X5 vs X6, different enough to have both?

[chrisny]

So, as I come within a year of my 335 lease ending, naturally (for those of us that are this insane) I have already started shopping for my next car, in my head and online at least. As I have been driving my wife's F15 more than my 335, but won't be next year, I am considering an X6. Now, I have always preferred having something smaller and more nimble to go along with an SUV in the garage, as I like having the variety to keep my interest in both cars.

So... I will obviously test drive an X6, both old and new models, but test drives only tell you so much. So, I thought I would put the question out there for anyone that has actually owned both, preferably at the same time. Are they different enough that you still enjoy switching back and forth? Or does it make the X5 just feel just barely taller and not as fun. The latter being my fear, that it'll feel basically the same, but not as well handling etc.

Thanks for any insights.

[NoPII]

Having owned both (a 35i and two 50i X6s, and an X5M) my feel is that:

- They feel similar enough that there's not enough of a difference to own both. The seating position feels more sporty in the X6, and the cabin feels more airy in the X5, but that's pretty much all that's in it. Oh, and you can fit more stuff in the X5's trunk ;p
- The X5 doesn't *quite* handle as well (even in X5M form, IMHO) as the X6, which just makes you want to drive the X6

Admittedly I didn't own both at once, but I've switched back and forth in fairly quick succession. I traded my 50i X6 and a 335is convertible for the X5M (SUV-ish and sporty fun for an all-in-one I thought) and regretted it. I love the X6.... trading my current 50i X6 (a 2014) for a 2015 X6M as soon as the thing is actually built... ;p

[r33_RGSport]

@chrisny, I was thinking of doing that. But since my wife is going to drive it, then I moved back to the 5 series for her.
I would think the feel and quality on the ride should be the same. They are both sharing the same chassis and suspension system.
Also most of the interior part.
I am now start thinking and browsing for my next car already since the X5 is going to be 1.5 years old soon.

[Barbja]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

I would think the feel and quality on the ride should be the same. They are both sharing the same chassis and suspension system.
Also most of the interior part.

From forward-facing interor POV, they're almost exactly the same.

However, even though they are on the same platform and close to the same dimensions and weight, the feeling that you get from driving the X6s is significantly different than the newer platform X5s. I've owned the E53 and E70 X5s and the E71 and F16 X6s. The X6s just feels like it drives smaller than the X5s somehow (not that it feels like a 'small' car in any way whatsoever; just smaller than an X5). The feeling that I get from my X6s is closer to what I got from my E53 X5 than the E70 or F15 X5s. The E53 was significantly smaller than the newer platform E70 and F15 though.

From a practicality standpoint, the X6 isn't different enough from an X5 to own both. That is unless you were going to get two X5s. Then an X6 and an X5 wouldn't be a bad choice. Although I'd prefer an X5 and an X6M in that situation. Or an X5 35i (or 35d) and an X6 50i.

[r33_RGSport]

@Barbja, true. Maybe.... Next would be the X6.

[opasha]

Chris, what spec is your X5 again? I think like Barbara said, if you spec the X6 more aggressively, it will be worth having. DHP would make a huge difference alone.

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by opasha

Chris, what spec is your X5 again? I think like Barbara said, if you spec the X6 more aggressively, it will be worth having. DHP would make a huge difference alone.

Thanks everyone, pretty much what I expected to hear, just thought I'd ask.

Our F15 is a 35i M sport but lacks what would be must haves if it were for me, DHP, in particular, if not the bigger engine. I would definitely add those on an X6, but my thinking is i would never want to drive the X5 at that point.... I will most likely stick with something more along the lines of a 5 series or A6, maybe the new S4, etc.. Came close to convincing myself to get another S5 or even buying back the one I had, but the back seat is just not practical with car seats, and some prick let my original S5 get flood damage (googled the Vin hoping to find it for sale somewhere, found it had gone through the auction as a salvage that very day!)

I've also toyed with the idea of getting my wife an X1 or X4, maybe a Macan, to be the smaller car, but she loves the X5 so don't think we'll go that route.

[jlstyle]

I think they are too similar to own both. If you have to get another SUV, I'll just get 2 X5 if I were you. I personally don't like X6's lack of utility. Low back roof, high tailgate and such. I think Cayman would go well with X5.

[wwanthony]

I cannot compare the two except for test driving, I struggled with making a decision for quite a while. I have loved the looks of the X6 for years. I have never owned any model of the X series. I finally decided to get the F15 (just got it on Sunday 3/1). The lease on my 550i was ending. I did not notice a big difference in the drive, but I like the extra space.

The Harman Kardon also sounds nice in the larger chamber. If they were priced the same I might still be debating with myself.......

[batmanken]

in terms of driving dynamics, interior design, some angles of exterior, I think it's way too similar to have both. I would go with some other brand and mix it up with the X5. some that come to mind are porsche macan, or a range rover sport? I used to have two honda accords at one point, one was a 4 dr and one was a coupe, both EX V6. the accord coupe was much more fun to drive but at the end of the day it was pretty much a same car with a same engine lol, so I got bored and sold the sedan. but hey, I now love the look of the new X6's, if it came out before the X5, I'll probably be driving the X6 now.

[opasha]

Maybe this scene will help...his and hers...hers and his...yin and yang :

[Barbja]

Originally Posted by chrisny

I've also toyed with the idea of getting my wife an X1 or X4, maybe a Macan, to be the smaller car, but she loves the X5 so don't think we'll go that route.

Oh, those electronics in the Macan paled in comparison to even the E70/E71. Its a blast to drive, but at the end of the day I still want my high-end toys.

[aas5]

X6M with a Macan would look good in your garage but I haven't driven a Macan to tell how it compares to an X5. I think owning both an X5 and an X6 would be dull

[chrisny]

Originally Posted by Barbja

Oh, those electronics in the Macan paled in comparison to even the E70/E71. Its a blast to drive, but at the end of the day I still want my high-end toys.

Good to know, thanks. That's crazy, Porsche being that far behind.