BMWs SUV range has expanded in recent years, with models like the X2 and X7 introduced. Two of their longest-serving models are still their most popular, though, with the BMW X5 and X6. These two SUVs are some of the most premium models that BMW currently offers and come with the performance, quality and price to back that up.
But what if you’re unsure of which model is best for you? The X5 and X6 are similar in a lot of ways, but until you get into the details, it’s difficult to tell which one is right for each driver. We’ve tried to answer those questions here, and we’ve compared the BMW X6 and X6 across a number of categories to find which car performs best.
The X5 vs The X6
We’ll compare the BMW X5 and BMW X6 across several categories to find out where each car is best:
– Practicality
– Performance / Engines
– Driving experience
– Quality / Technology
– Value For Money
Across each category, I’ll talk you through each model’s good and bad points, and finally, my opinion. At the end of the article, you’ll have all the info you need to decide which model is right for you.
Let’s start!
Practicality
So how do these cars compare both in road presence and interior space? Below you can find a comparison of the significant stats between the X5 and X6:
| BMW X5 40i | BMW X6 40i | |
| Wheelbase (in) | 117.1 | 117.1 |
| Total Length (in) | 194.3 | 194.8 |
| Height (in) | 69 | 66.8 |
| Width (in) | 87.3 | 87.1 |
| Weight (lb) | 4,828 | 4,855 |
| Interior Headroom (in) | 40.8 | 39.3 |
| Front Legroom (in) | 39.8 | 40.4 |
| Rear Legroom (in) | 37.4 | 35.7 |
| Cargo Volume (cubic ft) | 35.8 | 27.4 |
We’ve used the entry level models for each car here as the comparison. Dimensions are the same on the more expensive models, but weight does increase on both cars.
As these cars share a platform, the dimensions are close in almost every area. The wheelbase is identical, the only difference in the exterior is the X6’s longer shape compared to the taller X5. With the balance between the more traditional X5 SUV style, compared to the ‘Sports Activity Coupe’ style of the X6.
Inside each model, the X5 has over an inch of additional headroom, but it’s a close second to the X6 when it comes to front legroom. Rear passenger space is significantly better in the X5, and the largest difference between the two cars is easily the storage space. With over eight cubic ft of additional space, the X5 is by far the more practical model.
Performance / Engines
Next up we’ll compare the performance of the X5 and X6. As we saw in the previous section these cars aren’t focused on practicality, but how do they compare on power and fuel efficiency?
BMW X5
| Power (BHP) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 (s) | MPG (Highway / Urban) | |
| BMW X5 40i | 335 | 331 | 5.3 | 25 / 21 |
| BMW X5 45e | 389 | 331 | 5.3 | 25 / 21 |
| BMW X5 M50i | 523 | 553 | 4.1 | 22 / 16 |
| BMW X5 M | 600 | 553 | 3.8 | 18 / 13 |
The BMW X5 comes in four engine variants – three are internal combustion, with a hybrid 45e model in the current lineup. The entry-level model, the X5 40i comes with a 3-liter engine, and brings a respectable 335 bhp, with a pretty impressive 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds. For a car weighing almost 5,000 lbs, the entry-level X5 is a serious performer.
If you’re after the ‘best of both worlds,’ then the X5 45e almost achieves that. With the same 3-liter engine, this time boosted by a small electric motor, you get the choice of driving on fully electric mode or the hybrid system. There are downsides – the fully electric mode only lasts around 25 miles, and the extra weight of the hybrid system means performance doesn’t improve. Still, you can get up to 50 mpg combined here.
If you want your X5 with plenty of power, you’re spoilt for choice here. First up is the ‘M lite’ model, the X5 M50i. There’s nothing light about the power here though, with a 4.4 liter V8 engine producing 523 bhp and 553 lb-ft of torque. All that power gets you to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds flat, which is incredible for a full-size SUV like the X5.
If the 523 bhp in the M50i wasn’t enough for you, the X5 M model will scratch that itch. With increased tuning on the V8 engine, you have access to 600 bhp, pushing the X5 M to 60mph in less than 4 seconds. That’s closing in on supercar pace, and although the mpg takes a massive hit, most owners will probably say it’s worth it.
BMW X6
| Power (BHP) | Torque (lb-ft) | 0-60 (s) | MPG (Highway / Urban) | |
| BMW X6 40i | 335 | 331 | 5.3 | 25 / 21 |
| BMW X6 M50i | 523 | 553 | 4.1 | 22 / 15 |
| BMW X6 M | 600 | 553 | 3.8 | 18 / 13 |
There isn’t a lot to say about the X6 engine choices that we haven’t covered in the section above. Because these cars share a platform, their engine selection is identical, with the only difference being there is no hybrid X6 model.
Apart from that, you have the same choice of entry-level, 335 bhp X6 40i, with the same 0-60 time and the same MPG stats. Performance models of the X6 are also the same as their counterparts, with an ‘M Lite’ X6 M50i, and the full M experience in the X6 M model.
Driving Experience
Both the X5 and X6 are full-size SUVs, weighing almost 5,000 lbs. So how do they hold up if you want to push each car to its limits, and how much fun are they to drive?
We’ll also look at how they cope with off-road driving and, finally, what the X5 and X6 are like as daily drivers.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 was the original ‘sporty’ SUV when it launched in the late 1990s, and with the DNA of BMW behind it, it lived up to expectations when it came to handling. Throughout the generations, this has remained a feature of the X5, and the latest version is no different.
For such a large SUV, the X5 does a fantastic job of making you feel like you’re in the equivalent of a large sedan. The gearbox is responsive, and the adaptive suspension (on the higher-spec models) helps to keep you fixed on the road in tighter corners.
Off-road the X5 isn’t as impressive. The X5 is manageable on some surfaces thanks to the all-wheel-drive, but even with off-road driving modes, the unsuitable tires make the X5 a challenge on difficult surfaces.
Where the X5 truly shines is in daily driving. The air suspension removes any road imperfections, and as long as you keep the wheel size under 21 inches, the X5 provides an incredibly comfortable place to be. The adaptive suspension can feel tough on sportier settings, so keep your car in comfort mode for daily use.
BMW X6
The coupe style and lower stance of the X6 make the difference compared to its larger sibling here. Like the X5, BMW has performed wonders in making this car feel controlled and responsive, especially on winding roads.
Driving mode selections allow you to firm up the suspension and speed of gear changes, so you can squeeze everything out of the X6. Even the base X6 40i model has enough power and control to put a smile on the face of most owners, while the X6 M is an engineering achievement.
Like the X5, the X6 handles off-roading in a limited fashion. You get a selection of settings for various surfaces, but most X6 owners will still go for the larger wheels, making off-road use a challenge. To be honest, I wouldn’t expect any X6 owner to buy this car with a focus on off-roading, and BMW knows this.
Daily driving in the X6 can be both comfortable and challenging. The coupe design makes visibility difficult, so city driving isn’t as smooth as the X5. On the open road, the X6 is just as capable as its sibling, making longer journeys effortless.
Quality / Technology
Both the X5 and X6 are some of the most expensive models in the BMW range, so you’d expect the very best in material quality and technology. Does BMW deliver? We’ve covered each car’s features and optional extras below:
BMW X5
Let’s start with the obvious – the X5 cabin is packed with the highest quality materials. You can choose multiple colors of Sensafin (vegan leather) or Merino Leather seating and a trim selection that includes multiple aluminum and wood finishes. The panoramic moonroof is a box we’d recommend ticking too. Go for the full X5 M version, and you get upgraded bucket seats, a host of interior trim changes, and a choice of exclusive color schemes.
The seats themselves are incredibly comfortable, even on longer journeys, with heated and ventilated seats as standard on the M50i models. With the optional climate comfort pack, you also get a heated armrest and steering wheel to match your seating. If you feel like increasing the comfort factor even more, the X5 comes with optional massage seats for the driver and front passenger, and well worth the price.
As with most BMW models, the tech available here (both standard and optional) is some of the best in the industry. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with various USB-C ports and a variety of real-time data through the iDrive system.
The options are where the X5 truly shines. The heads-up display is a must-have, and for any audiophiles, the upgraded Bowes and Wilkens sound system is a favorite. If you go for the full Executive package, then the Sky Lounge feature is sure to impress, and the upgraded glass controls add some extra ‘prestige’ to the cabin.
BMW X6
Interior styling choices in the X6 are almost identical to the X5, with several color combinations. Material quality is just as strong here, with real metal and wood finishes available and soft-touch plastics everywhere. The cabin layout is slightly different and more driver-focused, which you’d expect in a sport-focused SUV.
Most of the X5 tech options exist here too, and our favorites are still here with the HUD and sound system options. Even the packages are identical, although the X6 does come with the Shadowline pack to add a different exterior trim.
With the coupe styling, one thing you’ll miss out on in the X6 is the panoramic moonroof. That may not matter to most drivers, but it’s a great feature if you have kids or any rear passengers, and helps the X5 feel spacious. Without this option, you do feel constrained in the rear of the X6, and it’s a less enjoyable place to be.
Value For Money
We’ve examined the practicality, performance, and equipment in the X5 and the X6, but any comparison is incomplete without the costs. If you’re looking at owning either of these, what kind of value for money are you getting?
| Starting MSRP | With Full Options | |
| BMW X5 40i | $60,600 | $78,600 |
| BMW X5 45e | $63,700 | $80,675 |
| BMW X5 M50i | $82,800 | $98,430 |
| BMW X5 M | $106,100 | $124,050 |
| BMW X6 40i | $67,350 | $82,550 |
| BMW X6 M50i | $86,250 | $101,230 |
| BMW X6 M | $109,600 | $127,550 |
Comparing the entry-level models, the X5 starts at just over $60,000 for the rear-wheel-drive 40i. With full options and the all-wheel-drive pack, you’re looking at just under $80,000, which is four thousand less than the equivalent X6 model.
Like most manufacturers, BMW price their coupe-style SUVs at a premium, but for our money, we’d stick with a mid-spec X5. For just over $70,000, you can get an X5 40i with all-wheel-drive and some key options included.
At the $80,000-$100,000 range, it’s a difficult choice between the X5 M50i and the X6 M50i. The performance stats are identical, and although the X6 looks the better model (especially with the extended Shadowline trim) we’d still pick the X5 here.
At the very top of the range, $100,000+, the M models for each car both feel slightly overpriced. When you compare them to the M50i versions. Sure, the upgraded interior and unique color/material selections are a welcome addition, but performance wise you get so much from the M50i already, do you need the extra horsepower? Some owners will want that full M badge, but be aware BMW will make you pay for it.
Summary
With two cars so closely matched, it’s been hard to separate them from each other. Below we’ve summarised which car we believe performs best in the categories we’ve reviewed to give you a clearer idea:
- Practicality – The X5 has to take this, on storage space alone
- Performance – Identical performance, so no winner here
- Driving Experience – The X6 handles slightly better, but the X5 is a more comfortable ride
- Interior quality and tech – We’d give this to the X5 simply for the panoramic roof with Skylounge.
Overall, the choice will come down to what SUV style you prefer. For practicality, the X5 will always win with its traditional SUV design, but the X6 styling has become increasingly popular with owners. The great news is that both models come with outstanding amounts of power, so you’ll have a smile on your face whatever model you choose.
If you’d like to find out more about the latest models and features from BMW, check out the articles below:
Comparing The BMW X4 vs The Mercedes Benz GLC Coupe
Which BMW Models Come With Laserlights?
Which BMW Models Have Massage Seats?
The BMW Luxury Seating Package Explained
The BMW Executive Package Explained
