BMW X5 M vs Volkswagen Tayron

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 Volkswagen Tayron gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X5 M stands out with head-up display, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen Tayron. The Volkswagen Tayron counters with ambient lighting. 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 Volkswagen Tayron offers cloth. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X5 M and 3-zone in the Volkswagen Tayron.

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 Volkswagen Tayron responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels.

The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 110kW. 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, 156mm longer than the Volkswagen Tayron at 4,792mm (2,790mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X5 M generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 M and 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron, giving the BMW X5 M a 305L advantage. The Volkswagen Tayron seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the BMW X5 M leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 900kg 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 Volkswagen Tayron's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 12.1 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 Volkswagen Tayron about $2,166 a year (7.6 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,397 a year less for the Volkswagen Tayron.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X5 M) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volkswagen Tayron).

Where each one leads

The BMW X5 M: more power (460kW against 110kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (650L against 345L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 1,800kg).

The Volkswagen Tayron: the lower starting price ($48,290 against $247,800) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,166 a year against $3,563).

The Verdict

Volkswagen Tayron scores higher, 73 vs 59

The Volkswagen Tayron scores 73 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 53 points), fuel economy (Volkswagen Tayron ahead by 44 points), value (Volkswagen Tayron ahead by 42 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Volkswagen Tayron costs about $1,397 less (7.6 L/100km against 12.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 650L in the BMW X5 M, 345L in the Volkswagen Tayron.

Common questions