BMW X5 vs BMW X6
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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$137,600RRP
- with the BMW X6's standard kit: $137,600 (nothing to add)
$149,900RRP
- with the BMW X5's standard kit: $149,900 (nothing to add)
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the BMW X5 & BMW X6
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
Price Breakdown
The BMW X5 starts from $137,600 before on-road costs, while the BMW X6 opens at $149,900. That makes the BMW X5 the more affordable entry point by $12,300.
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 $151,360 and $164,890 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
BMW X5
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006539 · published 17 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2023
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- 8 more on the model page.
BMW X6
- REC-006553 · published 4 Mar 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2010 - 2022
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-005906 · published 5 Mar 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, signal interference may occur within the electronics of the brake system.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- 6 more on the model page.
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 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the BMW X6 gets a 14.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The BMW X5 uses a Diesel producing 219kW and 670Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The BMW X6 responds with a Diesel making 219kW and 670Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X6 is 1.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW X5 measures 4,935mm long on a 2,975mm wheelbase, 25mm shorter than the BMW X6 at 4,960mm (2,975mm wheelbase).
Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 and 580L in the BMW X6, giving the BMW X5 a 70L advantage.
For towing, the BMW X6 leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 3,500kg. 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
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 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.
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 $2,223/year for the BMW X5 and $2,195/year for the BMW X6. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the BMW X6.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X5) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW X6). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW X5 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 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
BMW X5: Top CarSorted Score, 68 vs 67
The BMW X5 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (68 vs 67), taking 2 of 3 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: practicality (BMW X5 ahead by 5), performance (BMW X6 ahead by 5), value (BMW X5 ahead by 4). The BMW X6 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW X5 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 and BMW X6?
The BMW X5 is the cheapest at $137,600 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW X6 by $12,300.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW X6 uses the least fuel at 7.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW X5 and BMW X6 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW X5 has the largest boot at 650L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW X5 has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Stay across the market
Get our weekly new-car rundown of launches, price moves, deals and reviews, straight from the data.
- Weekly new-car rundown
- Price cuts and new deals
- New launches and reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
