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.

I agree that the XF is a little smaller than the 5-series, but not by enough to make it factor. I am surprised that was your wife's reason. The XF was a very sweet handling car, particularly with the CATS suspension system.

I owned a Z4 MCoupe up until last year, now THAT had a rear visibility issue, although It didn't stop me enjoying owning it. The X6 is nothing like the Z4M Coupe, I was driving it today and had no problems seeing behind. Then when I arrived back at the staging area and needed to reverse it between other cars and it was fine. That was without a rear-camera.

I have another one being delivered tomorrow, so I will see how it feels in day-to-day use.

Huh? Do you work in a BMW dealership? Or are you buying two X6s?:yikes:

While I will post more detailed ride review after more miles, initial impressions are below. Had to say I had great trepidation when signing the check-really was worried about this choice for some reason. It felt risky for some reason-maybe it was reading the mixed reviews or just the dollars involved.

The fifty mile ride home soothed me immensely. The rear visibility wasn't a big deal- a little extra caution and a second look was all that was needed. (no backing yet) Ride was surprisingly smooth-even more so than I remembered from the test drives. Even with the 20's, my immediate thought was how firm my 335 coupe rides in comparison. I have been resisting giving up the coupe but the X6 was good enough to make me start giving it consideration.

Back to the OP's question, I would not worry about the ride being a deciding factor between the X5 and X6. The X6 is definitely more car like to me, say 10-20% depending on ones personal preferences. However, they are both so competent in this regard, I would look to other criteria for my decision points.

Ah, thanks amh!

Actually, I've decided that it's gonna be the X5. I've visited the dealership yesterday, and checked out the X6 in detail. The deal-breaker for me was the rear seats... They were less comfortable than the rear seats of X5-being smaller in width and the back support being more perpendicular. Most of all, the rear seats felt claustrophobic. Maybe it's not that big a deal for drivers without a family, but X6 clearly was a coupe inspired vehicle.

Besides, X5 is already a fantastic driving machine and I'm sure most people won't be able to fully utilize the driving dynamics of the vehicle.

I'm sure X6 fills the niche for young unmarried drivers with money to spend.

You nailed it :thumbup:

I own an auto publication (Drivers Republic), so the car is being loaned to me by BMW's Press fleet, but I had already bought one for myself, which I am collecting next week. :thumbup:

P.s. here's a phone pic I took this evening of the X6 next to the more traditional style of a Range Rover Sport.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...X6/X6Loan4.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...X6/X6Loan5.jpg

Range rover looks very dated next to the X6....and I have always been a fan of the RR look/presence

"Range rover looks very dated next to the X6....and I have always been a fan of the RR look/presence"

There is a facelift RR Sport coming 09/10. It is taking some of its styling form the LRX Concept which should help its now aging profile.

Hey Donegal....how's the weather over there? I'm going to be in Ireland next week (Dublin only, not Donegal) followed by pitstops in Finland and Germany.
All for work but I'm hoping to squeeze in time for a few pints of Arthur's finest in Dublin. :thumbup:

...sorry for the hijack

That's EXACTLY what I was gonna say. Range Rover DOES look dated. And it looks like it's something from the early 90's. Amazing how simply parking side by side brings out the agedness in Range Rover.

BTW, great picture quality for a cell phone. I wouldn't have noticed had you not told me.

Back of the X6 is much higher than I thought for some reason.

Hi Boston

I hope the “Black Stuff” will be as good as the weather has been here for the last couple of weeks. It’s kind of surprising for it to be as nice as it is at this time of year. Enjoy your travels here and further a field.;)

Kind Regards
ekelly