[tom2021]

540i is certainly more luxurious than my F25.
I thought 5 series sedans have more interior space than my F25.
However, when I was inside it and drove it around. I looked around inside the car, didn't feel it is roomier than F25.
Perhaps, the center console is bigger and take the space.

[turbobeagle]

I went from a F25 to a G30 and would agree that the G30 doesn’t feel any bigger. When comparing sedans to SUVs you have to account for the higher seats (relative to the floor) in SUVs which acts as a form of leg room. And then the higher ceiling makes things feel more roomy, even if one is not tall enough for it to matter. There’s a reason why SUVs sell so well.

[DNYC1919]

A lot of people also get a 540 because it's a fast and semi sporty drive. 0-60 in about 4.5 seconds adds a nice dynamic to a luxury/ sport Sedan.

[DNYC1919]

The X3 m40i seems like you get a lot of car the money. Nice.

[COBodom]

At the risk of quoting the obvious... G01 vs G05 vs G30

[MauiSteve]

When I sit in the drivers seat of an X3 I really notice that it feels tighter around my upper left shoulder, so the 540i feels more spacious. I guess it just depends on body type as to what you perceive as roomy, but I'm 6'0" with broad shoulders. A taller slim person would probably notice more headroom in the X3.

[DealBMW]

I too was comparing X3 M40, 540i and X5 40i. I am used to leasing and the residuals on X5 were crazy low, so it was a big negative for me. X3 M40 didn't feel smooth, the same 8 speed auto for some reason felt like it was downshifting hard at slower speeds. On the inside, the 5 series has a slightly more luxurious interior, even though it's a bit outdated, but the new LCI monitor and the digital dash are great! Better fuel economy/lighter weight, and lower center of gravity sealed the deal
I must admit that I am more than impressed with this car and glad I went this route.

[AF]

I have the M550 and we also have an X3 which is my daughters, the X3 feels tighter in the front and what I mean by that is the X3 is narrower but I always felt the backseat in my 5er was a tight fit for a mid size sedan.

Both cars are obviously very different feels.

[tom2021]

Thank you all for taking part in my posting.
I wanted a BMW 5 sedan for a long time. In my mind, I would own one when I could afford it without sacrificing other life necessities and savings for pension. The time came early last year. However, time has changed and SUV has progressed to match the comfort of sedans. When I test drove a F25, I liked it right away. The car could be maneuver like a sedan. So, I bought it.
Now, I just want to make sure I didn’t miss the BMW 5 sedan big time. That was the reason I did the drive test.
For now, I will keep my F25.

[AnthonyVincent]

I have a 2021 540i M Sport and my gf has a 2022 X3. She traded a 2020 Mercedes GLC for the X3. Irreverent to your post because you were not mentioning a GLC, but the X3 puts the GLC to shame. Just worthy of mention. I drive her X3 often (I can't be a passenger when she drives. LOL) and the comfort, handling and power is exceptional. Feels very much like a sedan and not an SUV. Of course, the 540i is faster and the handling is more sporty, but the X3 is definitely quite comfortable, roomy, very maneuverable and a pleasure to drive.

[ArchieV]

Originally Posted by AnthonyVincent

I have a 2021 540i M Sport and my gf has a 2022 X3. She traded a 2020 Mercedes GLC for the X3. Irreverent to your post because you were not mentioning a GLC, but the X3 puts the GLC to shame. Just worthy of mention. I drive her X3 often (I can't be a passenger when she drives. LOL) and the comfort, handling and power is exceptional. Feels very much like a sedan and not an SUV. Of course, the 540i is faster and the handling is more sporty, but the X3 is definitely quite comfortable, roomy, very maneuverable and a pleasure to drive.

For how long the 540i is I was underwhelmed with the internal space specifically in the rear seats. The trunk is handsomely massive though which I appreciate. I sat in my sales rep X3M and the front driver area is definitely more confined, though not uncomfortable if not much larger than 6'1. The rear seat space difference is negligible between that and the 540. I'd say if backseat passengers are a factor and you're okay sacrificing a little bit of fun factor in drive ability then go with the X3 otherwise 540 all the way.

[TEF]

Owning a F25 and G30, I have to say each has its own role. My X3 diesel is the ideal car for urban driving - great view and rather zippy in traffic. And the back seat leg room is clearly much better than the G30. On the other hand, with fuel so expensive, the G30 diesel get 10 mpg over the X3 and a range that is fantastic on longer interstate drives. Also, more comfortable and quieter.