BMW is one of the most well-known carmakers in the world, and the BMW X5 is one of the most popular vehicles in its arsenal. One of its lesser-known vehicles, the BMW X6, has many similarities to the X5, but the X6 sees far fewer sales every month than the X5. Learn more about the BMW X5, BMW X6, and how the X5 consistently outsells the X6 by high margins below. 

An overview of the BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was deemed, “one of the best vehicles we’ve ever tested,” by Consumer Reports, which is probably one of the highest compliments a vehicle could be awarded. What makes this midsize luxury SUV so special?

For starters, this vehicle is absolutely gorgeous inside and out. Its exterior design is enough to turn heads and catch the eye, especially in the stunning Phytonic Blue Metallic color available. The BMW X5 offers a luxuriously quiet interior that is made with high-quality materials, and it boasts an incredible array of standard infotainment features.

Each X5 comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, navigation, HD Radio, a 10-speaker stereo, and so much more. 

Performance-wise, the X5 has strong engine options and provides a smooth and pleasant ride. The base engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder capable of producing 335 hp, may not pack enough of a punch to get the adrenaline flowing, but the higher performance engines just might due to their ability to produce up to 523 and 600 hp. Those engines do cost significantly more, but they may be worth the upgrade for some prospective owners. 

The only major complaint people tend to have about the 2021 BMW X5 is its price. It starts at $59,400, though the top trim, the BMW X5 M, starts at $105,100. 

An overview of the BMW X6

The BMW X6 is much less popular than the BMW X5, and many people have never even heard of it. The X6 is also a midsize luxury SUV, though it provides significantly less cargo room than most other vehicles in its class. 

The BMW X6 is also quite gorgeous, thanks to the aggressive and angular headlights, trademark BMW front grille, and the modern taillight design. The inside is also quiet and peaceful, and the seats are incredibly comfortable thanks to the beautiful leather seats and striking metallic accents.

According to U.S. News, the infotainment features of the X6 are very similar to the X5, though the X5 actually has a few more items that come standard, such as HD radio, voice recognition, and navigation. 

Performance-wise, the X6 is also quite similar to its X5 counterpart, as its standard turbocharged six-cylinder engine can produce the same amount of horsepower, 335 hp, as the base X5 engine. This vehicle also provides a silky-smooth ride, and it handles responsively.

The BMW X6 starts at $65,050, but the X6 M trim starts at a hefty $108,600. 

Vastly different sales figures

According to GoodCarBadCar, the BMW X6 sells far fewer units than the BMW X5. In most months, the BMW X6 is sold anywhere from 200 to 700 times for a total of a few thousand units throughout the year.

In contrast, GoodCarBadCar‘s data shows that a couple of thousand X5s are sold each month, totaling between 27,000 and 55,000 units sold per year. The X5 actually sometimes sells more units in one month than the X6 does in an entire year. 

There isn’t much wrong with either vehicle, and the X6 is a fine choice for a midsize luxury SUV. It’s entirely possible, however, that far more X5s are sold because it’s simply a much better bang for one’s buck. Why spend an extra several thousand dollars on a vehicle with less cargo space, similar performance, and fewer tech features?

This coupe style of SUV just isn’t in demand as it’s simply not as practical as a regular SUV. Even still, some people prefer the look and feel of the X6, and car buying always comes down to personal preference.