If you're in the market for a large, premium SUV from BMW, you might find yourself choosing between the X5 and the X6. While they share the same underpinnings, engines, and technology, they cater to different tastes.
The X5 is the traditional, practical luxury SUV, offering a spacious cabin and a classic profile. The X6, on the other hand, trades some of that practicality for a more striking, coupe-like roofline that stands out on the road. So, which of these Bavarian heavyweights is the right choice for you?
BMW X5 vs BMW X6
Practicality
BMW X5 practicality score: 5/5
BMW X6 practicality score: 4/5
The X5 takes the lead here, which is no surprise given its traditional SUV shape. It offers excellent passenger space, with plenty of headroom and legroom in the front and second rows. You can even specify an optional third row of seats on non-hybrid versions, turning it into a seven-seater. Boot capacity is strong at 650 litres, expanding to 1,870 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The X6, with its sloping coupe roofline, is naturally more compromised. However, it remains a practical car for most needs. The boot still offers a sizable 580 litres of space, and the interior layout is largely identical to the X5 from the front seats forward. If you don't need maximum load-lugging capacity or a third row of seats, the X6 is more than capable of handling daily family duties.
Driving Impressions
BMW X5 driving score: 5/5
BMW X6 driving score: 5/5
Both of these SUVs are enjoyable to drive, masking their size and weight with taut suspension and predictable handling. The X5 feels car-like, offering a sure-footed and refined experience that makes it a solid long-distance cruiser. Standard air suspension on many models does a great job of smoothing out rough roads.
The X6 shares this capable driving dynamic, with standard four-wheel drive and a range of punchy engines. Whether you opt for a smooth diesel or a powerful petrol, both cars deliver strong performance. The X6 leans slightly more into its sporty brief, but in reality, both the X5 and X6 offer an impressive blend of comfort and sharp handling that few large SUVs can match.
Technology and Equipment
BMW X5 technology and equipment score: 5/5
BMW X6 technology and equipment score: 4/5
BMW is known for its high-quality interiors and excellent infotainment, and both cars deliver on this front. The X5 comes generously equipped from the base xLine trim, featuring a curved digital dashboard with a 14.9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch driver display. Heated seats, adaptive LED headlights, and wireless phone charging are all standard.
The X6 is similarly well-appointed, starting from the Sport trim level. It includes leather upholstery, powered front seats, and the same intuitive iDrive system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While both cars offer a wealth of optional extras that can quickly inflate the price, the X5 edges ahead slightly in our ratings for its overall packaging and standard tech offerings across its broader range.
Running Costs
BMW X5 running costs score: 3/5
BMW X6 running costs score: 3/5
Neither of these premium SUVs will be cheap to run, but there are ways to keep costs manageable. For the X5, the standout option is the plug-in hybrid xDrive50e, which offers an electric-only range of up to 64 miles and low CO2 emissions, making it an appealing choice for company car drivers. The diesel options in both cars, such as the xDrive30d, also provide respectable fuel economy for long motorway trips.
The X6 lacks the plug-in hybrid option of its sibling, meaning you are reliant on traditional petrol and diesel engines. The entry-level diesel will return around 40mpg, but if you opt for the larger alloy wheels or the high-performance M models, fuel bills will rise significantly. Both cars sit in high insurance groups, and depreciation will be a noticeable factor, especially on top-spec versions.
CarGurus Buyer Insights
|
BMW X5 |
BMW X6 |
| CarGurus expert rating |
5 out of 5 |
4 out of 5 |
| CarGurus user rating |
4.3 out of 5 |
4.0 out of 5 |
| Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus* |
33.1% |
34.8% |
| Overall CarGurus rating |
4.5 out of 5 |
4.2 out of 5 |
The Verdict
BMW X5 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.5/5
BMW X6 Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2/5
Choosing between the BMW X5 and the BMW X6 often comes down to personal style preferences. Both offer a luxurious interior, fantastic driving dynamics, and a strong lineup of engines.
However, the BMW X5 is the winner in this comparison. It secures a higher Overall CarGurus rating thanks to its superior practicality, the availability of a brilliant plug-in hybrid powertrain, and a slightly more generous equipment package. It simply offers a more rounded and versatile experience for daily life.
The BMW X6 remains a solid choice if you prefer its bold, coupe-like styling and are willing to accept a slightly smaller boot and less rear headroom. But for most buyers looking for a premium large SUV, the X5 is the more complete and logical package.
BMW X5 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Far more enjoyable to drive than most large SUVs |
Not as capable off road as a Land Rover Discovery |
| Brilliant plug-in hybrid version |
Petrols in particular are expensive to run |
| Staggering performance of X5 M |
Not everyone will take to the styling |
BMW X6 Pros and Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| Undeniable road presence |
Divisive looks will put off some buyers |
| Drives remarkably well for such a heavy car |
The X5 is more roomy and less compromised |
| Still practical, despite SUV coupe body style |
High price and running costs of the quickest versions |
*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.
Read Our Full Reviews:
