Do the X5M and the X6M drive the same?

[ASV731]

My father recently lost his vehicles in the flooding here in SC and has been looking to replace them pretty soon. A few months ago we had driven an X6 35i and an X5 50i and there was a noticeably stiffer, less "rattle-y" feel to the X6. Last week we test drove an X6M and the entire time my dad was grinning ear to ear, however, he believes he would be able to utilize the utility of the X5M better. None of the dealers in our area have an X5M and my dad is hesitant to place an order without driving the exact model he plans on buying. Do the X6M and X5M feel the same in terms of driving character, smoothness and stiffness overall? Is there any immediately noticeable difference between driving the two? I realize that they share nearly all of their mechanical components with each other, so this question may seem ridiculous.

[JNoSol]

Here are the specs difference:
X6M - 5,185lbs / 66.5 tall / 78.3 wide
X5M - 5,260lbs / 69.1 tall / 75.0 wide

Can an average person tell the difference in handling? NO.

Here's what it boils down to, styling preference and practicality. The X6M lines are one of those hate or love it look, just like the Porsche Panamera. The X5M styling is more conservative and there isn't one person I ran into that doesn't agree that the X5M is beautiful. As for practicality, the X5M wins.

Not sure if other X5M owners are like me, but I haul 2-3 road bikes with the seats folded down. I hauled a dozen bags of mulch the other weekend. I hauled a new large screen TV, no problem. Hauled a Japanese Maple? Why not. That's the whole point of me trading in my M3 for an X5M, practicality w/o performance sacrifice.

Baron BMW KC has an X5M just line mine allocated, give Eric the sales manager a call.

[shivaswrath]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

Here are the specs difference:
X6M - 5,185lbs / 66.5 tall / 78.3 wide
X5M - 5,260lbs / 69.1 tall / 75.0 wide

Can an average person tell the difference in handling? NO.

Here's what it boils down to, styling preference and practicality. The X6M lines are one of those hate or love it look, just like the Porsche Panamera. The X5M styling is more conservative and there isn't one person I ran into that doesn't agree that the X5M is beautiful. As for practicality, the X5M wins.

Not sure if other X5M owners are like me, but I haul 2-3 road bikes with the seats folded down. I hauled a dozen bags of mulch the other weekend. I hauled a new large screen TV, no problem. Hauled a Japanese Maple? Why not. That's the whole point of me trading in my M3 for an X5M, practicality w/o performance sacrifice.

Baron BMW KC has an X5M just line mine allocated, give Eric the sales manager a call.

Exactly why I'm thinking an SUV might be better than a sedan...that and room for kids (these f'in convertible seats are so LARGE!)

[NERVOUS]

Originally Posted by shivaswrath

Exactly why I'm thinking an SUV might be better than a sedan...that and room for kids (these f'in convertible seats are so LARGE!)

Laugh, I picked up my F85 this weekend... The 1st thing I did when I got home from the dealership was install 2 car seats.

To the original poster, I've test driven both vehicles (X5M and X6M). Honestly, I couldn't tell the difference in terms of driving dynamics and/or performance. If I remember correctly, there was slightly less visibility in the X6M. But that's really the only thing that comes to mind.

[tastelid]

Trying to see out the back of the x6m was a challenge.

Also, props to the guys letting kids inside these things. I would fear immediate destruction.

[m3_08]

would be x6M more 'stable' because it's lower and wider than x5M ?
and harder to park in the garage because again, it's wider?

[Ash777]

Nothing ridiculous about the question!

X6M has a more controversial look and receives mixed attention. X5M receives neutral attention.

As for physical differences, inside the visibility is a lot more restricted when looking out the back. I found the blind spot is a lot bigger as well with the X6M. I think the Motor trend channel test said something about the pillars as well, further restricting vision?

I highly recommend you check out the X5M before ordering for peace of mind.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by m3_08

would be x6M more 'stable' because it's lower and wider than x5M ?
and harder to park in the garage because again, it's wider?

Just get the one you like the best, styling wise. Unless you're as good as the Stig, you will not be able to tell the difference with 3-4% difference in height/width. X6M is 2.7" wider, but parking shouldn't be an issues unless your garage can barely fit your 3 series today.

Both X5M and X6M are as fast as an E92 M3 around the ring (8m5s). Just to put it in comparison, the Cayenne Turbo S is slower (8m34s). Acura NSX-R, Ferrari 360 Modena, and Lambo Diablo SV all finsihed at 8m9s.

But let's face it, only a few X5M/X6M owners will actually track. You'll see them more on the quarter mile strip than anything.

I love tracking, but the tire cost of tracking these big cars will burn a hole through my wallet. Just buy an X5M or X6M, then have spare cash for a track ready E46 M3 on a trailer to tow around. At least that's my plan.

[AwesomeM3]

Originally Posted by tastelid

Also, props to the guys letting kids inside these things. I would fear immediate destruction.

LOL, my Rottweiler rides in the back seat of my X5M every day!

[tastelid]

Originally Posted by AwesomeM3

LOL, my Rottweiler rides in the back seat of my X5M every day!

Do you at least put a towel or blanket down?!

[AwesomeM3]

Originally Posted by tastelid

Do you at least put a towel or blanket down?!

Absolutely! I have a fitted seat cover for the rear bench seat to protect the leather, works great!

[tastelid]

Originally Posted by AwesomeM3

Absolutely! I have a fitted seat cover for the rear bench seat to protect the leather, works great!

Nice! Got a link to that seat cover?

[AwesomeM3]

Originally Posted by tastelid

Nice! Got a link to that seat cover?

I think this was the one I got. Very cheap, but holds up well. The red goes well with my Mugello Red interior.

http://www.amazon.com/FH-FB050012-Co...KR3ZF7KCT5TW0F