2011 X3 vs X5 interior dimensions

The new X3 has an interior width of 146cm, exactly the same interior width as my Golf and some 3cm less wide than a RAV4 for instance.

The X5 has an interior width of 154cm.

Poor packaging again from BMW.

i sat in the '11 X3 today - sat in the back. it's huge. honestly one can't justify going with the X5 for interior space, alone.

Unless you're looking for 7 seats and want to stay with BMW.

Originally Posted by hasselboxster

i sat in the '11 X3 today - sat in the back. it's huge. honestly one can't justify going with the X5 for interior space, alone.

If you are 6' or taller - you are going to be really uncomfortable trying to drive the new X3. I loved the test drive and my wife really wanted it - but the center console is absolutely huge and being 6'5" tall means there is no comfortable way to drive the car. If you are taller than 6', X5 is only choice. I wish I could have bought the more fuel efficient and more car-like X3 (test drove the 35i), but I just don't fit. In the X3, the center console seems to actually come outward meaning your knee has to be further to the left than the actual accelerator pedal - just not something that is physically comfortable for tall people.

I am really curious to see if there are mechanical reasons for making the center console so huge on the new X3. Maybe something about the compact SUV format that requires use of that space? Note that the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX have exact same issue so BMW X3 isn't alone in this huge center console issue.

Originally Posted by TopHatTom

If you are 6' or taller - you are going to be really uncomfortable trying to drive the new X3. I loved the test drive and my wife really wanted it - but the center console is absolutely huge and being 6'5" tall means there is no comfortable way to drive the car. If you are taller than 6', X5 is only choice. I wish I could have bought the more fuel efficient and more car-like X3 (test drove the 35i), but I just don't fit. In the X3, the center console seems to actually come outward meaning your knee has to be further to the left than the actual accelerator pedal - just not something that is physically comfortable for tall people.

I am really curious to see if there are mechanical reasons for making the center console so huge on the new X3. Maybe something about the compact SUV format that requires use of that space? Note that the Audi Q5 and Lexus RX have exact same issue so BMW X3 isn't alone in this huge center console issue.

I have to disagree on the height part. I'm 6' 4" and I am extremely comfortable in the old and new X3.

Originally Posted by BMWfanatic87

I have to disagree on the height part. I'm 6' 4" and I am extremely comfortable in the old and new X3.

So it doesn't bother you on long drives to have the center console pressing against your right leg? Even with seats all the way back you still have the center console pushing into your leg space. At least with the X5, you sit a bit higher so the center console hits you at a lower part of your leg or not at all if you find a comfortable spot. I couldn't find any comfortable position in the X3. I find it hard to believe the new X3 doesn't bother someone 6'4" - you have to admit it is at least in your space? Good for you if you are comfortable - but I'd recommend anyone over 6' tall take it for a very long drive before making the purchase decision. During the first 10 minutes of my test drive I was so excited about the power I looked past it - but after that it started becoming painfully uncomfortable.