[PunsGalore]

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Hello all,

I know this is a BMW forum, but I’m looking at getting either a new X5 M or RS6 Avant (SQ7, GLE 63S, E63S Wagon, Taycan Wagon, and Cayenne GTS/Turbo off the table).

They’re both in that $120-150,000 price range, though I’d be leasing - I’m curious what you guys think in terms of driving dynamics, build quality, usability, and reliability between the two. I do really like wagons, but I’m not a fan of the Audis screen layout/controls - I also am worried the X5 M has too stiff of a ride for daily driving, as this would be a daily driver that I’d be trading in my E91 for to go along with my Cayman.

Thanks so much!

[icj_45e]

I have no experience with either, but if I were you I'd be leasing the RS6. That thing is badass. X5M is cool, but not its still just an X5...
M5 touring is coming out sometime in future if you like wagons and don't need a new ride right away. Good luck

[X5MC4ME]

The RS6 is cool but overhyped IMO. Without a doubt you will notice its lower center of gravity. That said although its performance is objectively better I didn’t find it very fun to drive. Also the Audi interior was a bit of a letdown. I think it’s a good car but the hype is driven mostly by its rarity.


X

[PunsGalore]

Originally Posted by icj_45e

I have no experience with either, but if I were you I'd be leasing the RS6. That thing is badass. X5M is cool, but not its still just an X5...
M5 touring is coming out sometime in future if you like wagons and don't need a new ride right away. Good luck

I have no problems with my E91, just looking for something faster. I strongly dislike the new 5 series

[FastMarkA]

The RS6 Avant is a special car with an identity; I'd totally get it.

The X5M is a souped up X5. A very nice and capable souped up X5, but nevertheless...that's what it is.

Interior is subjective; I happen to like Audis, especially with a separate screen that is more dedicated to touch/control.

Reliability between the two is identical.

With these two cars, it's an emotional purchase. It doesn't sound like you are running math to determine what's more prudent, so get the car that's calling your heart!

[LDT]

This is the one time I'd vote for Audi. Many reasons the least of which is it's uniqueness.

[LuckyBrand]

I absolutely love the RS6. Super bad ass in my opinion. If your leasing, RS6 all the way for me. In a couple years you tire of it then turn in your lease and try the X5M.

[PunsGalore]

Thanks guys. I definitely think BMW has Audi/Porsche/Mercedes beat in terms of SUV’s, but I’ve always loved (Audi RS) Wagons - practicality of a SUV, with the driving dynamics of a M5. The RS6 Avant isn’t available for the 24’ model year to do shortages of some sort, so I’ll stick to my E91/Cayman duo for the time being. My wife has a Q7 which has been great, but in another 3 years or so I’m gonna trade it in for a X5 xDrive40i, since the new Q7 is very disappointing!

[chicagofan00]

RS6 Avant for sure. While an X5M isn’t everywhere X5s in general are and the RS6s are a pretty rare sight. I’d prefer the RS6 for that reason alone if I were in your position of choosing between the two. I do prefer the interior of the BMWs over the Audis currently though. Don’t think you’d be going wrong with either choice in the end though.

[psycholander]

Al the comments about X5M is just a suped up X5... the RS6 is also a suped up A6.
In that way they are both doing the same thing

[jayfeinst]

I've had many BMWs and Audis over the years. My favorite Audis were my A4 Allroad and A5 Sportback. I LOVE the RS6- only thing as an FYI is it is pretty low. I could count on replacing my engine compartment undercover(?) every time we had snow as it would get ruined.

[PunsGalore]

Thanks for all the input guys. I’m gathering the majority of people think the RS6 Avant is the better choice?

[evanseric21]

I transitioned from a 2019 RS5 Sportback to the 2024 X6MC. Not the same comparison but similar. The Audi is louder and handles better for obvious reasons. In my opinion, the interiors are equal. However, I'd give the edge in infotainment to BMW. Ultimately, it boils down to whether you prefer sitting low or riding higher. I considered the RSQ8, but lead times were around 14 months, and the LCI refresh for the X6 won me over. Best of luck and you can't go wrong either way.

[Jszlaga]

RS6 all day. I’d have a hard time pulling the trigger on one of those today though knowing the M5 touring wil be out later this year. If you can, I’d wait to compare the RS6 against the M5 touring.

[crabman]

I'm old. Wagons are the uncool cars mothers drove their rugrats around in during the days before minivans. That stigma persists right up to now. I would not get a wagon just because it's a wagon.

Yes, I know the comparative benefits, but I can't get it out of my head, this stigma.

For all that I think a test drive (if you can actually find an RS6 to sample) would probably tell you what you need to know. The X5M always leads with it's hooliganism, never lets up. The RS6 by all accounts has a little more give. I think most people would drive the two and know which way they fall.

[poison]

I'd probably go for the BMW, for the nutjob personality. The tech is also better, if you care, and I prefer the X6M Exhaust note. The RS6 sounds pretty farty; the X6M sounds 'motorsport'.

[BlkGS]

It boils down to if you need or want an SUV or not. The RS6 isn't going to tow a boat or RV or anything. The RS6 isn't going to give you the same upright seating position. The RS6 is likely to have more reliability issues.

The one benefit the RS6 has is that it might have better resale long term, they don't make many wagons and so in the longest term they end up holding value for the small market that wants them. Shorter term however, they lose a TON of value, and since you're leasing that's not really much of a benefit.

Personally a wagon doesn't really work for me, so I would personally go X5MC. If the wagon works for you, the X3MC might work for you too?

[crazyinp]

I am with BlkGS this is the wrong comparison. If you are into wagon you should try comparing the RS6 with E63s or Taycan . I personally loved the RS6 and would have considered it but wouldn't solved my complaining of scrapping the lower bumper all the time (came from F10M5) so I wanted something higher, still fast and with more room to pack.

I would also just wait for M5 wagon, I think that might be good choice and you stay in the BMW family

[PunsGalore]

I appreciate all the input - I can’t get over the new BMW 5 series in any form.. it just looks like a Honda accord. The E63S isn’t being sold new anymore (plus it’s not as good looking/unreliable) and the Taycan would be $50,000 more for the same performance and half the driving range. My biggest concern is: is the ride quality in the X5 M good enough for daily driving, and is the rear seat legroom good for people above 5’5?

I personally prefer the looks/driving aspect of a wagon, in part because the only people I see driving X5’s are soccer moms, and I’ve been driving one for awhile now. I wouldn’t mind driving an X5 M as it really is a different animal

[PunsGalore]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

It boils down to if you need or want an SUV or not. The RS6 isn't going to tow a boat or RV or anything. The RS6 isn't going to give you the same upright seating position. The RS6 is likely to have more reliability issues.

The one benefit the RS6 has is that it might have better resale long term, they don't make many wagons and so in the longest term they end up holding value for the small market that wants them. Shorter term however, they lose a TON of value, and since you're leasing that's not really much of a benefit.

Personally a wagon doesn't really work for me, so I would personally go X5MC. If the wagon works for you, the X3MC might work for you too?

I need more space, otherwise I’d get that!

[jayfeinst]

Originally Posted by crabman

I'm old. Wagons are the uncool cars mothers drove their rugrats around in during the days before minivans. .

I'm old and I'm the opposite. This isn't like the wagons I grew up with(looking at you Taurus, Volvo). I would find a mom hauling her rugrats in an RS6 super hot.

[NGT2]

I just drove an Avant the other day. It’s awesome. And the X5 is still and SUV. I’m not sure you can fairly compare the driving dynamics. Both will be heavy and powerful but the RS6 clearly has a center of gravity advantage.