More or less comfortable than X5???
 

I'm choosing between X5 and X6, both equipped with Adaptive Drive.

Which one's more comfortable in terms of their ride quality (provided that they use same size wheels)?

When I read reviews on X6, I get the impression that X6 tends to be less comfortable than X5. Is this true?

I didn't think the X6 was less comfortable at all. Thought they were comparable given the same size tires. I had ordered an X5 with 19" and then cancelled it in favor of the x6 with 20's. The sportiness and handling were the key advantages in my mind. I had much more fun and less body roll on the back roads with the X6 and didn't notice a ride penalty.

Great choice to have so you cannot go wrong. If you are worried about the ride though, the X5 with 18"s is the safest way to go but would look terrible on the X6. The 19"s are the sweet spot on the X5.

I was testing out the X6 today at the Millbrook handling circuit and even though the X6 had adaptive ride (which I set to Sport) plus 20" wheels, I thought it rode every bit as well as the Jaguar XF that I drove along the same course. There was a 'nuggety' quality to the ride, which made it feel sporty, but it travelled over road imperfections with less impact on ridge quality than the Jag.

The X6 I drove also had Active Steering, which worked very well on the X6. I've driven it on other BMW's but didn't like it, whereas it seems to suit the X6. I have ordered my own car 'without' active steering, so I will be able to let you know how they compare when I pick my car up next week.

I did not like the blind spots in the X6 I drove. Otherwise, it was pretty similar to the X5 from what I could gather.

I much prefer the all around view afforded by the X5, FWIW.

Good luck,
D

Thanks guys.

Yeah, X5 must have much airier feel to it since it's got big wide windows all around, which helps with visibility for the driver and the passengers.

The only reason I'm considering X6 is the powerful engine and DPC system.

X6 drives and handles more car like as compared to X5.

But is the difference actually substantial enough to justify the sacrifice that has to be made? (Utility, cargo, seating, practicality, etc)

That's the question I've been trying to answer... and it's gonna be a family vehicle, so the decision is tougher still.

If X5 had the powertrain and DPC from X6, I wouldn't even consider X6.

Depends on what you prefer. If you prefer driving experience more, than X6 is better as compared to current X5. If you want practical car than X5 is better, than again definition of practical also differs. ;) BMW will always keep X6 as better driving experience than X5.

Agree with Lemans. (Picking up AW/saddle X6 this afternoon)

The biggest hurdle for me to overcome was the visibility issue. However since this is a for fun "travel wagon" and we have other vehicles, I decided to go for the sportier and better handling X.

If I am wrong, there is always "swapalease". Used it to get out of my 2002 7 series after 4 months because I hated that car.

Steved,

Did you find the Jag to be small? I loved the ride but my wife picked the 535 because the XF was so small in the rear seat.