Head To Head: BMW X5 V X6 - Drive - CarAdvice

BMW X5 xDrive30d

From $92,100 plus on-road and dealer costs. 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo diesel; 180kW/540Nm; 7.4L/100km and 195g/km CO2; 8-sp auto; AWD

Value

Entry-level X5 starts at $92,100 and includes 18-inch alloy wheels, active cruise control, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate, hill-descent control, leather seats and iDrive menu system.

How it drives

Both share the same punchy yet efficient turbo diesel engine but do differ in other areas. Ride is far from plush but more than acceptable. Precise steering and poised handling unmatched by direct rivals.

Inside

Lashings of fine materials are sewn or glued into a well-executed interior design. Plenty of room for the driver and up to four passengers — and an optional third row of seating can turn it into a seven-seater.

Practicality

One of the biggest boots in the luxury-SUV class accessed by a handy split tailgate. Rear seats fold down to create 1720litres of bicycle- or furniture-swallowing cargo space.

Styling

Probably the best-looking luxury SUV on the market, in our view. Mixes perfect proportions with body panels that take on muscular definition. Beware impact of optional bigger wheels on ride quality, though.

Verdict

Far more practical than its ''coupe'' twin, with broader appeal. Still drives brilliantly, too, yet the suspension is easier to live with.

BMW X6 xDrive30d

From $109,900 plus on-road and dealer costs. 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo diesel; 180kW/540Nm; 7.4L/100km and 195g/km CO2; 8-sp auto; AWD

Value

X5-based soft-roader ''coupe'' charges an extra $17,800 but compensates with more features exceeding that cost: sports suspension and torque vectoring system; 19-inch wheels; bi-xenon headlights; full electric sports seats; satnav; multiview cameras; automatic tailgate.

How it drives

Dynamic Performance Control system distributes torque between the rear wheels, giving X6 the edge around corners. Less composed in everyday driving, however, with a thumpy, jiggly ride; suspension struggles to settle at any speed.

Inside

Front half identical to X5, albeit with some trim changes. Sports seats give better comfort and support up front, though sloping roof reduces both rear visibility and rear headroom. Only seats two in rear and optional three-person bench has uncomfortable middle seat.

Practicality

Higher loading lip/boot floor and sloping roof reduce boot space by 120litres (to 500litres). Roof shape also limits size and shape of items that can be stowed compared with X5. Single-piece tailgate.

Styling

First true coupe-like soft-roader — and BMW's most intimidating-looking vehicle — has both its fans and detractors. It's the choice for people who want an SUV that doesn't really look like an SUV.

Verdict

Niche model has the edge dynamically but is spoiled by poor packaging and disappointing ride quality. One of BMW's boldest ideas but certainly not its smartest.