Compare 2017 BMW X5 vs X6 Review

2017 BMW X5 vs X6

Serving Ramsey, Ridgewood, and Mahwah, NJ

The luxury 2017 BMW X5 is a family SUV with great performance features. The upscale living continues in its sibling, the 2017 BMW X6, a more personal vehicle. There are differences in performance options, but you'll find overall the level of comfort and luxury requires no sacrifices, regardless of your choice.

Performance

The two SUVs share the same basic engine. This 3-liter inline six kicks out 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. sDrive 35i editions are rear-wheel drive while xDrive35i editions have all-wheel drive and hill descent control. Eight-speed automatics control the action, but you can take over with the available shift paddles. If you choose x50i editions, you gain a turbo V8. It generates 445 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque.

If you prefer a different engine, the 2017 BMW X5 has two more choices. Its xDrive35d edition is a 3-liter turbo-six diesel that improves fuel economy. This engine kicks out 255 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. of torque. You can drive up to 14 miles on electric propulsion if you choose the BMW X5 xDrive40e. This hybrid SUV combines a four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, a battery pack, and a modified automatic transmission.

Appearance

Even with its sleek exterior, the midsized X5 is all about utility. This popular SUV has been hauling families in style for years. A panoramic sunroof is standard, and BMW even makes a third row available for those with frequent carpool duties. The X6, on the other hand, is really a personal ute. It strikes a coupe-like stance with its sloping roofline.

Shoppers will find that both SUVS have upscale cabins with a long list of luxuries. Leather covers the seats, and soft touches are throughout the interior. Wood trim accents speak to the high quality of these designs. The front seats are 10-way power chairs with power-heat capability. Even the steering column is power adjustable. On the dash, a 10.2-inch screen is easily controlled with a touchpad. The iDrive interface provides navigation, smartphone apps for Bluetooth streaming, HD radio, and a 20GB personal music library. Numerous customizations allow shoppers to create the perfect atmosphere. Among the many options, you'll find a leather-clad dashboard, a four-zone programmable thermostat, power window shades, and a Bang and Olufsen audio system.

Safety

Earning all five stars from the federal crash testers, the 2017 BMW X5 has proven its capability. The SUV also received good scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The private agency awarded a superior rating to the BMW forward collision warning with autobrake. This is strengthened by a pedestrian detection feature. The X6 shares basic characteristics and safety systems with the X5, but it has not been tested separately by safety agencies. All BMWs have automatic brake drying to improve wet-weather stops. BMW Assist and Remote Services provide a conduit for faster emergency response. The rearview camera can be augmented by a top-down camera system. Parking is simplified further by the available parallel parking feature. Speed limit information, lane departures, and other vital warnings are broadcast by a head up display. You can also get a night vision system to detect people in the car's path.

With the X5 and X6 on the menu, shoppers are sure to find a good match at Prestige BMW in Ramsey, NJ. Take a test drive and check out these powerful, value-rich packages.