Compare 2026 BMW X3 vs 2026 BMW X5

Which BMW SUV Is Right for You in Fairfax, VA?

Serving Fairfax, VA

BMW’s award-winning lineup of luxury SUVs includes the compact BMW X3 and the midsize BMW X5—two of the top-performing BMW models in Fairfax, VA, and Northern Virginia. Both SUVs received substantial updates in 2025 and remain unchanged for 2026, offering drivers bold styling, advanced technology, and signature BMW performance. At BMW of Fairfax, we’ll help you decide which luxury SUV best fits your lifestyle.

How Do the 2026 BMW X3 and X5 Perform?

Drivers in Fairfax expect smooth handling and strong performance—and both the BMW X3 and BMW X5 deliver.

The 2026 BMW X3 offers two powerful engine options to suit different driving preferences. The base X3 30 xDrive model features a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower, while the more performance-oriented X3 M50 xDrive comes equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers 393 horsepower. Both variants come standard with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring confident traction and smooth shifting in various driving conditions.

The 2026 BMW X5 provides a broader range of performance options, starting with a mild-hybrid 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers 375 horsepower. For those seeking greater efficiency and power, a plug-in hybrid model pairs a turbocharged inline-6 with dual electric motors to produce a combined 483 horsepower and offers up to 39 miles of all-electric range. At the top of the lineup, a mild-hybrid 4.4-liter V8 engine generates an impressive 523 horsepower. Like the X3, all X5 models come standard with xDrive all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

For Northern Virginia drivers, the X3 offers sporty agility, while the X5 provides maximum power and hybrid versatility.

What Are the Key Styling Differences?

BMW’s design language ensures that both SUVs stand out in Fairfax traffic, yet each has its own bold personality.

The 2026 BMW X3 showcases a bold and athletic design characterized by its tall nose, flat hood, and sculpted sides. A crisp lower accent line and sporty front lip add to its dynamic appearance, while the squared-off front fascia features distinctive L-shaped air inlets. LED headlights with L-shaped light elements flank the iconic kidney grille, now updated with sharp corners for a more aggressive look.

In contrast, the 2026 BMW X5 presents a more refined and elegant aesthetic. It features a swooping hood and a horizontally oriented side profile, complemented by angled chrome trim accents near the fenders. The wide stance is enhanced by chrome bar detailing along the doors, while slender, pointed headlights contribute to its sporty edge. The signature kidney grille on the X5 includes vertical elements, giving it a strong and sophisticated front-end presence.

The X3 is bold and athletic, while the X5 delivers upscale elegance that stands out in Fairfax and beyond.

What Features Come Standard in the 2026 BMW X3 and X5?

Both the 2026 BMW X3 and X5 come well-equipped with an array of luxury features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and technology. Shared amenities include a heated steering wheel, available heated and ventilated seats, a hands-free driving system for highway travel, and a Harman Kardon premium surround-sound audio system. Both models also offer an interior camera, automated parking assistance, a large 14.9-inch curved infotainment display, a wireless charging pad, and access to BMW Remote Services, ensuring a high-tech and user-friendly driving experience.

While the X3 is impressively outfitted, the 2026 BMW X5 elevates luxury to a higher level with several exclusive upgrades. These include a head-up display that projects driver information onto the windshield, a leather-wrapped dashboard with premium finishes, and a Bowers and Wilkins 20-speaker sound system for audiophile-grade audio. The X5 also offers massaging front seats and additional high-end enhancements throughout the cabin, making it the more refined choice for those seeking top-tier comfort and sophistication.

Why Choose BMW of Fairfax for Your Next BMW SUV?

At BMW of Fairfax, we proudly serve drivers in Fairfax, Arlington, Vienna, and the greater Washington, D.C. metro area. The BMW X3 and X5 remain two of the top-performing BMW SUVs in Northern Virginia, whether you’re looking for sporty agility or unmatched luxury. Visit us for a test drive of these luxury SUVs today.