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 X5 vs x6 handling? |
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| 04-24-2015, 07:56 AM | #1 |
| greydout New Member 10Rep 16Posts Drives: 2014 Audi S4 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0) | X5 vs x6 handling? I'm on the fence between the x6 and x5. I definitely prefer the x6 styling but my wife likes the x5 because of additional front and rear visibility, rear headroom and panorama roof. Can anyone speak to performance differences between the two? Anything else I am missing? I have a 3 y/o girl and likely another on the way soon. |
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| 04-24-2015, 09:22 AM | #2 |
Barbja Captain   150Rep 666Posts Drives: 2020 X4 M40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0) | I've had two X5s and two X6s. I greatly prefer the handling of the X6 over the X5. Although its a slightly smaller car, in my opinion it drives like a much smaller car. That handling difference is why I traded in my E70 X5 for an E71 X6 after only 1y of ownership. The F16 X6 is a recent acquisition. 'Handling' when you get to cars this similar is really a qualitative thing, not quantitative so its best to try both for yourself on extended test drives. With regards to fitting your family in there. Almost everyone on this forum will tell you that you should get an X5 because of your family situation. Althouh the X6 has a little less cargo room (yes, for all you naysayers, a little), it has super loads more than a 3 series or a Camry or an Accord or a Passat etc and there are 100s of thousands of families that get along just fine with those cars. The determining factor is probably usability. The back seats sit a little lower in the X6 making it more accessible than an X5, but the doors don't open as wide. My son went from 2-10 in X5s and 10 to 14 in X6s so I can't comment on the car seat-ability of the X6. I'm short and I do know that putting my son into a car seat in the center of my X5 felt like scaling a mountain. I have a friend that traded her X5 for a minivan because she hated the turmoil of putting her son into the car seat so much (she's a tad shorter than me). So X5s (or X6s) may be the panacea for some families on this forum, but they're not for everyone. When I was making the decision between my first X5 and one other car (not an X6 -- they didn't exist way back then), I carted my son and his car seat to the dealer and did a car seat test. I also took along his largest stroller. I suggest that you do the same. That will either confirm or calm your fears. For me, both cars passed the car seat test (the other better than the X5), but the other car super-failed the stroller test. That's how my X5 extravaganza began. I have to say that my first X5 was an E53, not an E70. The cargo space in that car wasn't as copious as the E70 or even either X6. It was not as deep. To me, depth is the important thing, not height. The cargo space under the cargo cover is precisely the same between the E70 and E71 and F15 and F16. Anyone that says it isn't has never owned an X6. Every one of them has less cargo space than a standard size minivan. I forgot one prop for the X5: the split tailgate. It's really convenient for an array of small child-based activities. For instance changing diapers on a road trip or dressing and cleaning up toddlers after a day at the park or hiking. That split tailgate also made it super difficult for me to reach the way back of the cargo area without climbing into the car. It's a pro/con thing. Last edited by Barbja; 04-24-2015 at 09:39 AM.. |
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| 04-24-2015, 10:00 AM | #3 |
1230vani Colonel    719Rep 2,795Posts Drives: G05 40i LCI Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N/A iTrader: (0) | Quote: Originally Posted by greydout  I'm on the fence between the x6 and x5. I definitely prefer the x6 styling but my wife likes the x5 because of additional front and rear visibility, rear headroom and panorama roof. Can anyone speak to performance differences between the two? Anything else I am missing? I have a 3 y/o girl and likely another on the way soon. | I like both cars (X6 a bit more). With regards to handling, X5 with DHP will handle quite well. I had an old X6 and my son up to the age of three was driven in it. My wife sat in the back and it was far from super comfortable, although as she sat in the middle her visibility was quite good (middle centre seat was a bit higher up). The issue was with my son not seeing much outside what is happening as the door level on the X6 is quite high (makes a big difference in particular to small kids). Panorama roof is an awesome option to have (which I MEGA REGRET not having) and the roof in the new X6 is bigger compared to E71. Kids love panorama roof. I now have a newborn as well and can tell you that I would not switch to an X6 again. I really liked the E71 in every way, I thought that I have more than enough space, handled so good I still miss it. Having said that, with younger kids I would go for the X5. As the panorama is standard for the US market I would d e f i n i t e l y add DHP. Little was known about it when I purchased a car and it was as it is now very expensive. I have the M adaptive suspension and the recent purchase of 20"s helped a LOT. The car drives less like a boat (still drives well but compared to the X6, sorry, without DHP it is a bit like a boat). Take the DHP and 20"s and you will be happy, very. My wife experienced the years in the X6 and she was like NO WAY to go the X6 route in the near future. |
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| 04-24-2015, 10:15 AM | #4 |
| Barbja Captain 150Rep 666Posts Drives: 2020 X4 M40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0) | Quote: | Originally Posted by 1230vani As the panorama is standard for the US market I would d e f i n i t e l y add DHP. Little was known about it when I purchased a car and it was as it is now very expensive. I have the M adaptive suspension and the recent purchase of 20"s helped a LOT. The car drives less like a boat (still drives well but compared to the X6, sorry, without DHP it is a bit like a boat). | Oh yes, I don't like the handling of either car without DHP. The E71 had the torque vectoring from DHP standard, but not the anti-roll. You had to get adaptive drive for that. That torque vectoring transforms the car at speed, but anti-roll is like a gift from heaven at all times. When I work on a build, DHP is the first thing checked, then other things are added according to budget. No DHP (or adaptive driive), no X. |
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| 04-24-2015, 10:44 PM | #5 |
bjaumiller Private  16Rep 79Posts Drives: 2016 X6 50i, 2013 335i coupe, Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Orlando, Fl iTrader: (0) | too funny, i just posted a thread wondering about the difference between the various suspension options. let me sum up here, seems like barbja feels DHP (for roll stabilization) is a must have on X5 or X6. whereas 1230vani seems to feel X5 needs DHP and X6 does not correct summary? i'm getting an X6 50i and can't decide if DHP is really worth 4500 bucks. further, if it isn't, is it worth 1500 to get the DDC+rear axle? |
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| 04-25-2015, 04:11 AM | #6 |
Kzang Major General   3254Rep 5,075Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i Msport SG Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0) | Quote: | Originally Posted by bjaumiller i'm getting an X6 50i and can't decide if DHP is really worth 4500 bucks. further, if it isn't, is it worth 1500 to get the DDC+rear axle? | I haven't really researched a X6 so I don't know for sure.. but if you are getting the Msport package on your X6, you might want to consider Adaptive M suspension which is the next best thing from the DHP. On the X5 is only cost additional $900 for this suspension upgrade. |
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| 04-25-2015, 09:20 AM | #7 |
| NoPII Lieutenant 160Rep 518Posts Drives: 2024 XM Label Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Seattle, WA, USA iTrader: (0) Garage List2024 BMW XM Label [0.00] | +1 for Barbja 's "No DHP, No X" sentiment. My current (E71) X6 is the first one I've had without DHP (bought off the lot) and it's dramatically less fun and confidence-inspiring to drive. The X6 does handle SIGNIFICANTLY better (IMHO) than the X5. I traded my last X6 for an X5M figuring that the M variant would handle at least as well - and it didn't. Just a hint more top heaviness. |
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| 04-25-2015, 11:21 AM | #8 |
| bjaumiller Private 16Rep 79Posts Drives: 2016 X6 50i, 2013 335i coupe, Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Orlando, Fl iTrader: (0) | Quote: | Originally Posted by alistairg +1 for Barbja 's "No DHP, No X" sentiment. My current (E71) X6 is the first one I've had without DHP (bought off the lot) and it's dramatically less fun and confidence-inspiring to drive. The X6 does handle SIGNIFICANTLY better (IMHO) than the X5. I traded my last X6 for an X5M figuring that the M variant would handle at least as well - and it didn't. Just a hint more top heaviness. | Interesting, i wouldn't have expected that. I'm planning on getting the x-line. I want a big car this time around and like the look of the X6 better than the X5 (just personal preference of course). I have a 335i m sport now with m suspension, 19s and low profile performance tires and am sick of feeling every little road defect. I want the car to feel nice and stiff and handle well, but this time around the point for me is to have a big comfy car. with that in mind sounds like maybe X6's improved handling stock over X5 might be enough without the DHP. |
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| 04-25-2015, 04:11 PM | #9 |
| greydout New Member 10Rep 16Posts Drives: 2014 Audi S4 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0) | Fantastic information and thanks. The x6 is out. At this point I'm torn between the x5 50i and the Audi SQ5. To me the Sq5 is the better looking of the two, and cheaper. The x5 is obviously bigger,but I'm not sure the extra space is critical. Anyone have experience diving both? This is my specced SQ5 http://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-s...erLLny5fbRAAAA |
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| 04-25-2015, 04:37 PM | #10 |
| 1230vani Colonel 719Rep 2,795Posts Drives: G05 40i LCI Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N/A iTrader: (0) | Quote: | Originally Posted by bjaumiller too funny, i just posted a thread wondering about the difference between the various suspension options. let me sum up here, seems like barbja feels DHP (for roll stabilization) is a must have on X5 or X6. whereas 1230vani seems to feel X5 needs DHP and X6 does not correct summary? i'm getting an X6 50i and can't decide if DHP is really worth 4500 bucks. further, if it isn't, is it worth 1500 to get the DDC+rear axle? | Well previous E71 had torque vectoring (mine did) but no DHP and it handled good enough for me, sure it is even better with DHP (test drove one on the track). New X6 the only way to get torque vectoring is to opt for DHP. So I would if I were you. |
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| 04-25-2015, 08:06 PM | #11 |
HMN Captain  416Rep 704Posts Drives: 2024 X5MC LCI, 2017 F86 X6M Join Date: May 2014 Location: Dubai - U.A.E. iTrader: (0) Garage List2014 BMW X5 [0.00] | I used to have an E71 X6 and to be completely honest the X6 is a better handler in comparison to the previous X5. The same thing I'm guessing applies to the F15 and F16, even though the F15 handles like a saloon (that good) but the F16 would definitely be a better handler due to its form. Family wise however, you guys would be better off with a F15 for the extra space. |
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| 04-25-2015, 10:30 PM | #12 |
| bjaumiller Private 16Rep 79Posts Drives: 2016 X6 50i, 2013 335i coupe, Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Orlando, Fl iTrader: (0) | is DHP and anti roll always on or only at speed, or only if you put it on sport/sport +? what about dynamic damper control? as i understand it, if you have this you have two suspension settings, comfort and sport. is it therefor always more "comfortable" than stock unless placed into sport? |
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| 04-26-2015, 10:49 AM | #13 |
| 1230vani Colonel 719Rep 2,795Posts Drives: G05 40i LCI Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N/A iTrader: (0) | Quote: | Originally Posted by greydout Fantastic information and thanks. The x6 is out. At this point I'm torn between the x5 50i and the Audi SQ5. To me the Sq5 is the better looking of the two, and cheaper. The x5 is obviously bigger,but I'm not sure the extra space is critical. Anyone have experience diving both? This is my specced SQ5 http://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-s...erLLny5fbRAAAA | SQ5 is nice to look at, uncomfortable it is and totally not the Porsche Macan handler. Also new model on the horizon, very soon actually. Small car compared to X5. A normal version is an X3 beater in terms of quality and quietness of diesel engines. Facelift Q5 really reengineered compared to the model at start. I think SQ5 made sense only just when it came out. If the price is a factor, don't get DHP but get M adaptive suspension and bigger staggered 20" wheels. You will be happy with that. |
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| 04-26-2015, 11:05 AM | #14 |
schaeffs Private First Class  44Rep 103Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0) | One point in this - be careful of comparing the E to the F cars across X5/X6 - have just switched from an E70 to an F15 and the new X5 is a SIGNIFICANTLY better handling car. So real comparisons between X5 and X6 can only be made between E70/71 and F15/16. IMO - DHP is great but the M-adaptive suspension is also excellent so don't discount going that route. |
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| 04-26-2015, 03:14 PM | #15 |
| greydout New Member 10Rep 16Posts Drives: 2014 Audi S4 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0) | Quote: | Originally Posted by 1230vani SQ5 is nice to look at, uncomfortable it is and totally not the Porsche Macan handler. Also new model on the horizon, very soon actually. Small car compared to X5. A normal version is an X3 beater in terms of quality and quietness of diesel engines. Facelift Q5 really reengineered compared to the model at start. I think SQ5 made sense only just when it came out. If the price is a factor, don't get DHP but get M adaptive suspension and bigger staggered 20" wheels. You will be happy with that. | Fair point. I'm now interested in test driving the macan S. The turbo just ain't worth that premium to me and the S will handle just as well. Biggest concern is lease rates and cabin space. |
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| 04-26-2015, 04:21 PM | #16 |
| 1230vani Colonel 719Rep 2,795Posts Drives: G05 40i LCI Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N/A iTrader: (0) | Quote: Originally Posted by greydout Quote: | Originally Posted by 1230vani SQ5 is nice to look at, uncomfortable it is and totally not the Porsche Macan handler. Also new model on the horizon, very soon actually. Small car compared to X5. A normal version is an X3 beater in terms of quality and quietness of diesel engines. Facelift Q5 really reengineered compared to the model at start. I think SQ5 made sense only just when it came out. If the price is a factor, don't get DHP but get M adaptive suspension and bigger staggered 20" wheels. You will be happy with that. | Fair point. I'm now interested in test driving the macan S. The turbo just ain't worth that premium to me and the S will handle just as well. Biggest concern is lease rates and cabin space. | You will like it, great car. |
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| 04-27-2015, 12:27 PM | #17 |
| Barbja Captain 150Rep 666Posts Drives: 2020 X4 M40i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0) | Quote: | Originally Posted by bjaumiller is DHP and anti roll always on or only at speed, or only if you put it on sport/sport +? | Anti-roll is part of the DHP. DHP is torque vectoring (DPC) + anti roll. Both aspects of DHP are always on. MSport/DDC is what can be 'customized'. Here are what each controls: MSport helps with movement the sagittal axis (up and down) Anti-roll helps with movement on the transverse axis (lateral/sideways body roll) The torque-vectoring DPC helps keep the car on track Quote: | Originally Posted by bjaumiller What about dynamic damper control? as i understand it, if you have this you have two suspension settings, comfort and sport. is it therefore always more "comfortable" than stock unless placed into sport? | Well, I think comfort is a subjective thing. Comfort mode is more forgiving to road conditions. However in doing so, it is also more "floaty". Comfort and Eco-pro mode make me queasy and therefore are not more comfortable for me. I almost always drive in Sport mode. I take that back, sometimes on between city trips on super-smooth roads I will switch to Eco-pro. However, when my back starts to hurt I have to switch back to Sport. At first I thought the problem was the difference between the comfort seats in the E70/E71 and F16, then I discovered it was the suspension setting in stupid Eco-pro mode. I wish they would let you do suspension settings in all the modes. What in the heck would the suspension setting have to do with saving gas?? So odd. Last edited by Barbja; 04-27-2015 at 12:35 PM.. |
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| 04-28-2015, 09:31 AM | #18 |
| Roundown Colonel 585Rep 2,357Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: New England iTrader: (0) | DHP w/ it's adaptive anti-rolls and torque vectoring make the X5 (or 6) handle like a much smaller car. It's bewilderingly good. |
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