BMW X5 M vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the BMW X5 M a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X5 M features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X5 M stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Subaru Outback. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X5 M gets merino leather upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X5 M and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

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 Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 137kW. 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, 68mm longer than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 M generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 M and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the BMW X5 M a 120L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X5 M leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Outback's turning circle is 1.6 m tighter, 11.1 m against 12.7 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X5 M costs about $3,563 a year (12.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,254 a year less for the Subaru Outback.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X5 M) and 5 years / Unlimited (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (BMW X5 M), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The BMW X5 M: more power (460kW against 137kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (650L against 530L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 2,000kg).

The Subaru Outback: the lower starting price ($48,990 against $247,800) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,309 a year against $3,563).

The Verdict

Subaru Outback scores higher, 76 vs 59

The Subaru Outback scores 76 to the BMW X5 M's 59 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (BMW X5 M ahead by 58 points), value (Subaru Outback ahead by 43 points), fuel economy (Subaru Outback ahead by 40 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Subaru Outback costs about $1,254 less (8.1 L/100km against 12.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 650L in the BMW X5 M, 530L in the Subaru Outback.

Common questions