If you're cross-shopping BMW's SUV lineup for your family, the choice usually comes down to two models: the X5 and the X7. Both are excellent, but they're built for slightly different families. Below, we break down how they compare on size, seating, cargo space, and price so you can decide which one fits your household in Bridgewater and beyond.

Size and Dimensions

The X7 is BMW's largest SUV, and it shows. It measures roughly 203.6 inches long, 87.3 inches wide, and 72.2 inches tall, compared to the X5's 194.3 inches long, 78.9 inches wide, and 69.1 inches high. That's close to 10 extra inches of length and more than 8 inches of additional width on the X7, most of which goes toward rear-seat room and a genuine third row.

Seating: Five Seats or Seven?

This is the biggest practical difference between the two. The X5 seats five across two rows, full stop — there's no third-row option. The X7 seats six or seven, with a choice between a three-person bench or two Captain's Chairs in the second row, plus a proper third row behind it.

If you regularly drive carpools, travel with extended family, or just like having a row in reserve for guests, the X7's third row is the deciding factor. If your family tops out at five people (or your third-row passengers are car seats and younger kids who won't mind a snugger back row), the X5 covers you without the extra length and width to park and maneuver.

Cargo Space

More rows generally means more cargo flexibility, and that holds true here:

• BMW X5: 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded.
• BMW X7: 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded — even with the third row in place, there's still room for a few bags behind it.

For families who travel with strollers, sports equipment, or luggage for a full crew, the X7's extra capacity behind every configuration is a meaningful advantage.

Price and Powertrains

The X5 is the more accessible entry point into BMW's SUV lineup, with the xDrive40i starting around $72,050 and a plug-in hybrid xDrive50e available for drivers who want efficiency without sacrificing space. The X7 starts higher, with the xDrive40i beginning around $87,500, the performance-oriented M60i at $116,550, and the ALPINA XB7 topping the range at $157,550. Both lineups share BMW's turbocharged inline-six as the standard engine, with the X7 also offering V8 power in its upper trims.

Which One Fits Your Family?

TL;DR: Choose the X5 if you want a slightly smaller, more maneuverable SUV that comfortably seats five and still offers plenty of cargo room. Choose the X7 if you regularly need seats six or seven, want maximum cargo flexibility, and don't mind the larger footprint and higher starting price that come with BMW's flagship SUV.

Test Drive Both at BMW of Bridgewater

The best way to know which SUV fits your family is to sit in both. Stop by BMW of Bridgewater to compare the X5 and X7 side by side, load up the cargo area with your own gear, and take each one for a test drive. Our team can walk you through trims, packages, and current offers to help you find the right fit.