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HomeComparisonsBMW X5 M vs BMW X6 M
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

BMW X5 M vs BMW X6 M

A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.

Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.

SpecBMWBMW
Price (RRP)$247,800$247,900
Fuel typePetrolPetrol
Battery0.4 kWh
Power460kW460kW
0-100 km/h3.9s3.9s
Fuel Economy12.5 L/100km12.5 L/100km
Boot Space650L580L
Towing2,700kg2,700kg
Warranty5yr / Unlimited5yr / Unlimited
ANCAP SafetyNo dataNo data

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Price Breakdown

The BMW X5 M starts from $247,800 before on-road costs, while the BMW X6 M opens at $247,900. That makes the BMW X5 M the more affordable entry point by $100.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $272,580 and $272,690 respectively.

Safety Rundown

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X5 M features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X6 M gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

Drivetrain

The BMW X5 M uses a Petrol producing 460kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.

The BMW X6 M responds with a Petrol making 460kW and 750Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X5 M measures 4,948mm long on a 2,972mm wheelbase, matching the BMW X6 M at 4,948mm (2,972mm wheelbase).

Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 M and 580L in the BMW X6 M, giving the BMW X5 M a 70L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X6 M leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 2,700kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

12.7m to 12.7m

TightestBMW X5 M CompetitionTightest turn at 12.7m, easiest U-turns and carparks
BMW X5 M Competition
12.7mTighter
Best
BMW X6 M Competition
12.7m
Best
BMW X5 M Competition
12.7m · Large

Based on 12.7m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
BMW X6 M Competition
12.7m · Large

Based on 12.7m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestBMW X5 MTightest turn at 12.7m, needs the least road to swing around
BMW X5 MTightest12.7 m
Large△ 3-point
BMW X6 M12.7 m
Large△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep

Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.

True Cost to Own

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,563/year for the BMW X5 M and $3,563/year for the BMW X6 M.

Estimated annual total: $3,563 (BMW X5 M) vs $3,563 (BMW X6 M). Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5 M) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X6 M). Both match on warranty length.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the BMW X5 M if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the BMW X6 M if: You or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The BMW X5 M takes 2 of 2 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 M has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M?

The BMW X5 M is the cheapest at $247,800 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X6 M by $100.

Which is the most fuel-efficient?

The BMW X5 M uses the least fuel at 12.5L/100km on the combined cycle.

What are the ANCAP safety ratings?

None of BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M carry a published ANCAP rating yet — check back as they are tested.

Which has the most boot space?

The BMW X5 M has the largest boot at 650L.

Which can tow the most?

The BMW X5 M has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,700kg.

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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.

Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026

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