Are the Ms closer in feel to each other than the non-M versions?

[Pex5]

I have an 09' X5 4.8 sport w/20s. Its a good car, but the X6 5.0 is another car altogether. The X6 5.0's low end turbo torque along with the torque vectoring rear diff provides a another level of performance. It makes the X6 feel very light and endows it with car-like handling. I have a 550 sport and the X6 5.0 drives much more like my car than our X5 does.

I've test driven the X6M and was very impressed. Mostly because it rides as nice, if not a bit better than the X6 5.0. M suspension gurus know how to increase grip without decreasing comfort.

So here's my question. Both the X5M and X6M have the trick electronic rear diff. Both have the same engine, and both weight about the same. Does the X5M now handle like the X6M?

DRP

[HIRISC]

Short answer - yes.

[WAY]

X5M and X6M are identical mechanically...

[Pex5]

The driving position is inches higher and more upright in the X5 as is the rake of the windshield. The X6 has a lower center of gravity. Anyone who has ridden bikes can tell your position on the machine really impacts the feel of operating the vehicle.

I'll take out the X5M and get an idea. Only way I can get one for the wife is if someone takes our lease over. I'm not holding my breath.

DRP

[B-Line]

I was told by a salesman that drove both that the X6M beats the X5M in handling..
However, having driven the X5M on a near 1000 mile journey on every type of turn you can think of and at high speeds, I'm not so sure.

But lets just say for a second that the X6M is a tad bit better in handling, I can promise you, the X5M's greatest limitation in handling is the skill of the driver, not the car itself.

[HIRISC]

Originally Posted by B-Line

I was told by a salesman that drove both that the X6M beats the X5M in handling..
However, having driven the X5M on a near 1000 mile journey on every type of turn you can think of and at high speeds, I'm not so sure.

But lets just say for a second that the X6M is a tad bit better in handling, I can promise you, the X5M's greatest limitation in handling is the skill of the driver, not the car itself.

I agree with the 'human-limit'.

I drove the X6M @ relatively normal speeds and detected no difference in handling.

If you want to sit lower, adjust the seat

[Rez]

Originally Posted by HIRISC

I agree with the 'human-limit'.

I drove the X6M @ relatively normal speeds and detected no difference in handling.

If you want to sit lower, adjust the seat

[Pex5]

Originally Posted by HIRISC

If you want to sit lower, adjust the seat

Cute. Seat adjustment won't impact the issue I raised at all. Its ergonomics. BMW spent time and effort to make the X6 feel like a coupe. The position of the dashboard, center console etc. The driver is reclined in an X6 much like in a 7, 5 or 3 series regardless of your seat adjustment. Likewise, the X5 is SUV command seating regardless of your seat position. The cars have two different souls and attitudes.

I'd take the X5M over the 6 because I like the look of the proper SUV, whereas I'd take the X6 5.0 over an X5 4.8 because it drives so much better.

-

[WAY]

Going by this forum, I am assuming that X5M is outselling the X6M? Everyone seems to be buying the 5M (me included!).

[HIRISC]

Originally Posted by Pex5

Cute. Seat adjustment won't impact the issue I raised at all. Its ergonomics. BMW spent time and effort to make the X6 feel like a coupe. The position of the dashboard, center console etc. The driver is reclined in an X6 much like in a 7, 5 or 3 series regardless of your seat adjustment. Likewise, the X5 is SUV command seating regardless of your seat position. The cars have two different souls and attitudes.

I'd take the X5M over the 6 because I like the look of the proper SUV, whereas I'd take the X6 5.0 over an X5 4.8 because it drives so much better.

-

I was just goofing around.

You asked about driving dynamics - I answered that. From my perspective - owning an X5///M and driving the X6///M for an afternoon - they are certainly very close.

You've changed gears (metaphorically) into ergonomics and seating position. Do you sit slightly lower (and in a slightly more coupe-like manner) in the X6///M? I guess so, but it matters not as it pertains to your original question:

So here's my question. Both the X5M and X6M have the trick electronic rear diff. Both have the same engine, and both weight about the same. Does the X5M now handle like the X6M?

If someone were basing their buying decision on their perception of the X6///M outpacing/handling the X5///M, they'd be making a mistake, IMO.

Have you driven the X5///M?

At the end of the day, they are different vehicles, aimed at (slightly) different market segments.

Coupe-market buyers are gravitating toward the X6///M I'd imagine because the inside is slightly more coupe like, the stance is more familiar, they weren't necessarily coming from the most utility and/or they just dig the look.

I'm a former E53 owner. I have other cars that fulfill my 'coupe/sport car' need and I appreciate the 5th seating spot and the (much) larger trunk in the X5. Plus I happen to think it looks great.

The good news is, you can't lose: two amazing ways to blow the doors off your ML63 or CTTS neighbor