The recently facelifted BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition are nearly identical twins, making the decision between them a matter of personal preference and individual requirements. During an official BMW event in Athens, Greece, we had the opportunity to check out these two performance-focused SUVs side by side, which allowed us to form our own opinions in this spirited sibling rivalry.
The coupe-fied SUV segment has proven to be quite popular with buyers from all around the world even if it stirs controversy among traditional automotive enthusiasts. While I don’t consider myself to be among the haters of the high-riding models with sloping rooflines, in this particular battle my vote goes to the traditional SUV (or SAV according to BMW). And if you want to know why, here are the five reasons I find the X5 M a better buy than the X6 M after checking out both at the same time.
1. More Stylish From The Back
Looks are subjective but in my eyes, the upright tail of the X5 M looks better than the X6 M. Among the factors for this conclusion is the small distance between the LED taillights of the X6M and its bulkier tail – despite the sexier roofline and coupe-style rear windshield which admittedly make it more attractive from the front 3/4 view.
Other changes between the two SUVs besides the rear section and the greenhouse include the more angular rear wheel arches of the X6 M, and the different side gills which I really don’t mind. The aggressive face with the extended black trim and the new arrow-shaped LED graphics is shared between the two, as with the quad tailpipes and the 21-inch wheels.
2. Rear Headroom
In my opinion, the biggest drawback of the X6 is its limited headroom compared to the X5. As a person standing at 6ft tall, I can comfortably fit in the rear seat of the coupe-SUV. However, during longer trips, the additional rear headroom in the X5 can make a noticeable difference in terms of comfort.
According to the official measurements, the difference is 16 mm (0.6 inches) in favor of the X5 but it feels more than that in real life. Note that the overall height difference between the two models is 67 mm (2.6 inches), with the more traditional X5 measuring 1,762 mm (69.4 inches) tall. The airy feeling is accentuated by the larger side windows and the longer glass roof of the X5 which reaches further back than in the X6, shedding more light inside the cabin.
Interestingly, the X6 has an advantage over its sibling in terms of interior width for rear passengers. With a measurement of 1,542 mm (60.7 inches), it provides an additional 17 mm (0.7 inches) of elbow and shoulder room, making it more spacious in that aspect.
3. Larger Boot
Another important factor to consider for SUV buyers is the shape and size of the cargo area. In this aspect, the X5 M takes the lead with its larger capacity. It offers between 650-1,870 liters (30-66 cubic feet) of space at the back, while the X6 M provides 580-1,540 liters (20.5-54 cubic feet). The X5 M has an advantage of an additional 70 liters (2.5 cubic feet) in the standard 5-seater configuration. Furthermore, the X5 M’s dual opening tailgate provides a flat loading area, giving it an edge over the X6 M making it feel more like a sedan in comparison.
4. Same Performance
This is not so much of an advantage for the X5 M but the fact that the two models offer nearly identical performance figures limits the arguments in favor of the X6 M.
Both models are fitted with a mild-hybrid twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 617 hp (460 kW / 625 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic with the help of the M xDrive AWD system and the Active M Differential at the back. Performance-related goodies include the M Compound Brakes, the Adaptive M Suspension, and the M Sport exhaust which sounds great even in idle.
The extra bodywork of the BMW X5 M means it weighs 2,400 kg (5,291 pounds) which is 30 kg (66.1 pounds) more than the X6M. However, the official specification sheets suggest that this small difference in mass doesn’t have a noticeable effect on performance.
5. (Slightly) Cheaper
In the U.S., the BMW X5 M Competition starts at $122,300, while the X6 M Competition is priced higher, starting at $127,200. Although the $5,000 difference may not be significant for buyers in this segment, it does provide the opportunity to invest in additional features or options, such as a more luxurious upholstery or various optional packages and accessories. A similar scenario can be observed in Germany, where the X5 M starts from €162,000 ($175,519) and the X6 M from €165,400 ($179,165), resulting in a price difference of €3,400 ($3,682).
Therefore, considering all the factors mentioned above, the X5 M emerges as my preferred choice over the X6 M. However, I am genuinely curious to hear from those who hold the opposite preference and their reasons behind it. To help you make up your mind, I created a brief montage with footage I shot from these closely-related BMW M models.
