BMW X7 vs RAM 3500
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW X7 starts from $174,900 before on-road costs, while the RAM 3500 opens at $177,950. That makes the BMW X7 the more affordable entry point by $3,050.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $192,390 and $195,745 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BMW X7 by roughly $6,695 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW X7 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the RAM 3500 gets a 12-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW X7 stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, Harman Kardon audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the RAM 3500. The RAM 3500 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW X7 gets vernasca leather upholstery while the RAM 3500 offers leather.
Drivetrain
The BMW X7 uses a Diesel producing 259kW and 720Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.
The RAM 3500 responds with a Diesel Turbo making 313kW and 1458Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds.
The RAM 3500 has the clear power advantage at 313kW vs 259kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW X7 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X7 measures 5,181mm long on a 3,105mm wheelbase, 885mm shorter than the RAM 3500 at 6,066mm (3,785mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the RAM 3500 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 750L in the BMW X7 and 900L in the RAM 3500, giving the RAM 3500 a 150L advantage. The BMW X7 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the RAM 3500 leads with a 8,000kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. That 4,500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
13.1m to 14.4m
Based on 13.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 14.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the BMW X7 and $3,648/year for the RAM 3500. That is a $1,339 annual difference in favour of the BMW X7.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (BMW X7) vs $3,648 (RAM 3500). The BMW X7 saves you roughly $1,339 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X7) vs 3 years / 100,000km (RAM 3500). The BMW X7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X7 if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the RAM 3500 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer RAM's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW X7 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The BMW X7 will save you roughly $1,339 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the RAM 3500 has a clear edge. The BMW X7 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW X7 and RAM 3500?
The BMW X7 is the cheapest at $174,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the RAM 3500 by $3,050.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X7 uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW X7 and RAM 3500 carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The RAM 3500 has the largest boot at 900L.
Which can tow the most?
The RAM 3500 has the highest braked towing capacity at 8,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW X7 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The RAM 3500 makes the most power at 313kW. The BMW X7 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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