From X5 to X6...regrets???

[Nittany95]

Hi guys,

I am new to this forum. Been a lurker at Bimmerfest for years, looks like there is more activity here regarding the X series BMW.

I currently have a X5 and contemplating getting a new X6. I understand the impracticality of this decision (eg. smaller cargo, less rear passenger room, more expensive, less visibility etc...), but like all who buy the X6, the 3 positives ( looks, performance, and the rarity, uniqueness of the car) may outweigh the negatives for me.

There is always the X5 vs X6 debate. Since I am a current owner of a X5, I was just wondering if there are any X6 owners who previously owned a X5. I am curious if anyone regretted their decision to get an X6?

Thanks!

[asotomi4u]

Definately go for it, had the X5 4.8i, M package traded it in for the X6M loving it. No regrets!

[GJM]

We go away most weekends, and take the X6. Still fit all our gear in. Just a better drivers car than the X5

[Clueless]

I've had a number of X5's and now have an X6....

Positives....handles better than the X5, less body roll and driving position seems more car like.

Negatives.... rear vision is restricted, blind spot bigger and you need to adjust the way you get in so you don't hit your head.

We have both identically spec'd X5 and X6 inc engines, HUD etc at the moment. I enjoy driving my X6 more than the X5 and the difference is notable. We were using the X5 as the 'family car' for general running around and my X6 for my personal use only, but I've found that the X6 is nicer to drive and my son loves the 4 seat configuration (more comfy he reckons).

Cheers

J

[Nittany95]

So close to pulling the trigger. Just a bit anxious because I love my X5, but want something with a little for uniqueness and sportiness.

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by Nittany95

So close to pulling the trigger. Just a bit anxious because I love my X5, but want something with a little for uniqueness and sportiness.

If it makes you feel any better, I've never seen a post here that said "I wish I had gotten the X5"

[lndblr]

I had two X5's over the past 8 years. Other than the reduced visibility and entry into the vehicle, I like the X6 better.

There is still plenty of cargo room. The car looks great, and handles even better.

If you like the sporty look you will be pleased. Its like taking a CLS550 and combining it with an X5.

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by Nittany95

So close to pulling the trigger. Just a bit anxious because I love my X5, but want something with a little for uniqueness and sportiness.

Go for it. The X6 is an amazing machine.

I never owned an X5, but I did own an MDX before I got the X6. Although the MDX might not perform as exactly well as the X5, they are virtually identical when it comes to utility, cargo/passenger space, and size/road presence.

You will get used to the decreased rear visibility of the X6 within a week , so that's not a big deal IMO. You say you like the unique-ness of the X6, and I agree with you on that. Nothing on the road quite like it although some car makers tried to compete, lol.

I have driven my cousin's 2006 X5, and it does handle very well, but I must say the X6's driving dynamics as a whole are on a different level. You can almost feel and hear her begging for more...

All in all, you will NOT regret the X6 upgrade from the X5... unless of course your trunk area is currently spilling out it's contents everytime you open the tailgate. Enjoy!

[MadJay8]

Went from the 4.4 x5 to the x6 50!!! My only draw back is I get a lot more attention than I want. I generally have to keep it in the garage when I'm home. My other problem is I can't stop driving it. Way more fun than my old X5 or my wife's lex 350awd. Initially went to pick up the x6 35 but test drove the 50 no way am I looking back. You don't need the premium sound -- your gonna wanna hear that exhaust!!

[djosephs]

If you want unique and sporty, the X6 fits the bill perfectly. I had two X5s (non-Ms) before my X6M and looking solely at the body style of X5 v. X6, the X6 is so much more of a fun, cool vehicle than the X5. Yes, the X5 is a great vehicle and I loved the ones I had but the X6 is on a different level for me. Now, add in the fact my X6 is an M makes it phenomenal vehicle!

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by MadJay8

Went from the 4.4 x5 to the x6 50!!! My only draw back is I get a lot more attention than I want. I generally have to keep it in the garage when I'm home. My other problem is I can't stop driving it. Way more fun than my old X5 or my wife's lex 350awd. Initially went to pick up the x6 35 but test drove the 50 no way am I looking back. You don't need the premium sound -- your gonna wanna hear that exhaust!!

Hey MadJay8, I see you are in Rosedale... you mean Queens? I am in Jamaica Queens so we might be neighbors. I agree, the 50i is NICE.... but when I ordered my 35i three years ago, when 93 octane was over $4.50 and prices were still going up, I couldn't justify myself to spent the extra coin on horses that won't get to run free because of traffic on roads like the LIE, Belt, Van Wyck... you know what I mean, lol.

OP, all in all, whether you get the 35i or the 50i, you will enjoy driving that thing without a doubt. Now if you got the ///M in your sights, well lets just say you will be the envy of YOUR neighbors until they go car shopping again!

[Speedlogix]

I have a 2011 X5 35i and have the same questions about the X6. I've been in love with the X6 since it came out but got the X5 for the practicality as I have a little one (now 2 years old) and I wanted the 35i as I have several other 500+ hp vehicles already and wanted a "mom-mobile". But, that X6 is still calling my name.

[Love_My_X6]

Originally Posted by Speedlogix

I have a 2011 X5 35i and have the same questions about the X6. I've been in love with the X6 since it came out but got the X5 for the practicality as I have a little one (now 2 years old) and I wanted the 35i as I have several other 500+ hp vehicles already and wanted a "mom-mobile". But, that X6 is still calling my name.

I don't agree that the X6 IS all that "less practical." I will finally be able to tell you from firsthand experience when I get mine!

I have had several 4x4/all wheel drive vehicles. Even the Jeep Wrangler..but have yet to actually "off-road" so the fact that the X6 does not do off-road is of no consequence. The fact that it does not have vertical storage height is also silly. How often do you pack your X5 to the roof anyway??? Limitied rear visiblily out of the back glass is just a caution point: Get the rear camera. I couldn't see all that much out of the back glass of my Buick Enclave.

By the way...IMO, the only "impractical" feature is where they put the rear entertainment...which is the same on the X5 anyway.

[Nittany95]

So I finally pulled the trigger!

My X6 is going to have Alpine White, Black Nevada, Prem, Cold, Comfort seats, Running boards, 3rd seat, and BMW Apps. I wanted the HUD, but couldn't justify it with my budget. They estimate a June production with July delivery. Now it's the hardest part....the wait.

Thanks everyone for their input/opinions (and a special shout out to: Love My X6)!

[Love_My_X6]

Originally Posted by Nittany95

So I finally pulled the trigger!

My X6 is going to have Alpine White, Black Nevada, Prem, Cold, Comfort seats, Running boards, 3rd seat, and BMW Apps. I wanted the HUD, but couldn't justify it with my budget. They estimate a June production with July delivery. Now it's the hardest part....the wait.

Thanks everyone for their input/opinions (and a special shout out to: Love My X6)!

Congrats! See you on the beltway!

[macd1995]

Originally Posted by Love_My_X6

Congrats! See you on the beltway!

It should be easy to add BMW Apps later if you want it right?

[doug_999]

Originally Posted by macd1995

It should be easy to add BMW Apps later if you want it right?

Knowing BMW, it would be next to impossible.

[Love_My_X6]

Originally Posted by doug_999

Knowing BMW, it would be next to impossible.

I was told by the dealer that they can add the BMW Apps afterward.

"BMW apps, it can be done for sure, we can install just about every option at a cost. Orignially it costs $250, but after the fact it will be several thousand. It allows you to use facebook, twitter, etc. from within the vehicle if you have an iphone."

[Legitimate]

I say think of the X6 as the coupe of the X5... with four doors. It's like a fat 3 Series. With the E90 Sedan and the E92 coupe, you have the exact same interior but the exterior might look better to some people. If you don't have a family and don't need to haul around a couple large objects, then the X6 is just fine for you. If you need slightly more utility and are cheap like me, get the X5.

Either way, you're pretty much getting the same car from the same plant lol. Don't let the others fool you that the X6 is a completely new and better experience.

[macd1995]

Originally Posted by Love_My_X6

I was told by the dealer that they can add the BMW Apps afterward.

"BMW apps, it can be done for sure, we can install just about every option at a cost. Orignially it costs $250, but after the fact it will be several thousand. It allows you to use facebook, twitter, etc. from within the vehicle if you have an iphone."

Unbelievable.. really? I have an Android--- so I was a bit indifferent. My understanding is that your phone has to fit in the adaptor. I swap out my phones frequently, so I thought it would not work if it doesn't. Anyone with the 12 or 13 model that has an Android phone and BMW apps?

Just read this thread

I am going to try to add it in now.

[shodanusmc]

Get the BMW PPK for added fun.