X5M or X6M?

[T Dot]

Hi, I have been thinking about getting rid of my Cayenne for a while and have been considering buying a slightly used X5M from the US. I've been reading through many of these forums for some time & find them very insightful! I must also say, many of you have sick rides!!

Does anyone have an opinion on the X5M vs the X6M? I realize I am in an X5 forum & the inherent bias in here. At the end of the day, I think the practicality of the X5M would win the day in our house. Read - my wife said the X6 isn't practical for us b/c we have a new little baby & a big German Shepherd.

I've driven the X5 3.0, 5.0 & X5M and not surprisingly the X5M I found to be leaps and bounds the best & most fun to drive. While the 2011 X5 5.0 has more horsepower & quicker acceleration than my Cayenne, I find the Porsche to be a more exciting SUV to drive with more of a 'sports car' feel.

I've never driven any X6s, but given what I've read, it seems like they may be a completely different driving experience than an X5? Even when comparing the X6M to the X5M?

Thoughts?

Thx!

[kennyt]

If you are looking for a used X6M then you only get 2 seats in the back due to the console in the middle. The new X6M will have 3 seats in the back. For practicality I would say the X5M. I have a baby on the way and the X5M is perfect for me. Personally, I don't like getting in and out of the back seat on the X6M due the slope down roof.

[Trevor46]

Wonder why a Porsche 'Cayenne' owner registers on a BMW forum ?

[gilbertfg]

Originally Posted by Trevor46

Wonder why a Porsche 'Cayenne' owner registers on a BMW forum ?

Probably works for Porsche and trying to find out how many people dis/likes the C-Anne lol.... Just kidding....

[pmeloche]

I'm biased toward the X5 so I say go with the X5M.

[vitaman]

Love the X6M look. Was totally sold on it until I sat down. The rear view visibility is just not good. I admire folks who can choose form over function, but I went X5M.

[dave70]

I had an X6 50i. It has torque vectoring which the X5 does not have. As such, it handles really well in the curves, more carlike. I echo the above comments, the rearward visiblitiy is terrible and the problem is compounded because the rear end is so big. It really makes backing up and changing lanes a challenge. I also found getting in and out that I would bump my head due to the slope of the roofline, especially the rear seat doors.

[Barbja]

I'm only 5'4" and *I* even hit my head getting into an X6. However, I'm still used to launching myself into an X5, so I'll probably get used to it. I hit my head getting into a 3-series too and people buy loads of them, don't they?

If I had a baby, I wouldn't get a used X6 since you can't put a child seat in the center. If you aren't restricting yourself to used ones, you can get a 3-seat back seat in the 2012 X6. Although you could then put the car seat in the center, its still kind of problematic because the rear doors don't swing out as far on the X6 as they do on the X5 (what's up with that??). I would think that this nit would make securing a little one in the back seat a pain in the rear. Another advantage of the X5 over the X6 is the split gate. Having that drop-down gate to do 'kid stuff' (changing a diaper, shoes, clothes, whatever) is very helpful. I think I'll miss not having that on the X6 (How will my groceries not fall out of the car?!)

My son was 0-2 in a Volvo sedan, then 2-9 in an E53, then 9-10 in an E70d. Switching to an X6 now (today I think!). My main reason for switching is that my E70 just drives too danged 'big'. Although its not THAT much bigger than an E53, it sure drives like it is. Spent too much money to not love my car. Hopefully I'll love my new X6 .

[ZuerstBMW]

X5M

[lndblr]

Depends on whether you need the extra room in the back of the X5M. If not i'd go with the X6M.

[richard in NC]

I chose the X5 50i over the X6 50i because if going for an SAV for cargo capacity, the X6 defeats the purpose. Plus the rear visibility sucks on the X6. I felt claustrophobic sitting in one.

[DARE U]

Hard to compared as X6 is more toward Sportive style and X5 is more toward Family style. Best advice, go for a test drive and ask the dealer to arrange to let you test it for few days! Then..all question solved!

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by DARE U

Hard to compared as X6 is more toward Sportive style and X5 is more toward Family style. Best advice, go for a test drive and ask the dealer to arrange to let you test it for few days! Then..all question solved!

I've owned em both and couldn't agree more...X6 50i and now an X5 35d.

I LOVE the appearance of the X6, but felt clastrophobic after owning one for a while...TT V8 was sure fun though!

[ynikkie]

x5 is definitely better. some features in the latest models are just now worth it.

[northern2020]

X5 M all the way....

You can put more girls in the back seat

[TimZ]

I personally went with the x5m because it looks better than the x6m, this is just my opinion. The x6 is great but i just dont like the rear fender portion by the wheels, looks so plain and I find it weird. I just got my x5m on Friday and so far it is just amazinggggggg to drive. I'm sure the x6m is equally fun to drive

[Bob MG]

X6M handles better than 5M

Looks are far more aggressive also IMO

5M has mom written all over it. 6 is more of a boys car, or so my wife says

[needspeed]

Originally Posted by Bob MG

X6M handles better than 5M

Looks are far more aggressive also IMO

5M has mom written all over it. 6 is more of a boys car, or so my wife says

I am man enough to drive my X5M and wear a pink shirt at the same time.

And if I feel that my male ego is threatened, I just drive my F430 for a while and I feel much better .......Steve

[Bob MG]

Originally Posted by needspeed

I am man enough to drive my X5M and wear a pink shirt at the same time.

And if I feel that my male ego is threatened, I just drive my F430 for a while and I feel much better .......Steve

Lol

No offence but a F430 is also girls car. Now if it were a stradale or a Scuderia I can understand the X5M as a need to get back in touch with your feminine side


I had a 360 CS and a cayenne turbo as my DD and I still put a techart kit on it with 22" wheels

Then I had a GT2 with a Cayenne Turbo S, also slammed to death

The mommy boot on an SUV is too soft and un necessary unless of course you are filling the back with an under 10 soccer team or dogs (labradors)

Otherwise the X6M is more if a sports utility coupe and if you don't have a stripped out weekend racer then it's ideal as a DD

I also have a RR sport supercharged 5,0ltr which my wife drives so two mom cars would be too much

But hey I am a bit crazy so take no notice. I also wear pink shirts btw.

[STIto335]

Originally Posted by Bob MG

X6M handles better than 5M

Says who? you?

Even though the X5M is 40 lbs heavier (not much in a 5300 lb car) it has a better statistical weight distribution.

You'll never notice the difference between the two on the track much less on the street.

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by STIto335

Says who? you?

Even though the X5M is 40 lbs heavier (not much in a 5300 lb car) it has a better statistical weight distribution.

You'll never notice the difference between the two on the track much less on the street.

I'll ask the experts on Tuesday. Going to the BMW PC. If you recall, they took an X6M to One Lap. It did quite well against real sports cars.

[STIto335]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

I'll ask the experts on Tuesday. Going to the BMW PC. If you recall, they took an X6M to One Lap. It did quite well against real sports cars.

if anyone tells you they handle differently ask them if they were blindfolded would they be able to tell the difference?