2026 BMW X5 vs. 2027 BMW X7: Side-by-Side Comparison

The BMW SUV lineup offers something for everyone, from small, city-sized commuter models to a big, three-row family hauler. If you’re looking for a lot of interior space, BMW’s two most spacious models are the X5 and X7. These two models have a lot in common, both having been imbued with the kind of luxury and unbeatable driving dynamics that people expect from BMW. But there are important differences as well, and anyone in the market for a larger BMW SUV should know what those are.

BMW X5 VS X7 – Dimensions

The first and arguably most important difference between these two models is their overall size. And the most important aspect of the size difference is the third row of seats in the X7. The X7 is the only BMW model that seats seven, so if seven seats are what you need, there is no substitute. But for anyone sitting in the first two rows of the X7, there isn’t a huge difference between it and the X5 in terms of space. There is a little more headroom in the X7, since it’s a bit taller, but only the tallest of occupants will really feel a difference. The third row of seats does take up quite a bit of cargo space in the back, but folding the back seats down will more than make up for it. The X5 is a bit more maneuverable, with a tighter turning circle that comes from the shorter wheelbase. Overall length is shorter on the X5 too, which helps with fitting into garages. But if you’re worried about parking lots, the X7 isn’t any wider than the X5, so opening the doors when someone is parked next to you isn’t any more difficult.

BMW X5 VS X7 – Performance

The X5 and X7 come with the same standard engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo I6 that produces 375 horsepower and is mated to a mild hybrid system. Since the X7 is bigger and heavier, this same engine makes the X5 a bit quicker, although the difference isn’t huge. We should also point out that only the X7 comes with standard all-wheel drive. The X5 comes with standard rear-wheel drive, but AWD is available with this same 3.0-liter engine, and it will shave an additional tenth of a second off the 0-60 time.

The bigger differences between these two come in the form of the optional drivetrains. And the first major difference is the xDrive50e drivetrain offered with the X5. This is a plug-in hybrid drivetrain that produces 483 horsepower. It’s the only PHEV drivetrain BMW offers in an SUV, with the exception of the specialized, high-performance XM. Both vehicles are offered with the M60i drivetrain, a 4.4-liter V8 that produces 523 horsepower. This gives you a 4.2-second 0-60 time in the X5, or 4.5 seconds in the X7. The highest-performance trims of these two models are handled in different ways. For the X5, there is the X5 M Competition, which also uses a 4.4-liter V8, but it’s tuned to produce 617 horsepower. Just looking at this variant of the X5 will tell you it means business, with big brakes and a lowered suspension. The interior is reworked too, with sport seats and pedals, and a unique color scheme. For the X7, the top trim is the Alpina XB7. This comes with an even more powerful version of the V8, as well as a specially tuned 8-speed automatic transmission. The exterior and interior have been reworked, but the finished product is less aggressive-looking than the X5 M Competition, even though the XB7 has more power and is nearly as quick to 60 mph.

BMW X5 VS X7 – Equipment

As we already saw, the interior dimensions for these two vehicles are nearly identical for anyone sitting in the first or second rows of seats. And as you can see from the interior photos, the design and layout are very similar as well. The X7 offers a couple more paint colors, wheel designs, and interior trim options, but most of what is available on the X7 is also available on the X5. Even the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system and genuine crystal controls are available for both vehicles. The most significant difference in equipment is soft-close doors, which are optional for the X7, but aren’t available for the X5.

*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for vehicle as shown does not necessarily represent the dealer’s actual sale price and does not include tax, title, license, registration and adjusted market value. Dealer sets actual price.