X5 or X7 with two kids

[AEG]

In the market for a 21-23 x5 or x7.
Have been doing my research but wanted opinions from people that have the x5 or x7. How practical is the x5 with two car seats ?
My oldest is 3 and have one on the way.
I’ve also looked into the x7 but I know I’ll never use the 3rd row, had a durango with the 3rd row and never used it.
Is the trunk space in the x7 significantly larger than the x5 ?
Also the reliability is it any different? They both have the same B58.
Any other added maintenance difference between the two ?
The x5 or x7 would be my daily driver, I’ve heard both are good and offer great comfort.

[jdub486]

I had an x3 m40i when we had one kid. Once we had the second kid we looked at the x5 and found it quite tight with rear facing car seats. Other than the trunk, it felt about the same size as the x3. My FIL has a 2021 x5 and it's quite tight when they have the kids. We ended up with an SQ7 audi because I could not find the right x7. The x5 rear seats have no adjustment, while our sq7 rear bench can slide, tilt, and recline.

[Alan l.]

X5 is plenty big for two kids. I had two car seats in the back and was still able to fit a small adult in between them. The X7 is bigger but do you really need that extra space is the question.

The other difference maybe is the ride quality. Not sure if the X5's could still be specced with full air suspension. I know the X7 you can.

Reliability should be the same between both. They are almost the same car underneath.

[osteome]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Not sure if the X5's could still be specced with full air suspension. I know the X7 you can.

Our 2020 X5 has "dual axle air suspension" (2VR).

I would offer to the OP that the 2021+ X5s were de-contented due to COVID shortages, so there may be other differences to be found between an X5 and an X7 of the same model year, if BMW "allocated" options to the X7, at the expense of the X5.

I remind my wife to essentially be "extra-careful" with the X5 as we could not replicate the same build today as the X5 "lost" options over time.

[ppointer]

I had a two row SUV for years with two kids. When it died, I went with a three row. Good thing, too, because then the kids started bringing their friends. I would not go back to a two row.

[AEG]

Originally Posted by ppointer

I had a two row SUV for years with two kids. When it died, I went with a three row. Good thing, too, because then the kids started bringing their friends. I would not go back to a two row.

That’s one of the reasons I’m leaning towards the x7, rather have the extra space and not use it than to need it and not have it. I plan on keeping both long term.

[AEG]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

X5 is plenty big for two kids. I had two car seats in the back and was still able to fit a small adult in between them. The X7 is bigger but do you really need that extra space is the question.

The other difference maybe is the ride quality. Not sure if the X5's could still be specced with full air suspension. I know the X7 you can.

Reliability should be the same between both. They are almost the same car underneath.

That’s my main concern too since we usually take road trips from AZ to CA. But day to day I wouldn’t need the 3rd row. Was the trunk in the x5 enough for you for strollers, luggage, Costco trips etc ?

[ppointer]

Originally Posted by AEG

That’s my main concern too since we usually take road trips from AZ to CA. But day to day I wouldn’t need the 3rd row. Was the trunk in the x5 enough for you for strollers, luggage, Costco trips etc ?

Definitely not!

[Alan l.]

Strollers can take up a significant amount of trunk space. All depends how big/ fancy your stroller is. Also Costco runs can vary a lot too. If you are buying toilet paper there goes your trunk space in either the X5 or X7.

Kids bringing their friends along is a real thing but that’s usually when they are older like in middle school. Most younger kids have their parents drive them where as the older kids wants to catch a ride with whoever they can lol

Alan

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Strollers can take up a significant amount of trunk space. All depends how big/ fancy your stroller is. Also Costco runs can vary a lot too. If you are buying toilet paper there goes your trunk space in either the X5 or X7.

A long time ago I switched to online ordering for all of my Costco bulk purchases like toilet paper, paper towels, etc. and simply have them shipped to my home. I save on gas money, wear and tear on my car, dealing with the maniacs driving in Costco's parking lots and have avoided the crowds and long lines inside the store.

As a result I have saved a great deal of my own personal time which is priceless.