BMW X5 Vs X6: SAV Or SAC? - Motorborne

BMW classifies their SUVs either as Sports Activity Vehicles ® (SAVs) or Sports Activity Coupes ®. SAVs represent more traditional SUVs, whereas SACs are sportier looking SUVs that feature sloping rear rooflines you’d see on a coupe.

The BMW X5 was the best-selling BMW SUV in the US until sales of the X3 surpassed it for the first time back in 2018. The X6 is based off the X5 and is almost identical in performance and features, but trades practicality for a sporty, more athletic design.

In this comparison we’ll be comparing the X5 and X6 to give you a better idea of what the similarities and differences are.

Quick Summary

The X6 is basically a X5 that draws inspiration from a coupe. It features the same engine, transmission and even the interior is clearly borrowed from the X5. Although the sportier design sacrifices practicality and pushes up the sticker price, it appeals to drivers looking for something a bit more exciting than a bog-standard SUV—both in design and driving experience.

X5

X6

Price

For 2021,  the standard X5 is available in 2 trims, the sDrive40i/xDrive40i and hybrid xDrive45e which replaces the previous year’s petrol xDrive50i. These start at $59,400 and $65,400 MSRP respectively.

Gearheads need not miss the outgoing xDrive50i, since the X5 M50i and X5 M deliver monstrous performance if your wallet is deep enough.

Meanwhile, the standard X6 will set you back $65,050 for the rear-wheel drive sDrive40i. If you want BMW’s patented xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive, you’ll need to spend a little extra.

The X6 also comes in performance variants. The M50i starts at $86,250 and the even faster X6 M will cost a whopping $108,600.

Design

The X5 takes on the form of a more traditional luxury crossover with a straight roof. By contrast, the X6 has a sloping rear roofline.

There are also other styling differences on the exterior of the two models. While the front looks very similar on both crossovers (with BMW’s signature dual-kidney grilles), you can very easily tell them apart by looking at the rear end. The taillights are noticeably slimmer, giving the X6 a more aggressive look.

While appearance is subjective, we definitely think the X6 is the better looking SUV.

Space

Although the X6 has a slicker profile and sportier look overall, it comes at the cost of less cabin space and passenger space in the back row.

Passengers in the back have around 1 extra inch of headroom and legroom sitting in the X5 than they would in the smaller X6.

As for cargo, the X6 has a 26.6 cu.ft. cargo area behind the rear seats. Because of the 40/20/40-split-folding rear seats you can potentially increase your hauling space to 59.7 cubic feet with the seats down. The X5 has a more generous 33.9 cu.ft. cargo hold (72.3 cu.ft. with folded seats).

X5

Therefore, if you frequently have passengers in the back or carry a lot of cargo, the X5 is the clear winner.

Engine Performance and Fuel Economy

The xDrive40i trim of the X5 and X6 both have the same 3.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine. This is matched with a 8-speed STEPTRONIC Automatic transmission that has Sport and Manual shift modes.

Producing 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, the X5 and X6 can go from 0-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. Both are electronically limited to 130 mph, but the X5 can potentially hit 150 mph while the lighter X6 can hit 155 mph.

The X5 and X6 have a gas mileage of 20/26 mpg (city/highway), for a combined fuel efficiency of 22 mpg.

Driving Experience

Although the X5 and X6 share the same engine, differences in their body and suspension make for a slightly different driving experience.

The X6 has a lower center of gravity and sport-tuned suspension. This makes it more grounded and a better handler around sharper corners. It also features Dynamic Performance Control which helps it feel like a sporty coupe and an off-road crossover depending on the terrain.

By contrast the X5 is better at tackling rougher terrains thanks to its higher ground clearance and more absorbent suspension. It is also already set up with a trailer tow, although the X6 is definitely capable of towing trailers itself.

Interior

Everything inside is virtually identical, save for the sport-seats on the X6. Both can be fitted with dual 12.3 inch infotainment/instrument screens.

X5

X6

Technology

For 2021, both models get the latest technology, including the likes of lane-departure warning, pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring and  automatic emergency braking. Optional extras include adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

BMW M Versions

Both the X5 and X6 have M Performance and full M versions.

The BMW X5 M50i and X6 M50i are part of the M Performance series, BMW’s in-house performance division.

There are also the BMW X5 M and X6 M, which are considered ‘full-blown’ M models. These are produced by BMW AG’s subsidiary, BMW M, and offer unmatched acceleration, speed and handling.

Conclusion

The BMW X5 and X6 are both similarly priced and feature the same 3.0 liter V6. Although they share a lot in common, there are fundamental differences that each appeals to a different kind of driver.

Being lower to the ground and with a sport-tuned suspension, the X6 will give the driver a coupe-like driving experience. It also has a sportier design, and for many buyers its attractive and more distinguished profile will be the deciding factor.

The BMW X5 is the more practical choice, with more cargo space and cabin room for passengers in the back. It is also better suited for off-roading and towing trailers.

Related: Audi Q7 vs BMW X5, Audi Q7 vs Q8

Comparison Table

2021 BMW X5	2021 BMW X6
Trim	sDrive40ixDrive40ixDrive45e Plug-In HybridM50i	sDrive40ixDrive40iM50i
Price	$59400	$65050
Performance
Engine	3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas	3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas
Horsepower	335 hp @ 5500 rpm	335 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm	330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain	Rear-Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive
Handling
Steering Type	Rack-Pinion	Rack-Pinion
Rear Suspension	Multi-Link	Multi-Link
Rear Wheel Size	P265/50HR19	P275/45HR20
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone	Double Wishbone
Front Wheel Size	P265/50HR19	P275/45HR20
Turning Diameter (ft.)	41.3	-
Fuel Economy
MPG/MPGe - Hwy	26	26
MPG/MPGe - City	21	21
MPG/MPGe - Combined	23	23
Gas Tank Size (gallons)	21.9	22.4
Cruising Range - Hwy (miles)	569.4	582.4
Size and Weight
Height (in.)	68.7	66.3
Length (in.)	194.3	194.8
Weight (lbs)	4828	4687
Max Width (in.)	78.9	78.9
Wheelbase (in.)	117.1	117.1
Interior Dimensions
Seating Capacity	5	5
Front Seat Leg Room (in.)	39.8	-
Front Seat Head Room (in.)	40.8	-
Front Seat Shoulder Room (in.)	60.0	-
Rear Seat Leg room (in.)	37.4	-
Rear Seat Head Room (in.)	38.7	-
Rear Seat Shoulder Room (in.)	58.1	-
Infotainment Features
HD Radio	Standard	Standard
MP3 Player	Standard	Standard
WiFi Hotspot	Optional	Optional
Satellite Radio	Standard	Standard
Bluetooth Connection	Standard	Standard
Entertainment System	Not Available	Not Available
Premium Sound System	Optional	Optional
Auxiliary Audio Input	Standard	Standard
Smart Device Integration	Standard	Standard
Hard Disk Drive Media Storage	Standard	Standard
Interior Trim
Cloth Seats	Standard	Standard
Vinyl Seats	Standard	Standard
Leather Seats	Standard	Standard
Premium Synthetic Seats	Standard	Standard
Bucket Seats	Not Available	Optional
Sun/Moonroof	Standard	Standard
Leather Steering Wheel	Standard	Standard
Woodgrain Interior Trim	Not Available	Not Available
Comfort Features
A/C	Standard	Standard
Rear A/C	Standard	Optional
Telematics	Standard	Standard
Seat Memory	Standard	Standard
Seat-Massage	Optional	Optional
Keyless Entry	Standard	Standard
Keyless Start	Standard	Standard
Cruise Control	Standard	Standard
Multi-Zone A/C	Standard	Standard
Power Liftgate	Standard	Standard
Climate Control	Standard	Standard
Head-Up Display	Optional	Optional
Power Mirror(s)	Standard	Standard
Automatic Parking	Optional	Optional
Navigation System	Standard	Standard
Power Driver Seat	Standard	Standard
Cooled Rear Seat(s)	Not Available	Not Available
Hands-Free Liftgate	Not Available	Not Available
Heated Rear Seat(s)	Optional	Optional
Remote Engine Start	Optional	Optional
Cooled Front Seat(s)	Optional	Optional
Heated Front Seat(s)	Standard	Standard
Power Passenger Seat	Standard	Standard
Remote Trunk Release	Standard	Standard
Heated Steering Wheel	Optional	Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control	Optional	Optional
Navigation from Telematics	Not Available	Not Available
Universal Garage Door Opener	Standard	Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls	Standard	Standard
Safety Features
ABS	Standard	Standard
Brake Assist	Standard	Standard
Night Vision	Not Available	Not Available
Rear Parking Aid	Standard	Standard
Traction Control	Standard	Standard
Stability Control	Standard	Standard
Blind Spot Monitor	Standard	Standard
Cross-Traffic Alert	Standard	Not Available
Lane Keeping Assist	Optional	Optional
Tire Pressure Monitor	Standard	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard	Standard
Airbags
Knee Air Bag	Standard	Not Available
Driver Air Bag	Standard	Standard
Seatbelt Air Bag	Not Available	Not Available
Passenger Air Bag	Standard	Standard
Rear Head Air Bag	Standard	Standard
Rear Side Air Bag	Not Available	Not Available
Front Head Air Bag	Standard	Standard
Front Side Air Bag	Standard	Standard
Warranty
Basic	4 Years / 50,000 Miles	4 Years / 50,000 Miles
Corrosion	12 Years / Unlimited Miles	12 Years / Unlimited Miles
Drivetrain	4 Years / 50,000 Miles	4 Years / 50,000 Miles
Maintenance	3 Years / 36,000 Miles	3 Years / 36,000 Miles
Roadside Assistance	4 Years / Unlimited Miles	4 Years / Unlimited Miles