Are you ready to tackle the streets of Albany, Leesburg, or Tifton, GA, from behind the wheel of the Ultimate Driving Machine®? Sedans like the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series are great on-road companions for morning commutes and weekend getaways alike, but which model is best for you?
Our team at BMW of Albany is here to answer that question with the help of our 3 Series vs. 5 Series comparison. In this matchup, we’ll highlight the specs and features both cars have to offer so you can easily decide which one is right for you.
MAX HORSEPOWER
HEATED FRONT SEATS
REAR LEGROOM
Driving a BMW sedan is an experience full of non-stop thrills. Between engine output and modern innovations to boost your mood, you’ll love every second of driving your BMW 3 Series or BMW 5 Series.
While the BMW sedans may look delicate and docile due to their soft curves and timeless colors, one look at their engine options proves otherwise. These models share a 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine that delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The addition of Sport and Manual shift modes, as well as paddle shifters and Launch Control, gives each sedan a performance-packed edge.
If you’re the type of driver who seeks adrenaline-pumping thrills, the BMW 3 Series may be the better option. When optionally equipped, this model comes powered by a mighty 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo engine that’s capable of churning out 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.
Everyone knows the best way to get from Point A to Point B is with your favorite tunes blasting. The BMW 3 Series and the 5 Series make accessing your playlists and other digital features easy while on the go, thanks to an intuitive operating system.
Sync your smartphone in seconds via Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ and watch the 14.9-inch central touchscreen display transform into a familiar interface where you can quickly access songs, podcasts, and other digital features you have saved to your phone.
Audiophiles will love that either sedan can be equipped with an optional premium surround sound system, providing the crispness and perfection you’d expect from high-quality speaker systems.
With the BMW name ushering you to your destination, you can rest assured that your sedan—regardless whether you pick the 3 Series or the 5 Series—comes with the lavish amenities you expect.
Climb into your BMW sedan and feel yourself sink into utter relaxation. The smooth-as-butter vegan-leather upholstery adds a tactile sense of refinement, while the ever-popular High Gloss accent trim adds a subtle shine that draws the eye.
Whether cold temperatures are on the horizon, or you seek release from tight shoulder and back muscles, the optional heated front seats of either sedan are ready to step up.
With premium materials in place, your BMW sedan already feels more like a 5-star spa experience rather than a mode of transportation. The BMW 5 Series elevates this experience with the optional Executive package, which adds amenities like a heated steering wheel, sophisticated glass controls, and the Sky Lounge Roof. The latter feature adds an expansive glass roof that lets natural light fill the cabin.
You’ll find the BMW 3 Series offers many mood-boosting amenities—such as multi-color ambient lighting and an optional heated steering wheel—although it lacks the Sky Lounge Roof.
We understand that factors beyond design and amenities go into choosing your next sedan. Let’s explore the various specifications that may help sway you one way or the other in this 3 Series vs. 5 Series comparison.
You need your sedan to be the perfect fit for your lifestyle—literally. Whether you need a compact sedan to make city travels easy or sprawling passenger dimensions, one of these BMW sedans has what you need:
BMW 3 Series |
vs | BMW 5 Series
|
|---|---|---|
| 185.9/71.9/56.8 in. | Length/Width/Height | 199.2/74.8/59.6 in. |
| 38.7/37.6 in. | Headroom (front/rear) | 39.1/37.7 in. |
| 42/35.2 in. | Legroom (front/rear) | 41.3/37 in. |
If your priority is maneuverability, we’d recommend the BMW 3 Series. On the other hand, if you often travel with companions and want to prioritize passenger space, the extra wiggle room in the BMW 5 Series may be preferable.
Which BMW sedan will help minimize your time spent at the pump? There’s only one way to find out, and that’s by comparing their fuel efficiencies:
These sedans offer similar efficiencies, making either one a great option for your commute, especially when you consider each sedan is offered in an available all-electric configuration.
As two classic luxury sedans, the BMW 3 Series and the 5 Series prove to be great options for Albany, Leesburg, and Tifton, GA, travels. The choice lies with which sedan offers more of what you need.
At BMW of Albany, we invite you to visit our dealership and take the driver’s seat of both sedans to help cement your perfect pick. Contact us today to get started!
All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 3 Series for yourself are conveniently available right here online.
Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.
Shop BMW Value Your Trade Apply For Financing Schedule a Test Drive* Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.
