[teaston]

I’d like a bit of advice from you guys with families if I could please.

We currently use my wife’s Nissan Qashqai for going out at the weekend or trips away with our daughter and dog (Pug), but my car is due for change and I am considering getting one to use as the family car instead.

I am currently deliberately between a 5 Series G30 or an X3. I guess the X3 will be the most practical of the two but it is also heavier, less economical and has worse handling and less luxurious interior.

So what I’d like to know is, will the 5 Series suffice as a family car, or is it a bit limited for such use?

[ibk11]

With a dog, probably the X3 is more practical and easier on your back (no bending over when putting kids into seats) though personally I'm not a big fan of the SUV body shape.

The 5 can be a great family taxi all the same - nice big boot for shopping, lots of space to install child seats, quiet and smooth ride for getting about on trips. If you spec folding seats it's even better, or go for the touring / estate version.

[ZigmundUK]

If you do a 5 you’ll surely want the g31 for the dog?

We ‘downsized’ from a 5 touring to a 5 because our kids were getting a bit older so less crap to lug around (aka buggy). Haven’t felt the squeeze much...

I loved the boot space and flexibility of the touring though.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by ZigmundUK

If you do a 5 you’ll surely want the g31 for the dog?

We ‘downsized’ from a 5 touring to a 5 because our kids were getting a bit older so less crap to lug around (aka buggy). Haven’t felt the squeeze much...

I loved the boot space and flexibility of the touring though.

Originally Posted by ibk11

With a dog, probably the X3 is more practical and easier on your back (no bending over when putting kids into seats) though personally I'm not a big fan of the SUV body shape.

The 5 can be a great family taxi all the same - nice big boot for shopping, lots of space to install child seats, quiet and smooth ride for getting about on trips. If you spec folding seats it's even better, or go for the touring / estate version.

The dog is only a little Pug so she'll happily sit on the other rear seat.

As for the Touring it's out of the question for me, I really don't like the shape or image of them.

[530iDriver]

Brilliant family cruiser in every conceivable way.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

Brilliant family cruiser in every conceivable way.

You never find the trunk space limiting, even when going on vacation with suitcases etc.?

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by teaston

You never find the trunk space limiting, even when going on vacation with suitcases etc.?

Not at all. We are a family of 4 and the trunk swallows our suitcases with ease. The G30 has the largest trunk in the class (18.7 cubic feet or 530 liters).

As always, I would recommend to pack smarter regardless of whatever vehicle you have.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by 530iDriver

Not at all. We are a family of 4 and the trunk swallows our suitcases with ease. The G30 has the largest trunk in the class (18.7 cubic feet or 530 liters).

As always, I would recommend to pack smarter regardless of whatever vehicle you have.

Great thank, that’s given me more confidence in going with the 5.

Packing smarter is a good idea, less luggage in the car means less to lug into the airport, hotel etc.!

[Bandiano]

Originally Posted by teaston

Great thank, that’s given me more confidence in going with the 5.

Packing smarter is a good idea, less luggage in the car means less to lug into the airport, hotel etc.!

Agree with all great family car, spec the fold down seats and it's cavernous

[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by Bandiano

Agree with all great family car, spec the fold down seats and it's cavernous

Fold down rear seat backs are standard equipment in the US. Love the 60/40 split fold down layout. You can easily fold down the seat back for the middle rear position and use it as a ski or large object pass through.

[ztx84]

If your dog is ok inside on the seat then recommend the G30 every time - great all round car... I doubt you'll go wrong with it!

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Bandiano

Agree with all great family car, spec the fold down seats and it's cavernous

Yes I’d definitely spec the 40/20/40 rear seats, I made the mistake of not getting them on my first F30!

Whereabouts in Norfolk are you mate?

[ADS-UK]

I seriously considered X3 before deciding on G30. I was in a similar situation to you except that we don't have a dog.

My decision was based on these;

1. I found G30 to be lot more comfortable than X3 even in firmer M Sport setup.
2. We hardly ever drive off road or get enough snow to warrant having a xdrive. That said you could always get a G30 with xdrive if needed.
3. X3 is a better option if you are looking for boot space but G30 does the job for us. We can fit all our suitcases for a road trip without any issues.
4. G30 is certainly more advanced from a tech point of view.
5. G30 interior comes across as better quality than the X3. I know X3 improved quite bit but I wouldn't say it's at the level of G30.
6. I do about 80 miles everyday. G30 fared better in my fuel consumption calculations.

Hope these help in some way. Good luck.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by ADS-UK

I seriously considered X3 before deciding on G30. I was in a similar situation to you except that we don't have a dog.

My decision was based on these;

1. I found G30 to be lot more comfortable than X3 even in firmer M Sport setup.
2. We hardly ever drive off road or get enough snow to warrant having a xdrive. That said you could always get a G30 with xdrive if needed.
3. X3 is a better option if you are looking for boot space but G30 does the job for us. We can fit all our suitcases for a road trip without any issues.
4. G30 is certainly more advanced from a tech point of view.
5. G30 interior comes across as better quality than the X3. I know X3 improved quite bit but I wouldn't say it's at the level of G30.
6. I do about 80 miles everyday. G30 fared better in my fuel consumption calculations.

Hope these help in some way. Good luck.

Well if you don’t need an X3 up in Edinburgh I guess I don’t in Norfolk!

Mind you both cars still tick all the boxes as a family car, so it may well just come down to which works out cheapest on PCP. Although that might depend on how careful I am with the 5 series’ extensive optional extras list!

[Tameautumn]

Originally Posted by teaston

The dog is only a little Pug so she'll happily sit on the other rear seat.

As for the Touring it's out of the question for me, I really don't like the shape or image of them.

WTF?!?!?

[ADS-UK]

Originally Posted by teaston

Well if you don’t need an X3 up in Edinburgh I guess I don’t in Norfolk!

Mind you both cars still tick all the boxes as a family car, so it may well just come down to which works out cheapest on PCP. Although that might depend on how careful I am with the 5 series’ extensive optional extras list!

I went via the CarWow route. Ended up getting 24% off. I'd say build both cars and see where you end up with.

My local dealer was keen to match the CarWow deal but he just couldn't get there. So you could always use the CarWow prices as a negotiating tool.

[S1NGH]

Originally Posted by teaston

I’d like a bit of advice from you guys with families if I could please.

We currently use my wife’s Nissan Qashqai for going out at the weekend or trips away with our daughter and dog (Pug), but my car is due for change and I am considering getting one to use as the family car instead.

I am currently deliberately between a 5 Series G30 or an X3. I guess the X3 will be the most practical of the two but it is also heavier, less economical and has worse handling and less luxurious interior.

So what I’d like to know is, will the 5 Series suffice as a family car, or is it a bit limited for such use?

I love mine, best car I have owned for a very long time.

Great all rounder, comfort, tech, performance, economy and handling...feels proper premium.

I was looking for a M4, X5 to replace my F30 and decided the 5 was all the car I really need.

4 months on and I am still smiling..

Boot is ample for a family, my teenage girls love the rear space and comfort. I recently did 1000 miles over three days and got out feeling great. Not bad for someone 6feet2...

Try one for 24 hours and get a proper feel..

[bpma]

Had a similar dilemma a while back, even considered the 3 GT as I was coming from a huge 7-seater car with a boot that could pack an entire IKEA. After some tests I went for the G30 (sedan!) and I'm so happy I did.

Got two kids (one still in a stroller) and a dog. A wife too, unfortunately. Doggo sits on her lap or on the floor in front of her, kids in the back, one of them in huge RWD seat.

Cargo space is more than enough even for long trips - again, I'm driving the sedan. Two big suitcases, the stroller and a lot other stuff inbetween. I've never even felt the need to consider a roof rack.

The touring is for old farts. SUVs are for soccer moms.. Get the sedan and stop worrying. You'll thank me later.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Tameautumn

WTF?!?!?

WTF to what?

[Tameautumn]

Originally Posted by teaston

WTF to what?

Not liking shape or image

Things of beauty IMHO - completes the 5 series look

[teaston]

Originally Posted by Tameautumn

Not liking shape or image

Things of beauty IMHO - completes the 5 series look

Touring looks like an old man's car imo, sorry.

[Bibbles]

Originally Posted by teaston

Touring looks like an old man's car imo, sorry.

I've always thought of the saloon as the old mans car and the touring as the family mans car.