turbo I-4
Horsepower	255 HP	255 HP
0-60 Time	5.6 seconds	5.9 seconds
City/Highway Miles Per Gallon	25/34	28/35
Front Headroom	38.7 inches	39.1 inches
Rear Legroom	35.2 inches	37 inches
Trunk Space	16.9 cubic feet	18.3 cubic feet

3 Series v 5 Series - Engine Performance

Both models come with a wide array of powertrain options. While their base engine is the same 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder, the 5 Series is 0.3 seconds quicker at going from 0-60 miles per hour.

However, the 3 Series offers five high-performing M variants. Two of them - the M3 Competition and M3 Competition xDrive (BMW's All-Wheel Drive system) - generate over 500 horsepower and eclipse the 0-60 mark in under 4 seconds.

The 5 Series doesn't have an M model. Its most powerful option, the 550e xDrive plug-in hybrid, produces 483 horsepower and goes from 0-60 in 4.1 seconds.

It's also worth noting that since the 5 Series is larger and heavier than the 3 Series, it's better at maintaining a comfortable ride through tough driving conditions.

2025 BMW 3 Series Interior

View BMW 3 Series Lease Deals

2025 BMW 5 Series Interior

2025 BMW 5 Series Front Seats, Steering Wheel, and Dashboard.

3 Series v 5 Series - Interior Space

If you feel bigger is better, go with the 5 Series.

That especially holds true if you often have backseat passengers over 6 feet tall. The 3 Series offers 35.2 inches of rear legroom. The 5 Series has a more manageable 37 inches.

The 5 Series is also family-friendlier. Its larger rear makes it easier to put children in car seats. You'll also have more room to pack up the trunk than in a 3 Series sedan.

3 Series v 5 Series - Price and Features

If getting into a BMW at a lower price, while still getting great safety and technological features, is your #1 priority, pick the 3 Series.

The 2025 3 Series base model, the 330i, starts at nearly $13,000 less than the 5 Series base 530i. The xDrive versions of those models are an additional $2,000 on the 3 Series and $2,300 on the 5 Series.

Considering the stark price difference, standard features are similar. Both have Active Driving Assistant, which includes Frontal Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Speed Limit Info.

Both have standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibilities. They also have remote engine start, and the ability to check on critical operating elements like tire pressure via the MY BMW App.

In the 5 Series' favor - it comes standard with BMW's Veganza interior fabric. The 3 Series comes with Perforated Sensatec. Both synthetic leathers, Veganza is newer and feels more luxurious.

Shop BMW 3 Series & BMW 5 Series

Test Out The 3 Series and 5 Series at BMW of Allentown

If you're interested in learning more about any of these new BMW sedans, take the short drive from throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond. We have many 3 Series and 5 Series vehicles in stock. We'd love to offer you a test drive and answer any questions.

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*Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for vehicle as shown does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price and does not include destination & handling fee, tax, title, license, registration and adjusted market value. Dealer sets actual price. Please consult your selected dealer. Starting MSRP may vary as a result of equipment capacity restrictions.