2020 BMW X5 vs BMW X6
What's the difference?

BMW X5

$34,990 - $114,000

2020 price

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BMW X6

$59,800 - $91,888

2020 price

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Summary

2020 BMW X5

2020 BMW X6

By Justin Hilliard

By Tung Nguyen

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo V8, 4.4L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

12.5L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Aggressive styling
Genuine practicality
Ferocious performance

Bonkers performance
High-end interior
(Somewhat) affordable pricetag

Dislikes

Half-baked exhaust system
Far from fuel-efficient
Substandard warranty

Questionable rear styling
Limited rear-seat headroom
Firm suspension

2020 BMW X5 Summary

Way back in 2009, the X5 was the first SUV to get the go-fast treatment from BMW’s high-performance M division. At the time, it was a crazy thought, but in 2020, it’s easy to see why Munich went down the (then) road less travelled.

Now in its third generation, the X5 M is better than ever, partly thanks to BMW Australia’s insistence on forgoing its ‘regular’ variant for the piping-hot Competition version.

But just exactly how good is the X5 M Competition? We had the unenviable task of putting it to test to find out.

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2020 BMW X6 Summary

The BMW X6 has long been the ugly duckling of the Bavarian brand’s SUV family, often cited as the genesis of the swoopy, coupe crossover trend.

But look back at its 12-year history, and it's clear that the X6 has resonated with buyers around the world with more than 400,000 units produced.

Now in its third-generation form, the X6 has shed the awkward and even sometimes dorky image of its progenitor and evolved into a much more mature and confident model.

Crowing the new line-up, however, is the flagship M Competition grade that shoehorns a sporty V8 petrol engine to match the bulky and brawny exterior.

Is this a recipe for success, or should BMW go back to the drawing board?

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW X5 2020 BMW X6

Verdict

After spending a day with the BMW X5 M Competition, we can’t help but wonder if it’s the ultimate vehicle for families.

On one hand, it nails the practicality brief and is loaded with standard equipment, including the key advanced driver-assist systems. On the other, its performance in a straight line and around corners is otherworldly. Oh, and it looks sporty and feels luxurious, too.

That said, we could absolutely live with the high fuel bill if this was our daily driver, but there’s only one problem: does anyone have a spare $250,000?

Is the new BMW X5 M Competition the ultimate family vehicle? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.

Verdict

SUVs are so hot right now, and BMW’s X6 M Competition is the hottest high-riding coupe you can get until its German rivals bring in their high-powered equivalents.

In a lot of ways, the X6 M Competition is one of the most BMW-iest models available today; it's covered head to toe in luxurious features, its performance puts most sports cars to shame and it oozes a don’t-care-what-you-think swagger.

What more could you want from a modern BMW? Maybe high safety standards and a practical interior space? The X6 M Competition has those too.

Sure, you could go for the slightly cheaper and more conventionally styled X5 M Competition, but if you are spending more than $200,000 on a performance SUV, don’t you want to stand out from the crowd? And stand out the X6 M Competition certainly does.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel and meals provided.

2020 BMW X5 vs BMW X6 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

2020 BMW X5 vs BMW X6
What's the difference?