X3 vs QX55
The X3 and the QX55 compete for the same spot on your shortlist, with BMW and Infiniti each making its case. Most of what matters is shared here; the differences are real but modest.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance4.0
- Engine & Performance4.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The QX55 has 13 hp more power
You may not notice this one every day, but the QX55’s 268 hp is a step ahead of the X3’s 255 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The X3 has 15 lb-ft more torque
Slight advantage to the X3: 295 lb-ft compared with 280 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | X3 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 186.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
No clean winner on engine & performance. The X3 has 15 lb-ft more torque; the QX55 has 13 hp more power. Net result on engine & performance: a genuine trade-off.
Total system output
X3: 255 hp QX55: 268 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
X3: 295 lb-ft QX55: 280 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The space & practicality verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
Names, not numbers: the safety & tech rows below show what each one is built with, and it’s worth reading them side by side.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X3 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 255 hp | 268 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft (winner) | 280 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X3 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 25 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X3 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 26.9 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 54.1 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X3 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X3 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | X3 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 186.3 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 74.9 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 110.2 in |
Price
| Spec | X3 | QX55 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $49,500 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X3 if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (295 lb-ft vs 280 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re comfortable with how BMW does things
Choose the QX55 if…
- you want more power (268 hp vs 255 hp)
- you trust Infiniti and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the X3 or the QX55?
There’s no single right answer. The X3 leads on pulling power and the QX55 on performance.
Executive Summary
I’ll be upfront: I have no stake in whether you buy BMW or Infiniti. I only care that you end up with the right one of the X3 and the QX55. Start with the headline difference (the X3 has 15 lb-ft more torque), and a lot of the decision falls into place. The QX55 has a trump card of its own in 13 hp more power.
I think of the X3 as the one for pulling power and the QX55 as the one for performance.
My pick: I’d go with the X3 if I cared most about pulling power, and the QX55 if performance mattered more.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.